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is not revealed in the condensed and precise form of a rule. It is contained in the instructions respecting two distinct and specific classes of duty.

First; by express command there is a work given the church. A work whose magnitude requires all the ceremonial law enjoined, until it be accomplished, which is not yet. This is one part of the evidence. The other, and corresponding part is the self-denial every where taught, by precept and example, in the New Testament. And self-denial too, expressly, for the accomplishment of the object set forth in the command. These two classes of inspired teaching, given by the same authority, and in reference to the same object, reveal a duty as clearly, and make it as binding, as though it were published in one condensed law, and written by the finger of God. The letter of the tythe-law became obsolete when the offerings and Levitical priesthood were abolished. The systematic efforts of the christian church may cease,

when the whole world is converted to Christ. Till that period arrives, they will be required.

And, if he that despised Moses' law died without mercy, of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy who deliberately refuses to obey the Gospel of the Son of God? All Scripture is profitable for reproof and instruction. And is not this scripture which God gave to the Israelites important, and valuable to instruct christians in the duty of greater liberality, and more system in their charities. Obsolete, though it may be, in the exact form of the letter, yet the spirit lives ; and should breathe in every form of the christian religion. It reproves us for our long neglect of duty in the work assigned us, by the Savior of the world. The barriers between Jew and Gentile are broken down. All nations seem to be calling on Christendom for the Gospel. And yet, who has given as much to send it over the world, as the Jews were requir

ed to give for the support of their own religious institutions? The call is to save lost men from a miserable life, and a still more miserable eternity. Who, that loves God and loves human happiness, will not respond to it, with a full heart and an open hand? It is required of a steward that he be found faithful; and what are we but the appointed keepers of our Lord's possessions? Alas, we do keep them, as though they were our own; nor part with them, though Christ himself command, with the authority of one who has" All power in heaven and on earth."

CHAPTER X.

THE TYTHE OFFERING;-A DEBT TO GOD;-A TRIBUTE TO DIVINE MERCY.

to say,

sense.

ONE difference between the practical christian, and the imitative professor is, that the former views all duty in the light of obligation; while the other does not. The teachings of the Spirit lead the one I must, in the strongest potential The other says I may; implying, if he chooses; but no obligation if he feels disinclined. The apostle Paul was of the former class; and solemnly affirmed that he was a debtor, both to the Greeks and the barbarians; that is, to the whole heathen world. This made him willing to spend and be spent. He counted not his own life too dear for sacrifice, if its protraction would be a hin

drance to the fulfilment of the obligation, involved in his relation to his master. And surely, every christian is as really indebted to the heathen as the apostle was. Though he may not be called to cancel his debt in precisely the same way, a change in the mode of paying does not annihilate the obligation. Every man, and especially every christian owes a debt to God; and a part of this is to be paid by giving the Gospel to the benighted heathen. The christian's relation to God and the human family creates a sacred annuity of this kind, commensurate with his earthly existence; and due continually as life continues.

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof;" and whatever of this fullness may be in our hands is not given us absolutely; but committed in trust, with the direction, "Occupy till I come." The capitalist expects the annual interest of the sum lent, until the principle is returned. He who rents a farm requires per cent of the increase, when the fruits

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