BRO. WHITE: The following endorsement of Systematic Benevolence I cut from the American Messenger some time since. I noticed a mistake recently on the part of some of our brethren; they got up a subscription, putting down sums at random, and called it systematic benevolence. But there is nothing systematic about it. With the light of Scripture, and the plain “testimony to the church” on this subject, I do not think any church can long prosper that does not come up to “the plan.”
J. H. WAGGONER. PRACTICAL WORKINGS OF SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE. Few “signs of the times” are more hopeful than the prompt adoption by Christians of the scriptural principle discussed in the “Premium Essays,” of stated and proportionate benevolence. Once made general, that will furnish to overflowing the means for prosecuting evangelical enterprises on a more adequate scale. We append a few illustrations from our correspondence of the workings of this plan: A gentleman in Baltimore encloses a donation of $20, and writes, “The Prize Essays have instructed, and brought me to adopt a fixed system of beneficence. I set aside, monthly, a definite portion of my income; and as often, adjust my accounts with this fund. One great advantage I derive from this system is this, that I avoid all controversy with my selfishness. Regarding the Lord’s share as not my own, I can dispose of it for benevolent purposes without depending on some eloquent appeal. The only questions are, Is the object a laudable one; and is there any money in the treasury? Then I can act systematically, deliberately, and impartially.” “A friend to the tract cause,” in sending $50, says, “it is one of the results of a system which I adopted when I commenced in life. I was led to resolve that the tenth of all my increase should be the Lord’s. This was fifteen years ago, and I have ever kept it in view through the darkest, as well as the brightest days. As I began with nothing except a cabinet-maker’s trade, my progress was slow; but I found occasion to bless God that he had put it into my heart to make this resolution. About a year and a half since I made it a tenth of my income, and find it a feast to my soul to do something to aid in the benevolent enterprises of the day.” An anonymous friend encloses $15 to the Secretary of the American Tract Society, Boston, toward the support of the 1,000 colporteurs, and proposes to remit the same quarterly. Though in comparatively humble life he resolved, about two years since, to set apart one tenth of his salary and other sources of income to objects of Christian charity; but fearing that he was not doing all he ought, he has increased the amount. A pious female sends $2, as laid by “on the first day of the week,” during a season of protracted sickness.