Alms:
Not found in the Old Testament, but repeatedly in the New. The Mosaic legislation (Lev 25:35; Deu 15:7) tended to promote a spirit of charity, and to prevent the occurrence of destitution among the people. Such passages as these, Psa 41:1; 112:9; Prov. 14:31; Isa 10:2; Amo 2:7; Jer 5:28; Eze 22:29, would also naturally foster the same benevolent spirit.
In the time of our Lord begging was common (Mar 10:46; Act 3:2). The Pharisees were very ostentatious in their almsgivings (Mat 6:2). The spirit by which the Christian ought to be actuated in this duty is set forth in 1Jo 3:17. A regard to the state of the poor and needy is enjoined as a Christian duty (Luk 3:11; 6:30; Mat 6:1; Act 9:36; 10:2,4), a duty which was not neglected by the early Christians (Luk 14:13; Act 20:35; Gal 2:10; Rom 15:25-27; 1Cr 16:1-4). They cared not only for the poor among themselves, but contributed also to the necessities of those at a distance (Act 11:29; 24:17; 2Cr 9:12). Our Lord and his attendants showed an example also in this (Jhn 13:29).
In modern times the "poor-laws" have introduced an element which modifies considerably the form in which we may discharge this Christian duty.
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