decision with reference to the proportion of the bounties of Providence we shall devote to purposes of beneficence, may not be passed over; and the consecration, not to say the disbursement, should be made immediately, while the idea that our possession are from God is fresh in our minds, and before selfishness shall seize them as her own.  Procrastination is often but giving heed to her treacherous voice, and ere we are aware, she carries us captive.  As we receive our increase from the hand of God, like faithful stewards, we should set apart the portion belonging to others without delay.  To indulge ourselves by holding them up before us, and doating upon them as our own, will but inflame our covetousness; and we shall be tempted to rob the needy of their portion.  This is not hypothesis; facts prove that money is contributed far more cheerfully when in a loose state than after it becomes fixed property.  This rule, directing frequency of consecrations, conforming itself to individual circumstances, is oppressive to none.

But the capital of some makes returns only once a year; of others, only once in a series of years.  To such this rule can be by no means applicable; for the wants and sufferings of those whom God has made it our duty to relieve, often demand far more frequent distributions; while, in a variety of instances, it calls into exercise our benevolence too rarely to suppress the selfish tendencies of the heart,—­a point, which, in rearing a system of beneficence, may never be overlooked.  Other principles must therefore be noticed.

2d. Our contributions should be so frequent as will tend to repress the selfish, and keep alive the benevolent affections.  We should give so frequently as to impress and nurture the conviction that we were made not only for ourselves, but for others; and that the noblest use of property is its distribution to the needy.  This conviction it is difficult to engender, and harder to keep alive, but it is best produced and quickened to energy by frequently engaging in the duties of charity.  Benevolence, to become strong, must be cultivated; and it is so much of an exotic in the human breast, that it needs the most earnest and assiduous care; while selfishness, such is its strength and tenacity of life, can be deadened and kept in abeyance only by repeated and vigorous assaults.  As a general rule, that system, as to frequency, should be chosen, which comes most strongly in collision, and wrestles most powerfully with the selfishness of the heart.  Some, I know, would deal gently with this obnoxious principle; rather humor than goad it; and on this ground urge the importance of frequent, and, of course, small contributions, which will scarcely be felt; maintaining that on the whole a larger amount will be collected.  But I would not urge frequency of donations on this account.  I would advocate benevolence only on those principles which will give it life and vigor for eternity.  The Bible says