"I think one of us was afraid of giving too much, and the other of giving too little."
"The best way is to go to the Bible and see what that says. May I trouble one of you to open it at the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, and read what you find in the seventh verse of the ninth chapter?"
Norton dropped his book and sprang to do the service asked for. He read the words—
"'Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.'"
Norton read, and looked up, as much as to say, What now? how does this help?
"I don't see how that tells, Mr. Richmond," said Matilda.
"It tells one or two things. You are to give out of your heart; not because somebody else asks you, or some other body says you ought. That would not please God. You are to do what you like to do; much or little, as you feel."
"But ought it to be much or little?"
"As you feel. As your heart says."
"But then, Mr. Richmond, will the Lord be just as well pleased whether it is much or little?"