GIVING.
Reading edition
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.—Psalm lxviii. 18.
That every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.—Ecclesiastes, iii. 13.
The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.—Romans, vi. 23.
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.—II. Corinthians, ix. 15.
The King of light, Father of aged time, Hath brought about that day, which is the prime To the slow gliding months, when every eye Wears symptoms of a sober jollity; And every hand is ready to present Some service in a real compliment. While some in golden letters write their love, Some speak affection by a ring or glove, Or pins and points, (for e’en the peasant may, After his ruder fashion, be as gay As the brisk courtly Sir,) and thinks that he Cannot, without a gross absurdity, Be this day frugal, and not spare his friend Some gift, to show his love finds not an end With the deceased year. Joshua Poole.
Who gives, constrained, but his own fear reviles; Not thanked, but scorned; nor are they gifts, but spoils. Denham.
Cheap gifts best fit poor givers. We are told Of the lone mite, and cup of water cold, That, in their way, approved the offerer’s zeal. True love shows costliest where the means are scant, And, in her reckoning, they abound who want. Charles Lamb.
Largely Thou givest, gracious Lord, Largely Thy gifts should be restored; Freely Thou givest, and thy word Is “Freely give.” He only who forgets to hoard Has learned to live. Keble.