made to our wealtli ; yet, if our desires are moderated, and our expenditure restrained, the same effect is ultimately produced: for we are not more truly enriched by the increase of our sub- stance, than we are by the diminution of our wants and our consumption.]
Let me now point out the bearings of this subject,
1. On those who are engaged in visiting the sick° — [Pei'sons engaged in imparting instruction to the ignorant, and consolation to the afflicted, have yet, in a more eminent degree, the promise in our text fulfilled to them. Their light perhaps, at first, is but very imperfect ; but by imparting it to others, their own views become enlarged, and their own experience of divine truth becomes deeper, from the very cir- cumstance of their improving it for the benefit of others. In- deed, I can hardly suggest any better method for enlarging our own knowledge, than the making use of it for the instruction of our less enlightened brethren: for, besides the natural effect which may be expected from the communication of knowledge, we may expect a peculiar blessing from God whilst we are so employed. A remarkable instance of this may be found in Apollos : " He, when he knew only the baptism of John, spake and taught diligently the word of the Lord." " Aquila and Priscilla hearing him in the synagogue, took him, and ex- pounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." And then, going forth with his augmented light, he prospered far more in his labours of love, not only " convincing the Jews that Jesus was the Christ, but helping them much who had believed through grace P." This example is most encouraging to all, to improve for God the light which they possess : for, whatever we do for God, is regarded by him as a loan which he will repay i: and in every instance shall it be found, that " he who watereth others, shall be watered also himself"^."]
2. On those who contribute for the support of the charity —
[On these, the subject bears to its full extent; and we are warranted to afifirm, that men shall " reap either sparingly or bountifully, according as they sow^" But there is one point of view in which they pre-eminently " honour God," and with peculiar advantage secure their reward. They honour God particularly, not merely by the distribution of their alms, but by employing and calling forth into activity the piety of others,
o This part must be varied, according to the occasion. It was preached in behalf of a Visiting Society ; but it may easily be accom- modated to a Spital Sermon, or any other Charitable Institution.
P Acts xviii. 24 — 28. i Prov. xix. 17.
' Prov. xi. 25. s 2 Cor. ix. G.