The Proportions of Christian Liberality

The Proportions of Christian Liberality - A sermon, preached before a Monthly Association of Congregational Ministers and Churches, held at Trevor Chapel, Brompton, April 8, 1824

The subject proposed for discussion to-day is thus worded on the printed list: The proportions of Christian liberality. I have had some difficulty in determining, whether the inquiry intended to be instituted, regarded disposition or distributionwhether it should relate to our temper of mind towards those who differ from us? or the application of our property to the various claims which are made upon us? If the first be intended, then the question will behow far may we advance in kindliness of heart, and in the exercise of charity, without yielding our convictions, sacrificing principle, and countenancing error? A difficult and delicate point to be settledin which the dangers of concession and of separation seem to balance; where the one may sink into p. 4laxity and indifference, the other lead to intolerance and bigotry.If the last be principally designed, as I apprehend it is, then the inquiry will beas the numerous and multiplying appeals to religion and humanity cannot all be alike answered, how shall we best distinguish their respective merits, and in what proportions should we apply our means, which must be necessarily limited, to their respective claims? The text seems applicable to every possible view of the subject. It unites, what Christian liberality can never separatebenevolence and beneficence: the heart is to guide the hand, and Christian prudence is to superintend the whole. We are to do goodWe are to do good to all menWe are to pay particular regard to someespecially unto them who are of the household of faithWe are to do it as we have opportunityseizing circumstances, seeking occasions, estimating our means.Are not these the proportions of Christian liberality? As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Having thus inspired authority for our guide, we shall, perhaps, best understand the subject, by discussing the terms in which it is expressed, and submitting them to the test of the text and its connexion. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 61923
Author: Collyer, William Bengo'
Release Date: Apr 25, 2020
Format: eBook
Language: English