SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE.
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. WHITE: On the subject of Systematic Benevolence I am sure the Lord is bringing his church into a unity of action. I design to use my influence to move this thing forward. I wish to work understandingly and with the body. But we do not all understand the following sentence in the Good Samaritan, No. 5: "We propose that the friends give a tithe, or tenth of their income, estimating their income at ten per cent on what they possess." Now do you mean that every one estimate his or her income at "ten per cent," and give a tithe of that percentage, whether the real income be more or less than ten per cent? For the income of one man's property would of course be more than that of another. If then this be so, and every one estimate the income of his or her property at ten per cent on what he possess, would there not be inequality? Or do you mean that each one give a tithe of their real income on his or her property? If this be your understanding of the matter, it follows of course (or I suppose so) that the conditions of the property and the circumstances of the person's family, all be considered. A word of explanation on this point would help many minds, I think. Relative to the personal donations weekly, all is easy of comprehension. Your brother in love of the truth, and in hope of eternal life.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Bristol, Vt., March 18, 1861.