B.D. d J. H. Newman, ruling sense of God's presence within him; 3. A profound, simple, open-hearted confidence in God; 4. A love which proceeds from a pure heart and good conscience, and is free from hypocrisy. II. The merely professing Christian-the hypocrite. Known by: 1. Double-mindedness-a desire to serve both religion and the world; 2. Attempts at self-justification; 3. An arguing spirit.d Those who defer their gifts to their death-bed do as good as say, 'Lord, I will give Thee something when I can keep it no longer; Happy is the man who is his own executor." Bp. Hall. The will and the performance.-Karamsin, the Russian traveller, having witnessed Lavater's diligence in study, visiting the sick, and relieving the poor, greatly surprised at his fortitude and activity, said to him, "Whence have you so much strength of mind and "The office of power of endurance?" "My friend," replied he, man rarely liberality con- wants the power to work, when he possesses the will; the more I sisteth in giving labour in the discharge of my duties, so much the more ability with judgment." -Cicero. and inclination to labour do I constantly find within myself." each to do what he can a Ro. xv. 27. b Ex. xvi. 18. 66 13-15. eased, by not giving bec. you give. burdened, by giving more than your share. equality, a distribution of duty in this particular. time, that you are rich and they in need. their.. want, when, as is likely in these troublous times, you "Those enjoying may need help. written, this equalising of the burden carries prosperity out the principle of an old rule. he that, etc., the household should always be ready to assist that had many hands to gather the manna supplied the lack of the unfortunate, others. future ma y Demosthenes. for no one can Christian liberality.-I. The spirit in which Paul urges it. He Бау what the speaks strongly-not in the way of coercion, but of counsel and bring forth." persuasion. II. The motives which he brings to bear on the case. He refers them to the example of Christ: 1. The tendency in his mind to refer everything back to Christ; 2. How he finds the parallel, not in the literal acts, but in the spirit of Christ; 3. The desire of reciprocity.c c F. W. Robert son. habits are no "Intellectual attainments and Gifts to the poor are loans to the Lord.-The Rev. Edward Jones security for good was particularly noted for his charitable disposition. A friend conduct, unless once made him a present of a sum of money, that he might purthey are sup- chase malt to make beer for the use of his family. Returning ported by re-home from the house of his friend, he happened to pass through ligious principles. Without a village where there were several poor families, some of whom religion, the were sick, and others in very needy circumstances. Hearing of highest endow their distresses, he went into their houses, in order to address can only render some serious advice to them. But his heart was so much affected the possessor with the miseries he beheld, that he distributed among them more dangerous, what his friend had given him to supply his own wants. When he reached home, he told his wife what he had done. She cheerfully applauded his generosity, and at the same time acquainted him, that, in his absence, God had inclined the heart of a neighbouring farmer to send the very quantity of malt that his friend's money would have purchased. ments of intellect if he be ill-disposed; if welldisposed, only more unhappy." -Southey. 16-18. God,a fr. whom good thoughts come. same.. you, Paul does not envy the right-heartedness of Titus. exhortation, to go with P. to Cor. (v. 6). forward, doing more than he was desired. he.. you, with this letter. Thus marking both his love to P., and his confidence in the Cors. brother, some think Luke; others, Trophimus; others,d Barnabas; others,e Silas; others, Mark; others, Gaius. praise.. Churches, hence he was well known and trusted. The minister's best qualification.-I. An earnest concern for his f Lightfoot. charge-evinced by his willing service-self-sacrificing zeal-con- e Estius, etc. g Alford. h Dr. Lyth. that we readily often incon Reward of Fuller and his Church.-"There was a period of my ministry," said this devoted man to a friend, "marked by the "So that nothing most pointed systematic effort to comfort my serious people: but is so easy as to the more I tried to comfort them, the more they complained of deceive oneself; doubts and darkness. Wherever I went among them, one lamen- for what we wish, tation met my ear, Ah! sir, I can get no comfort. I am unable believe; but such to appropriate any of the great and precious promises to myself; expectations are I looked for light and behold darkness.' I knew not what to do, sistent with the nor what to think, for I had done my best to comfort the real state of mourners in Zion. I was therefore at my wits' end. At this things."