Cast thy bread upon the waters, in practicing benevolence freely, without the hope of profit or immediate return, Matthew 5:46; Luke 6:35; FOR THOU SHALT FIND IT AFTER MANY DAYS, God will return a rich harvest at the time appointed by Him, Galatians 6:9; 2 Corinthians 9:6; 1 Timothy 6:18.... [ Continue Reading ]
PRACTICING BENEVOLENCE... [ Continue Reading ]
Give a portion to seven and also to eight, ready to dispense charity to many; FOR THOU KNOWEST NOT WHAT EVIL SHALL BE UPON THE EARTH, when the tables may be turned by some misfortune, and the giver himself may find himself in need of help.... [ Continue Reading ]
If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth, when periods of misfortune are due to happen, evil will come in full measure; AND IF THE TREE FALL TOWARD THE SOUTH OR TOWARD THE NORTH, IN THE PLACE WHERE THE TREE FALLETH, THERE IT SHALL BE. Just so it is with gifts of benevolenc... [ Continue Reading ]
He that observeth the wind, in timid anxiety and hesitation, SHALL NOT SOW, for while he waits for favorable weather, he misses the proper period for action; AND HE THAT REGARDETH THE CLOUDS, with the same over-anxious watchfulness, SHALL NOT REAP. The Christian must sow the seed of good works regar... [ Continue Reading ]
As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, or of the wind, concerning whose various vagaries men are just as puzzled as ever, in spite of the progress made by the science of meteorology, Cf John 3:8, NOR HOW THE BONES DO GROW IN THE WOMB OF HER THAT IS WITH CHILD, in the mystery of creation... [ Continue Reading ]
In the morning sow thy seed, in all the works of one's regular occupation, but especially in acts of benevolence and charity, AND IN THE EVENING WITHHOLD NOT THINE HAND, not growing weary in the appointed tasks and in well-doing, Galatians 6:9, FOR THOU KNOWEST NOT WHETHER SHALL PROSPER, the blessin... [ Continue Reading ]
Truly, the light is sweet, life is most agreeable and beautiful if spent in the manner urged by the author in the first part of this chapter, AND A PLEASANT THING IT IS FOR THE EYES TO BEHOLD THE SUN, if one is engaged in godly pursuits;... [ Continue Reading ]
REJOICING WITH TREMBLING... [ Continue Reading ]
but if a man live many years and rejoice in them all, in the manner set forth in Holy Writ, Philippians 4:4, YET LET HIM REMEMBER THE DAYS OF DARKNESS, the long night of death; FOR THEY SHALL BE MANY. ALL THAT COMETH IS VANITY, this world, with all it offers, is empty and futile in comparison with t... [ Continue Reading ]
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, the general admonition of the preceding verses being addressed to young people in particular, as living in that period of life which is especially favorable to cheerful enjoyment, AND LET THY HEART CHEER THEE IN THE DAYS OF THY YOUTH, with the proper happiness in... [ Continue Reading ]
Therefore remove sorrow, a false sorrow, a gloomy sanctimoniousness, FROM THY HEART AND PUT AWAY EVIL FROM THY FLESH, namely, in the form of a melancholy asceticism which is not in agreement with the cheerfulness required by the Christian religion; FOR CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH ARE VANITY, both early infa... [ Continue Reading ]