Charities

VC a r i t i H

Every congregation has certain associatious within itself, for benevolent purposes; and these are sometimes composed of Christian women. But the number of truly efficient members is commonly very small. Various reasons, often unworthy and frivolous, if not connected with the “pride of life,” keep many who might render efiicient aid, from uniting in these labours of love. The object may be the contribution of means for charity, or the making of garments foi the suffering, or the neglected work of visiting the sick poor, the “fatherless and widow in their affliction.”* Whatever be the end sought, let no haughty reserve or carping objection keep you from having a share. You cannot beoin too soon to exercise yourself in actual and personal well-doing, which is much more rare than the giving of alms through others.