3. These principles are accepted because of their effect on character. No life can grow rich and strong without increasing giving. God is much more interested in the making of a man than he is in the making of money and the adoption of sound principles of stewardship is vital to Christian character.
4. The adoption of these principles by Christians generally would meet the practical needs of our time for the spread of Christianity throughout the world so far as money can ever meet the needs of mankind.
Methods for the Application of These Principles to the Life of the Individual Christian.—The Actual or Constructive Separation of the Proportion of Income which complies with the foregoing principles. This does four things:
1. It preserves the integrity of the proportion set aside and guards against the evil of only estimating what is due.
2. It is a concrete and vital expression of the principle. Mere mental assent to a principle without practical expression is deadly to the spiritual life.
3. It provides regularly for the regular needs of the Kingdom.
4. It is the best antidote to selfishness.
A pledge in writing, in advance, of the amounts to be applied to the regular work of the Church (current expenses, missions, and benevolences). These pledges should ordinarily be considerably less than the whole amount to be devoted during the year.
A weekly payment of the amount so subscribed, deposited as an act of worship at a public service.
Payments from time to time, out of the sums set aside, but not previously pledged, to special causes as may be desired.