---

I. AS IT REGARDS THE INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTING.

1. There should always be a due proportion observed between an individual's contributions and his means. Appearances are often considered. Precedent and example have a painful influence. Strongly excited feeling is not unfrequently a cause of error and of sin in our benevolent contributions, nor must it be concealed that men are often lured, in the present day, by the fame and splendour of an institution, rather than by its intrinsic merits, to contribute to its funds. There should be a due proportion observed between an individual's contributions and his means; a man's means are to be determined by what he has — what he owes — what he can obtain by exertion — and what he can save by economy.

2. There should be a proportion observed between an individual's contributions and his station.

3. There should also be a proportion between our benevolent contributions and our opportunities of doing good.

II. TO THE OBJECTS OF BENEVOLENT CONTRIBUTION. The souls of men are to be preferred before their bodies; we must do good to them who are of the household of faith. Remarks:

1. See that what you give in the cause of Christian benevolence is from love to Christ, and to the souls of men.

2. Give as much as possible in secret, and this will at once relieve you from the suspicion that you give to be seen of men.

3. Never pride yourself on what you give.

4. Consider what Christ gave for you, and be ashamed that you should give Him so little in return.

(T. Roffies, LL. D.)

---

---

KJV: And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

WEB: Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much.