-Demotime it pleased God to direct my attention to the claims of the sthenes. perishing heathen in India; I felt that we had been living for ourselves, and not caring for their souls. I spoke as I felt. My stantials of reliserious people wondered and wept over their past inattention to this gion lie in a little subject. They began to talk about a Baptist mission. The females room, and should especially began to collect money for the spread of the Gospel. be delivered We met and prayed for the heathen, met and considered what briefly, in an easy and evident way; could be done amongst ourselves for them, met and did what we not clogged with could. And whilst all this was going on, the lamentations ceased. obscure and inThe sad became cheerful, and the desponding calm. No one com- with unnecessary tricate notions, plained of a want of comfort. And I, instead of having to study and doubtful how to comfort my flock, was myself comforted by them. They opinions.". were drawn out of themselves. Sir, that was the real secret. God Worthington. blessed them while they tried to be a blessing." . "The main sub - Dr. a Ro. xii. 17; Ph. our never lose sight honesty." of Confucius. 19-21. but.. Churches, the Apostle's wish was in har- providing for honest mony with the Churches' will; they had a voice in the matter. things which.. Lord, whose servants we all are, and whose glory— not any personal interest—we should aim to advance. and..iv. 8; 1 Pe. ii. 12. mind, the donors shall have due praise. avoiding, to the best "In our opporof our judgment. blame, the mode of administration. pro-tunities for enviding, by inquiry and consideration. for things, a riching just and equable collecting and distributing. not.. Lord, this selves, we should easy, bec. He knows all. but.. men, more dif., since they are apt to be envious and suspicious. Things honest in the sight of all. The principles, grounds, and excuses of the practice of deserting virtue. I. Men, in their visible conversation, neglect their duty, and comply with sin out of false modesty. II. They are afraid of losing the goodwill, or gaining the hatred of their fellow-men. III. They neglect virtue to escape the envy of their friends. IV. They fear infamy and reproach. V. They fear being thought hypocritical. Honesty rewarded.—A gentleman, jumping from an omnibus in the city of New York, dropped his pocket-book, and had gone some distance before he discovered his loss; then, hastily say; let reason be your guide returning, inquired of every passenger whom he met if a pocket- even in the book had been seen. Finally, meeting a little girl of ten years smallest matold, to whom he made the same inquiry, she asked, "What kind ters."-Pytha of a pocket-book?" He described it. Then unfolding her apron, "Is this it?" "Yes, that is mine; come into this store with me." They entered; he opened the book, counted the notes, and Eschines. b Dr. J. Barrow. "Let uprightness influence you in all your actions, and be sincere in whatever goras. you "Let your charity begin at home, but do not let it stop there. visions, be a Do examined the papers. They are all right," said he; "fifteen good to your notes of a thousand dollars each. Had they fallen into other family and connections, and, if hands, I might have never seen them again. Take, then, my you please, to little girl, this note of a thousand dollars as a reward for your your party; but honesty, and a lesson to me to be more careful in future." "No," after this, look abroad. Look at said the girl, "I cannot take it. I have been taught at Sundaythe universal school not to keep what is not mine, and my parents would not Church, and, for- be pleased if I took the note home; they would suppose I had getting its di- stolen it." "Well, then, my girl, show me where your parents catholic Chris- live." The girl took him to a humble tenement in an obscure tian. Look at street, rude but cleanly. He informed the parents of the case. your country, They told him the child had acted correctly. They were poor, it and be a patriot; look at the was true, but their pastor had always told them not to set their nations of the hearts on rich gifts. The gentleman told them they must take it, and he was convinced, from the principle they had professed, that they would make a good use of it. The pious parents then blessed their benefactor, for such he proved; they paid their debts, which had disturbed their peace; and the benevolent giver furnished the father employment in his occupation as a carpenter, enabling him to rear an industrious family in comparative happiThis little girl became the wife of a respectable tradesman in New York, and had reason to rejoice that she was born of pious parents, who had secured their daughter's happiness by sending her to a Sunday-school. earth, and be a philanthropist." -Henry Martyn. "Live well, and then, how soon soe'er thou die, Thou art of age to claim eternity."-Randolph. Paul's messengers a Stanley; cf. Ac. XX. 4; 2 Ti. iv. 12; Ep. vi 21; Tit. iii. 12; Col. iv. 7. ness. a 22-24. them, Titus and the bro. of v. 18. brother, prob. Tychicus; but there is the same variety of opinion as in the other case. whom .. things, an important mission needs well proved agents. but.. you, cheerful diligence inspired by hope of success founded on P.'s confidence. whether.. Titus, who and what is he? he.. you, he has my confidence. brethren, the two with Titus. they.. churches, having their confidence. and.. Christ, His servants and your brethren. wherefore, "He who is de- for these suff. reasons. shew..churches, publicly. the.. voted to excel-behalf, by your reception of them, and your finishing this work. lence, contents himself with the. An unanswerable argument.