love of
God and man, form an individual system of beneficence; and let it be one
you will not blush to review in heaven. Be particularly careful,
therefore, that it be such as will come most strongly in collision with
the selfishness of the heart, and yield the richest revenue to the Lord;
requiring as generous and frequent contributions as circumstances will
allow, agreeably to the Divine injunction: "Every man shall give as he
is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God, which he hath
given thee;" in a word, let it be such as system as you will be willing
to hand in at the judgment-seat, as decisive testimony that you have
loved your neighbor as yourself. And when it is formed, never violate
its rules by giving _less_, except impelled by imperative necessity;
though ever stand ready to deviate from it, when Providence commands, by
giving _more_.

Let benevolence be ever operative, like the sun ever shining. Wait not
for the modest poor, or heedlessly perishing, to ask for aid; but go
forth in search of objects appropriate for philanthropy to relieve, to
enlighten, to cheer. Obey the voice from heaven: "Open thy hand wide
unto thy brother;" "Sow beside all waters;" scattering a little here and
a little there, and thus, to the extent of ability, aid in bringing back
"the state of Eden's bloom," and planting trees of righteousness all
over the world.

Let deeds of charity be consistent one with another, and harmonize
with a general deportment, elevated to the true Gospel standard of
self-consecration; so that they may exert an influence, not only in
relieving the wants of the needy and forlorn, but as examples of
heartfelt beneficence, inciting others to the glorious work. Let Christ,
therefore, be the pattern of all charitable efforts. Let the love that
moved him to endure a life of privation and a death of agony, take full
possession of the soul, prompting to the same unwearied and self-denying
activity in doing good. With a constancy and vigor based on this
life-giving principle, let each one endeavor to make his influence felt
throughout the world; becoming, in his sphere, like one of those fixed
stars that sparkle in the midnight sky--a blazing sun to those that are
near, a gem of sweetest ray to those afar.

Such is the system, and, as we believe, substantially the only universal
system of beneficence, with which God will be well pleased. It grows
out of our relations to him as intellectual a