her that God was privy to it. Thus " our left hand should not know what our right hand doeth." There are occasions indeed, when, for the sake of example, it is necessary that our liberality should be known : but, when that is not the case, we should rather affect privacy, and be satisfied with approving ourselves to God.
We should also dispose of our money cheerfully. She needed not to be urged to it: she was happy in serving Godd: and doubtless, instead of imagining him indebted to her for any service she could render, she considered herself infinitely indebted to him for the disposition he had given her.
We should also impart liberally of what we possess. If any be disposed to set aside her example as singular, and not intended for our imitation, we appeal to similar conduct in the Churches of Macedonia ; where, in the midst of deep poverty, they abounded unto the riches of liberality ; and gave, not only according to their power, but even beyond their power, being willing of themselves, and praying the Apostle with much en- treaty to be the distributor of their almse. We may indeed be foolishly prodigal in giving where the occasion does not require it : but, if we have really an eye to the honour of God, we need fear no excess. Many may proudly talk of giving their mite; but we shall not find many that will really do it : but the more we can deny ourselves for God, the more acceptably shall we serve him.]
3. How to act on the present occasion f —
d "Ready . . . willing." See 1 Tim. vi. 18. and 2 Cor. ix. 7.
e 2 Cor. viii. 2—4.
f If this be the subject of a Charity Sermon, a comparison may here be instituted, between the occasions for exertion ; and the urgency of the particular occasion be insisted on. It may also be stated, that, if carnal sacrifices were offered to God by means of the contributions in the one case, the spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving will abound in the other. It may also be suggested, that the Lord Jesus has his eye upon the treasury, and is observant of every one, to mark, both what he gives, and by what motive he is actuated : and that he will bear testimony to our liberality in the day of judgment, and confer on us a reward proportioned to it. 2 Cor. ix. 6.