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H I N T S a n d H E L P S
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V Principles of Giving We may find seven principles laid down in Scripture: 1. The willing mind. .2. The covenant with God as the basis (Ps. T). 3. The altar sanctifying the gift. 4. Giving as unto the Lord—not men. 5. Self-denial as the measure of gifts. 6. Stewardship -— all inalienably the Lord’s. 7. Prayer and privilege. Grieving the Spirit—Eph. 4 :25-30 How we may grieve the Holy Spirit. The chapter in which our Scripture stands is full of suggestions. Read thoughtfully verses 25-29. We grieve the Holy Spirit. 1. By refusing absolute truthfulness (v. 25) . 2. By allowing ourselves in anger (v. 26) . 3. By allowing ourselves under the do minion of the evil one (v. 27). 4. By a want of complete integrity (v. 28). 5. By a want of carefulness as to clean speech (v. 29). God’s Advertisement Isaiah 55:1 An offer of best things for nothing. In a reliable publication. By the oldest and best reputed house in the universe: doing business for the pleas ure of the Proprietor and the good of the purchaser. Prompt attention.—Isa. 65:24. No respect of persons.—Rom. 2:11. No deviation in price.—Exod. 30:15. (The shekel, the redemption money was typical of the precious Blood.) Satisfaction guaranteed.—Ps. 107:9. A full line of every good thing (Ps. 84:
11) always on hand: Life (John 5:40), food (th.e text), medicine and raiment (Rev.- 3:18), lands and mansions (Eph. 1:14; John 14:2). The only Dealer in that which will not fade, rust, corrupt, wear out, lose its de lights or pass out of fashion (1 Peter 1:4). See testimonials (Joshua 23:14) and dis appointment of them that buy elsewhere (Rev. 18:16, 17).—5". Imputation "Put that on my account.” —Phil. 18. The book is canonical. Yet some say it bears nothing doctrinal ; that its matter was private and trifling. Imbedding as it does our text we deem it of as great doc trinal import as it is also of exquisite sig nificance to Christian friendship and cour tesy. Luther said, “We are all His One- simi to my thinking.” Philemon’s slave Onesimus had known Paul at Colosse; later defrauded his njas- ter, fled to Rome, and run upon the apostle ; convicted and converted, Paul sent him back to Philemon with this intercessory letter. 1 Men run into debt thoughtlessly. Ex travagance, Credit, Borrowing, Defrauding. 2. Men run into debt recklessly, having become hardened. ‘ 3. Men run into debt despairingly when hopelessly entangled. In any case the awakening is fearful. To the awakened conscience after life is bondage to creditors till, if ever, the debt is, discharged. Bankruptcy laws are no re lief to a burdened conscience. Apply all this to man’s dealings with God to whom thoughtlessly, recklessly, despair ingly he has become debtor. The Gospel of grace is God’s bankruptcy provision and Christ is the Intercessor who says : "If he oweth thee ought put■ that on my account.”
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