1. The poor —
[We have represented you as in some respects under great disadvantages in a time of sickness: but in other respects the advantage is altogether on your side. The friends of the rich are almost uniformly bent on keeping from them all those who would seek to benefit their souls : and, if one get access to them, one scarcely dares to speak, except in gentle hints and dark insinuations ; whilst their friends in general are doing all they can to divert their minds from all serious religion. But such friends as these give themselves no trouble about yovi; whilst the benevolent Christian who visits you begins at once to in- struct you in the things that belong to your everlasting peace. Thus all the treasures of redeeming love are opened to you, whilst they are studiously withheld from the rich ; and all the consolations of the Gospel are poured into your souls, whilst even a taste of them is denied to thousands, either through their own contempt of Christ, or through the blindness and prejudice of ungodly friends. Know ye then, that if on ac- count of your want of temporal comforts we compassionate your state, we rather congratulate you on the advantages you enjoy for your immortal souls. God has said, that " he has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of his kingdom ;" and therefore we call upon you to take this into your estimate of your condition, and to adore God for having chosen better for you than you would have chosen for your- selves.]
2. Those who engage in visiting the poor^
[This is a good and blessed office, in the conscientious dis- charge of which, rehgion in no small degree consists*^. Abound then, as far as your situation and circumstances will admit of it, in this holy work : but take especial care that you perform it in a proper spirit. If you would have those whom you visit to weep, you yourself must be filled with compassion, and weep over them. This is a state of mind which an angel might envy. Never did Jesus himself appear more glorious, not even on Mount Tabor, than when he wept at the grave of Lazarus^. Nor does God ever delight in his people more than when he sees them abounding in acts of love to men for their Re- deemer's sake^. Only see to it that you " draw out not your purse only, but " your souls " also to the afflicted, and God will recompense it into your bosom an hundred-fold'.]
3. The congregation at large —
[In order to administer relief to any extent, considerable funds are necessary : and where any measure of benevolence
*■ Jam. i. 27. g John xi. 35.
i> Matt, vi, 4, i Isai. Iviii. 10, 11.