Two Ways of Giving by National Baptist

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, California · Apr 1, 1875

Two Ways of Giving.

By National Baptist

RECENTLY, a man in Worcester, Mass., has died, bequeathing to the city $250,000 for the establishment of a city hospital. The bequest did not involve sacrifice on the part of the giver. The money was designed for this object, when it could no longer be retained in the hands of the owner. The will is contested; an expensive lawsuit will follow; the eyes of the lawyer will stand out with fatness; hard feelings will be engendered; very possibly the testator himself will be abused by both sides, to make him turn in his grave; at last, possibly, many years hence the property, or what is left of it, will go towards the designed object; but more likely the bequest will prove futile and the will be broken. It is always the instinct of a jury to decide for the natural heirs, and against a corporation. Nothing is so easy as to prove the insanity of a man, after he is dead, especially if he has left his property in a manner not expected or desired by his relations.

Within a few days, an honored citizen of Philadelphia, has died. We do not learn that he made any bequests. Indeed, we presume he had nothing to leave. While he was in the enjoyment of life and health he gave to a hospital in West Philadelphia the large lot of land on which the hospital stands, devoted through all the time to the relief of the distressed, of whatever creed, race, or color. The lot has risen in value, and now is worth at least $150,000; perhaps more. He further bound himself to raise $100,000 towards the endowment. This amount he reached and exceeded. He was permitted to see the hospital erected, dedicated, and occupied. He heard the thanks of those whose woes were alleviated. After enjoying a few months of the purest pleasure which the great God permits to man, he departed in peace from within the walls, which speak of his truly Christian enterprise, of his grand design, and of the work completed within his lifetime. Shall we insult the common sense of our readers by asking the question, which of these two ways of giving most commends itself? If we have anything to do for God, for man, let us do it; let us do it now; let us do it to-day. Let us not put off the doing of it till after we

are in our graves. Let us allow ourselves the pleasure of seeing it done, of knowing that it is done, done in the best way, and of seeing its results. Let us sit under the shade of the tree that we ourselves have planted, and let us, if it pleases God, taste of its ripened fruit.

—National Baptist.