profiteth me nothing."

In other words, a man can't draw on his bank account for
the price of a corner lot in the New Jerusalem. He cannot
acquire so much as a souphouse ticket in that city not
made with hands by dying for the faith in the auto-da-fe.
Almsgiving and charity may have no more affinity than the
philosophy of Plato and the political conversation of a
poll parrot! Had you ever made the acquaintance of that
idea? If not, I advise you to exchange visiting cards with it
before you forget its address. It is not a "Brannism," I beg
to state! it is part of the Pauline theology--is strictly
orthodox. There's not a single heretical sign warning you to
keep off the grass. Almsgiving, and even the martyr's fiery
death, may be animated solely by hope of heavenly reward
or terrestrial fame,--by unadulterated selfishness--may be
regarded as a good investment. Too many people give to
the poor only because it's "lending to the Lord"--and they
expect Standard Oil stock dividends. They drop a plugged
nickel in the slot expecting to pull out a priceless crown of
gold,--they expect the Lord to present them with a full suit
of heavenly raiment in exchange for a cold potato or a pair
of frazzled pantaloons. I want no partnership with a man
who tries to beat the God of the Jews in a trade.

Some of you wealthy men who, like Dives, fare
sumptuously every day, may donate a hundred dollars to
relieve the distress of the people of Starr county. I hope
you will. If given unostentatiously--and not for advertising
purposes or in hope of a heavenly reward--it will constitute