2350.—Bazaars, Fairs, etc.
In view of God's plan of the tithe, enjoined in Leviticus and Malachi, is there any authority in the Scriptures for bazaars, fairs, etc., for raising money in churches? Is there any connection between these things and the Jewish customs when our Saviour cleansed the temple in Jerusalem?
L. C. C.
The exercise of pure benevolence is not for show, not to get something out of it ourselves, not to plan it so that it will cost us nothing. We will give from a sense of duty, from a sense of the need of the cause for which we give; from the love of God and humanity. All artificial means for benevolent or Christian purposes have a downward tendency always, and eat out the spirit of pure benevolence. The temple of old became a regular market, in which men sought to make gains in the sacrifices and oblations offered to God. In many of the makeshift ways of raising money to-day people hope to give without sacrifice, and to be compensated in pleasure for all they give.