The Portrait of Charity (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1847 Excerpt: ... CHARITY, OR LOVE, &c. CHAPTER I. The chapter on charity, or love, which I purpose to consider in these pages, is one of a very peculiar character, and viewing it as a systematic and detailed portraiture of one single and distinct grace in the catalogue of Christian attainments, I think it may be safely stated that it has no parallel in Scripture. The subject is no less attractive than it is lofty and glorious. I earnestly desire, for the writer and the reader, that the Holy Spirit may enable each, respectively, to appreciate its beauty and its dignity. B Charity, or holy love, is spoken of in this chapter, --First, as to its absolute and indispensable necessity. Secondly, as to its characteristic features. And, lastly, as to its excellency and perpetual continuance. A glance at the chapter will show that the first of these subjects is contained in the three first verses, the second in the four next, and the last in the remaining portion. The first three verses declare the absolute necessity of charity or love, and the worthlessness, in God's sight, of all gifts and deeds, where true charity, or love, does not dwell in the heart. 1 Cor. xiii. 1--3. 1. Though I speak with the tongues of men, and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries; and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3. And though. 1 bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it prqfiteth me nothing. Before I examine these verses in detail, let me first observe, that it would be no slight mistake to suppose that this declaration, and these specific detai...