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True Philanthropy

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 15, 1859

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 15, No. 4.

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True Philanthropy

By J. A. Wilcox

Does not consist merely in being liberal in money matters; for, says the Apostle Paul; "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned and have not charity it profiteth me nothing."
Therefore true philanthropy or love of mankind is something more than giving alms to relieve the poor in destitute circumstances; it embraces also all the other noble and generous principles taught in the Bible by patriarchs, prophets, the Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles.
The christian philanthropist being led by the holy Spirit will have exalted views of the great benevolence and tender compassion that moved the dearly beloved Son of God to leave the glory he had with the Father before the world was, to come down into this dark world of sin and woe to open a plan of salvation broad enough that all (who will believe in him and obey his Father's just and righteous law according to their best ability and the light which God giveth) might be delivered from the sad effects of sin and eternal death and thereby obtain everlasting life in a state of complete happiness. Our great and adorable Redeemer in his life of spotless purity while in this world exemplified the true spirit of philanthropy or charity in his many acts of kindness and benevolence to the sick and afflicted, the disconsolate and oppressed.
In the philanthropy which he possessed the world has had a living illustration of heavenly wisdom as described by the apostle James, chap. iii, 17. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."
His acts of goodness and generosity were all prompted by pure motives, for the sake of doing good, because of righteousness and justice and equality, and not merely to acquire a reputation among men. In his life of self denial and suffering he manifested no partiality in respect to persons, though he showed distinction in relation to the development of moral character.
Whenever an opportunity presented for doing good he graciously improved it by example as well as precept, whether to the high or low, rich or poor—all classes, grades and conditions of men shared alike his bountiful acts of goodness and mercy in relieving their sufferings and also administering kind words of consolation to the sorrow stricken and desponding in heart, according as their various circumstances in life needed, of which he was well qualified to judge. Jesus is our perfect pattern; he set us an example that we should follow in his steps. But alas! for the frailty of human nature! There is danger of selfish motives being mixed up even in the best acts which any of mankind are capable of doing, unless the "carnal mind" is thoroughly subdued by the grace and love of God; for the word testifies "that the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be."
How often have we read accounts of individuals giving large sums of money for the missionary cause or for some other charitable purpose, while perhaps at the same time the widow and the fatherless, the sick and afflicted around them have been left to suffer for the common necessaries of life. Such have been held in high esteem more or less among men and extolled as christian philanthropists.
If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him. James i, 5. The meek will he guide in judgement and the meek will he teach his way. Psalm xxv, 9. Therefore it is not only the duty of all professed christians to be noble and generous hearted, but also to know how to act consistently in the disposal of our Lord's money or "this world's goods" whether we possess little or much.
O for more fervent charity, or the love of God, to dwell in my heart and in the hearts of all the people of God that we may be willing to cheerfully forego all selfish interests for the good of others. "As we have therefore opportunity let us do good unto all men especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Gal. vi, 10. J. A. Wilcox. N. Y. Nov. 26, 1859.