That always seems to me romantic and wasteful. You never hear
from it in
any definite way. They say the missionaries have done a good
deal
to open the way for trade; perhaps--but they have also gotten us
into
commercial and political difficulties. Yet I give to them--a
little--it is
a matter of conscience with me to identify myself with all the
enterprises
of the Church; it is the mainstay of social order and a
prosperous civilization. But the best forms of benevolence are
the well-established, organized ones here at home, where people
can
see them and know what they are doing."
"You mean the ones that have a local habitation and a name."
"Yes; they offer by far the safest return, though of course there
is
something gained by contributing to general funds. A public man
can't afford to be without public spirit. But on the whole
I prefer a building, or an endowment. There is a mutual
advantage to
a good name and a good institution in their connection in the
public mind.
It helps them both. Remember that, my boy. Of course at the
beginning
you will have to practise it in a small way; later, you will have
larger opportunities. But try to put your gifts where they can
be
identified and do good all around.
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