Giving by Editor | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 11, 1858

Giving.

By Editor

[THE following presents a good standard in reference to giving. How many of our readers have ever come up to it? how many will?—Ed.]

“We must close this article by relating an anecdote. Mr. A., one of the ‘Lord’s collectors,’ once applied to Esq. B. for a subscription to a highly meritorious object. After explaining it fully the esquire replied, ‘It is a noble plan; I can give you $100 without feeling it.’ ‘Without feeling it!’ exclaimed Mr. B., ‘I do not wish you to give in that way, for although it may do us good it will not do you any. True benevolence is giving until the giver does feel it, until he practices self-denial. Such giving is acceptable to the Lord.’ The esquire assented, and doubled his subscription. ‘Can you give $200 without inconvenience?’ asked Mr. B. ‘O yes,’ said the esquire, ‘I shan’t feel it at all.’ Mr. B., who cared for the soul of the gentleman more than he did for his money, replied, ‘You have not come up to the mark yet. This giving without feeling it is not the giving that is well-pleasing in the sight of God. Would $500 to such an excellent charity be felt by you?’ ‘Why, no,’ said the other, ‘not at all.’ Mr. B., with a respect and kindness that won upon the heart of the esquire, asked him to name the sum that he would feel, were he to give it. ‘I think’ said he, ‘$1000 would make me feel it; nothing short of it would.’ ‘Well,’ said the collector, ‘that is the right sum then; such giving will be pleasing to the great Proprietor of all. It will do the object I present immense good, and do you a great deal of good, too.’ ‘You shall have it,’ said the esquire, ‘it is the first time I ever gave to a good object and felt the pressure.’—Am. Missionary.