Quest. VI. Should one devote or set by a certain part of daily incomes?
Quest. VII. What proportion is a man bound to give to the poor?
Answ. These two questions having answered in a letter to Mr. Thomas Gouge, now printed, and the book being not in many hands, I will here recite that letter as it is published.
Most dear, and very much honoured brother,
Even the philosopher hath taught me so to esteem you, who said, that "He is likest to God, who needeth fewest things for himself, and doth most good to others." And Christ telleth us, that universal charity (extending even to them that hate and persecute us) doth make us, as his children, like our heavenly Father, Matt. v. 44-46, 48. As hating and hurting their neighbours is the mark of the children of the devil, (John viii. 44,) so loving and doing good is the mark of the children of God. And it is observable, that no one treateth so copiously and pathetically of love (both of Christ's love to us, and ours to him) as the blessed disciple, whom Jesus is said to have eminently loved (as John xiii. 14-17, and 1 John, show).
It hath often pleased me to hear how dearly you were beloved, by that exceeding great and populous parish, where lately you were preacher, for your eminent charity to their souls and bodies; and to see that still you take it for your work and calling, to be a provoker of others to love and to good works, Heb. x. 24; whilst many that are taken for good christians, do deal in such works as rarities or recreations, only a little now and then upon the by, and whilst Satan's ministers are provoking others to hatred and to hurtfulness.
Your labour is so amiable to me, that it would contribute to my comforts, if I were able to contribute any thing to your assistance.
You desire me to give you my judgment of the quota pars; What proportion it is meet for most men to devote to charitable uses; whether the tenth part of their increase be not ordinarily a fit proportion?
The reason why I use not to answer such questions without much distinguishing (when lazy, impatient readers would have them answered in a word) is, because the real difference of particular cases is so great, as maketh it necessary; unless we will deceive men, or leave the matter as dark and unresolved as we found it.
I. Before I answer your question, I shall premise, that I much approve of the way which you insist upon, of setting so much constantly apart as is fit for us to give, that it may be taken by us to be a devoted or consecrated thing. And methinks that there is much of a divine direction for the time in 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2, together with the ancient church, "That upon the first day of the week, every one lay by him in store, as God had prospered him." And it will do much to cure pharisaical sabbatizing, when the Lord's day is statedly used in this, with holy works; and will teach hypocrites to know what this meaneth, "I will have mercy and not sacrifice," Matt. ix. 13; xii. 7. And that works of charity are an odour, a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable and well pleasing to God, who of the riches of his glory in Christ, will supply all the need of such, as bring forth such fruit to abound unto their account, Phil. iv. 17-19. So it be done without any insnaring vows, or rash engagements to unnecessary things; this constant setting apart a certain proportion for pious and charitable uses, will have these advantages: