A Husband and Wife. The Tenth. A Full Treasury.

in about an equal measure with the circle in 'which they moved, which was often composed of persons of much larger means than themselves. They, perhaps, never really thought that they gave too much. Still, when in the act of giving, the luxury of doing good might at times have been a little lessened by the thought, "Can I do this, and yet be just toward all men ?"

One day the wife said, "Husband, let us have some systematic mode of giving. Suppose we fix on the tenth." I think we give more than that now," he replied. "But everything," said the wife, "with which our heavenly Father has to do, is systematical; such beautiful order and symmetry pervade all his works, that we may well believe

'Order is heaven's first law.'

and we can easily give more afterward if needful;" and a conclusion was made that the tenth should be sacredly devoted. The result was, that they immediately found that the Lord's treasury was more fully replenished. Not a reasonable demand, when, as faithful stewards, they had a right to believe they ought to give, but could be in a moment met: not from their own treasury-no, it was only for them to dart a prayer to heaven, and say, “My heavenly Father, does this object meet thine approval?" and all was at once settled. A fact in connection with this mode of giving should be stated. Though they gave more than formerly,

"Scattereth, yet increaseth." "Why not give all ?" The Missionary.

yet their means increased, so that they soon became possessed of a competency sufficient to meet ordinary emergencies. But they still maintained their former views relative to laying up treasures on earth. I have heard them say, "We never intend to be rich." If so, should they continue to pros→ per, I think it may not be long before they will be able to devote a fifth, and so on, until the whole be offered up to God. And why should not tradesmen, merchants, or professional men, as assiduously endeavor to prosecute a business with an intention of devoting its proceeds wholly toward promoting the interests of the Redeemer? I wonder why the Christian world does not furnish more examples of this kind. I have heard that such may be found who are thus manifesting their devotedness to Christ. Yet, do even such exhibit as much devotedness as the missionary, who not only sacrifices all his time, but often also health, friends, and all the dear delights of ripe society?

In love, &c.

The Great Theme.

Something Wonderful.

No. XXXVII. TO REV.

"Why cannot I believe ?"-Plain dealing-An elevated position in the church-How attained-Our reputation belongs to God-Ex pulsions from the ministry-" Why insist on terms?"-A resolve to stand or fall with truth-Ashamed of Christ's words-The sin of ignorance-Acknowledgment-Objection to Scripture phraseology-Paul's conduct-Reputation-Not resigned to Christ— "How can ye believe?"-Fellowship with Him who made himself of no reputation-Christ's benediction on the outcast.

REV. SIR, My mind has been prayerfully interested for you ever since our first interview. I rejoice that your mind has become so powerfully influenced relative to the privilege of the believer. What more important theme than that of salvation from sin in the present life! Unless we are redeemed from all iniquity, and, as witnesses for Christ, live in the enjoyment of that state, the purpose for which Christ was manifest in the flesh remains unaccomplished. And how wonderful, with the Bible as the acknowledged standard of our faith and practice, that the doctrine of holiness, or entire sanctification, should have become a matter of controversy!

Yet, with those who love the truth in sincerity, and who consult the lively oracles for themselves, instead of following the traditions of men, this glorious doctrine will not long remain questionable. I am, indeed, most happy to know that your scruples have at length been wholly removed. But yet you

"Why can't I believe?"

Eminence. "Who gave it ?"

say, that you do not experimentally know of this doctrine. You, for some time past, have greatly desired this enjoyment, but why you are not enabled to believe and receive the end of your faith, with you yet remains inexplicable. I am happy to hear you say that the hinderance, whatever it may be, is with yourself, for you judge Him faithful who hath promised, who also will do it, as soon as you comply with the conditions upon which it is promised. I have conversed with many, who, to my mind, seemed to be on similar ground with yourself, and perceive what I imagine may hinder your faith from laying hold on the promises. I believe you wish plain dealing, and that as you have no fault to find with your Saviour, you would gladly know where the fault may be.

I know you will give God all the glory, when I allude to the fact, that you occupy a commanding position in the Christian world. In the order of Providence, you have influence with prominent men in the ministry and the laity, who are opposed, some of them violently, to the doctrine of salvation from all sin in the present life. By your pen also, you are favorably known in the literature of the day, and thus stand before the Christian community of Europe and America as a theologian of sincere, earnest, and enlightened piety. Now, should I ask you how this commanding position was attained, in looking back upon every step which you

Is your Reputation surrendered?

The Alternative.

have ascended, you would acknowledge the helpful Spirit of grace, and with humility and gratitude you would ascribe to God, glory in the highest. Then you know that your reputation already belongs to God. Have you rendered, or are you now rendering, it back to Him? Let me, as in the presence of the high and holy One, solemnly urge your prayerful examination of yourself on this point, for here I think you may find the difficulty. Is it your intention that the avowal of your belief in this doctrine shall be coextensive with your influence? You now in blameless reputation stand enranked with men who have thrust from their midst those who were, and are now, experimental witnesses of the attainment of holiness. The blamelessness of their lives, and their increased zeal and success in winning souls to Christ, were fully and freely admitted by the brethren who refused them church fellowship. "But your doctrine! That is what we do not like." 66 Holiness, sanctification, or Christian perfection-these are terms which we do not approve. Renounce them, and you are still one with us, and together we will fight against sin, the world, and Satan. Refuse, and we use the awful power delegated to us by the Head of the church, and we not only thrust you from our ranks, but we depose you from the Christian ministry, and henceforth you are to us as a heathen man and a publican."