I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc, is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditure excludes them.

Summary

This quote suggests that it is difficult to determine how much we should give in terms of charitable donations. The author argues that the only reliable guideline is to give more than what we can easily spare. They assert that if our spending on personal comforts and indulgences is on par with others of similar income, then our level of giving is likely insufficient. The quote further asserts that if our charitable contributions do not create any substantial sacrifice for us, then they are too small. The implication is that our charitable giving should restrict some of our personal desires in order to make a significant impact in helping others.

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