stand forth for our relief? Should we not think it reasonable, that their exertions should rise in proportion to our necessities, and that they should almost literally fulfil the precept in our text, the man who had two coats imparting to us who had none, and that he who had meat should do likewise ? Let us adopt for our principle the golden rule, and " Do unto others, as we would they should do unto us."]
3. What our blessed Lord and Saviour has done for us —
[This is the consideration which St. Paul himself suggests in reference to this very point x. O consider, " how rich he was" in the possession of his Father's glory ; and how "poor he became," " not having so much as a place where to lay his head," but dying under the curse that was due to our sins. Consider too what his object was ; namely, that we, who deserved to be in hell without a drop of water to cool our tongues, might through his poverty be rich, and possess all the glory of heaven. Does such love as this require no return ? When this very Saviour tells us, that what we do unto the least of his brethren, he accepts as done to himself, shall we think any requisition hard, or any sacrifice too great ? Truly, not only our property, but even our life itself, may well be sacrificed for himy ; and we should account ourselves happy in proportion as we have an opportunity to advance his glory in the world.]
But instead of dwelling any longer on the general reasonableness of this precept, we will proceed to notice,
III. Its suitableness to the present occasion —
[Rarely, if ever, has greater occasion for charitable exer- tions existed than at present2 Now therefore we might
justly call upon you to comply with our text almost in the literal sense. But, waving that, we must urge you to adopt
the principle that is there inculcated and to bear in
mind, that " he who soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly, and he who soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Let every man do according as he is disposed in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity ; for God loveth a cheerful givera." Do not however forget the important distinctions with which we began the subject. It is to glorify Christ, and to shew the sincerity of your love to him, that we invite you; — not to pur- chase heaven by your alms. Bear that in mind ; and God will not forget it in the day of judgment.]
x 2 Cor. viii. 9. y 1 John hi. 16. Acts xxi. 13.
z Here the particular occasion should he opened at considerable length. a 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7.