-Mr. Innes, in his work on Domestic testimony he has Religion, mentions a fact strikingly illustrative of the power of in his own bo- consistent conduct. A young man, when about to be ordained as som, that in his a Christian minister, stated that at one period of his life he had conduct he is influenced by the been nearly betrayed into the principles of infidelity; "but," he precepts of vir- added, "there was one argument in favour of Christianity which tue."-Plutarch. I could never refute-the consistent conduct of my own father!" ministering to the saints CHAPTER THE NINTH. 1, 2. for.. you, to show that the thing is right and needful at this time. forwardness, readiness in anticipating my arguments. for.. Macedonia, to encourage them with my confidence in you. that.. ago (viii. 10), ready to begin. and.. exercised at a many, who might not have given but for what they believed you little cost! A would do. "How often charity may be granted in season, may trifling benefit. The duty of giving enforced by Paul.-It is more blessed to give than to receive, because-I. It delivers us from ourselves. From sometimes save-1. The bonds of selfishness; 2. The cares of superfluity; 3. The the honour, or burden of dependence. II. It unites us to the brethren. By their bestowed." -1. Friendly attachment; 2. Active gratitude; 3. Blessed inter- the life, perhaps, cession. III. It brings us nearer to our God. We are permitted on whom it is to be-1. Similar to the image of the All-good; 2. Sharers in the Democrates. delight of the All-loving; 3. Expectants of the gracious reward of an eternal Rewarder." a. Gerok. Benevolence of J. Wesley.-In the year 1776, the Rev. John Wesley received the following letter, in consequence of a recent "It will help us resolution of the Government, that circulars should be sent to all to bear our own persons who were suspected of having plate on which they had ill-fortune if we reflect on the not paid duty:-"Reverend Sir,-As the commissioners cannot greater misfordoubt that you have plate for which you have hitherto neglected tunes of others." to make an entry, they have directed me to send you a copy of -Thales. the Lords' order, and to inform you that they expect that you forthwith make the entry of all your plate, such entry to bear Proportion thy charity to the date from the commencement of the plate duty, or from such strength of thy time as you have owned, used, had, or kept any quantity of silver estate, lest God plate, chargeable by the Act of Parliament; as, in default thereof, proportion estate to the the board will be obliged to signify your refusal to their Lordships. weakness of thy N.B.-An immediate answer is desired." Mr. Wesley replied as charity; let the follows:-"Sir,-I have two silver tea-spoons at London, and two lips of the poor at Bristol; this is all the plate which I have at present; and I be the trumpet of thy gift, lest in shall not buy any more while so many around me want bread. I seeking applause am, sir, your most humble servant,-John Wesley." Perhaps thou lose thy re thy Nothing "It is another's there never was a more charitable man than Mr. Wesley. His ward. is more pleasing liberality knew no bounds, but an empty pocket. He gave away to God than an not merely a certain part of his income, but all that he had: his open hand and a own wants being provided for, he devoted all the rest to the ne- close mouth." Quarles. cessities of others. He entered upon this good work at a very early period. We are told that, when he had thirty pounds a year, he lived on twenty-eight, and gave away forty shillings. The next year, receiving sixty pounds, he still lived on twenty-eight, and gave away two-and-thirty. The third year he received ninety pounds, and gave away sixty-two. The fourth year he received one hundred and twenty pounds. Still he lived on twenty-eight, will oblige many and gave to the poor ninety-two. During the rest of his life he that are not so." lived economically; and, in the course of fifty years, it has been-Seneca. supposed, he gave away more than thirty thousand pounds. fault if he be ungrateful; but it is mine if I do not give. To find one thankful man I character 3, 4. yet.. brethren, to urge the completion of what you vindication have purposed. lest.. behalf, and the poor who have given be of imputed discouraged by the holding back of the rich. that.. ready, with your completed work. lest.. unprepared, after a year's riches are truly thinking and talking. we.. ye, note P.'s delicacy, as if the the names of shame would be all his. Appeals to the benevolent.-These appeals are-I. Justified by Apostolic precedent; II. Needed-not always to excite a benevolent spirit but to develop corresponding action, and secure a ready and liberal response; III. Dictated by love-for your credit and for God's glory.a 66 Poverty and want and suffi ciency; he who wants ought not to be called rich; nor he who wants not, poor." -Democritus. a Dr. Lyth. "Charitable deeds are oftener owing to caprice, or to the pleasure yielded to the will of the How to give.—At a missionary meeting held among the negroes in the West Indies, these three resolutions were agreed upon:1. We will all give something. 2. We will all give as God has enabled us. 3. We will all give willingly. As soon as the meeting was over, a leading negro took his seat at the table, with pen and ink, to put down what each came to give. Many came forward donor, than to and gave, some more and some less. Amongst those that came considerations of was a rich old negro, almost as rich as all the others put together, the relief or gra K 2 of them."Seneca. tification afford- and threw down upon the table a small silver coin. "Take dat ed to the objects back again," said the negro that received the money; “ Dat may be according to de first resolution, but it not according to de "It is proper that second." The rich man accordingly took it up, and hobbled back alms should come to his seat again in a great rage. One after another came forward, out of a little and as almost all gave more than himself, he was fairly ashamed purse as well as of himself, and again threw down a piece of money on the table, out of a great sack; but surely saying, "Dare! take dat!" It was a valuable piece of gold; but where there is it was given so ill-temperedly, that the negro answered again, plenty, charity is "No! dat won't do yet! It may be according to de first and a duty, not a courtesy; it is a tribute second resolution, but it is not according to de last;" and he was imposed by Hea- obliged to take up his coin again. Still angry at himself and all ven upon us, and the rest, he sat a long time, till nearly all were gone, and then he is not a good came up to the table, and with a smile on his face, and very willsubject who refuses to pay it." ingly, gave a large sum to the treasurer. "Very well," said the negro, "dat will do; dat according to all de resolutions." -Feltham. sowing and reaping a Pr. xi. 24, 25; xix. 17; xxii. 9. b Ga. vi. 7, 9; Ps. xli. 1-3. e De. xv. 7, 8, 10; Ex. xxv. 2; Ro. xii. 8. "Waste not thy benevolence -Phocylides. on 5-7. bounty, free gift. covetousness, wh. reveals itself as much by reluctant giving, as by withholding altogether. he sparingly," ," in gifts to the poor. shall.. sparingly, of mercy fr. the poor's Protector. and he, etc., for the Lord loveth a cheerful giver. as.. . heart, less than that is robbing God; more, is morally valueless. grudgingly, as loth to part with it. necessity, as compelled to give. God, who gives cheerfully Himself. loveth, as a man after His own heart. giver, what have we that we did not first receive. The Christian exhorted to generosity.-This is a demand of the ungrateful; which-I. The contents are comprehensive; II. The prominence it is like sowing seed on the sur- just; III. The remembrance needful. Learn :-(1) The Lord reface of the sea."quires that His disciples should be more sincere, more unselfish, more persevering in good than others; (2) The Christian must be "The good need distinguished above others; he can be, and he really is, as history but few laws, for shows; (3) By this remembrance, humility, faith, and heavenly things are not accommodated to desire are awakened.d laws, but laws for things." phrastus. "Benevolence is Giving promptly.-Mrs. Graham, of New York, made it a rule Theo- to appropriate a tenth part of her earnings to be expended for pious and charitable purposes; she had taken a lease of two d Oosterzee. lots of ground, in Greenwich Street, from the corporation of always a virtuous Trinity Church, with the view of building a house on them for principle. Its her own accommodation: the building, however, she never comoperations al-menced, and by a sale which her son-in-law, Mr. Bethune, made | ways secure to of the lease in 1795 for her, she got an advance of one thousand natural rights, pounds. So large a profit was new to her. "Quick, quick," said and it liberally she, "let me appropriate the tenth before my heart grows hard.” superadds more What fidelity in duty! What distrust of herself! Fifty pounds titled to claim." of this money she sent to Mr. Mason, in aid of the funds he was -Cogan. collecting for the establishment of a theological seminary. others their than they are en the giver rewarded 8-11. able.. you,a grace in your worldly as well as other affairs. that.. things, material things are of God's favour. a Ph.iv.19; 1 Pe. may.. work, rightly using God's gifts in God's way. written, iv. 9-11. b Ps. cxii. 9. c Ma. vi. 31–33. "The among the poor laws of the Bible. righteousness, beneficence. ever, the liberal oft. continue and increase in prosperity. he. sower, God, who does this in the physical world, and multiplies recom- the scattered seed. both.. sown, He will increase your money actions consists for personal enjoyment and charitable uses. and.. righteousin having per-ness, eternal rewards. to all, in order to all. God's purpose pense of good с |
