the destitute, as having a claim upon us for all the aid that we can reasonably afford them out of the provision which God has made for us. We should look upon our property as a trust committed to our charge, to be improved for God, and to be accounted for to him in the day of judgment. And, if the demands upon us be urgent, we must not on that account give grudgingly or of necessity, but rejoice that God has entrusted us with talents for such a blessed user. As to the comfort arising from such an use of our property, it is beyond all comparison greater than any that can arise from personal indulgence : we entreat all therefore to seek their happiness in making others happy, and to tread in the steps of Him, who impoverished himself that he might enrich uss, and submitted to the most cruel death that we might inherit eternal life.]
Address —
1. Those who are afflicted —
[Those who are most dear to the Lord, are often the most afflicted. This was particularly the case with the mother of our Lord : and we are told in general, that " whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." It is possible too that he may bring us into troubles, from whence there appears not any probable method of escape ; but he knows the fittest time to interpose in our behalf. He might have arranged matters for his mother long before : but he would not ; because he knew what would be on the whole the fittest season. Thus then let us wait the Lord's leisure, and be strong in faith, giving glory to him : and if at any time we be tempted to fear that he has forsaken and forgotten us, let us instantly check the dishonour- able thought ; believing that, though it is possible that a mother should forget her sucking child, it is not possible that He should ever be unmindful of us4: nay, if, like Mary, we be brought into troubles for his sake, we shall receive from him " an hundred-fold in this world, and in the world to come eternal life"."]
2. Them that are at ease —
[If you were under the heaviest pressure of affliction yourselves, it would be no reason for being indifferent to the afflictions of others: but if God has been pleased to screen you from trials, you should be the more earnest in " bearing the burthens of others, that you may thereby fulfil the law of Christ x." Remember, that sympathy is one of the finest feel-
' If this were the subject of ;i Charity Sermon, the particular claims of the Institution pleaded for might be stated here.
s 2 Cor. viii. !>. ' Isai. xlix. M— 1G.
" Mark x. 29. 30. x Gal. vi. 2.
1725.1 OUR saviour's death. 185
ings of our nature, and exceedingly fitted to purify us from our remaining dross. Cultivate it then, and value every opportunity of exercising and strengthening that principle in your souls. It is said by Solomon, that " it is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting :" and this witness is true. Nothing tends more to create in us a thankful heart, than the seeing of the miseries to which others are exposed. Are you then, like John, disciples beloved of your Lord? — endeavour to tread in the steps of John : and if, with Peter, you are confident that you feel in yourselves a love to Christ, then comply with the command of Christ, and " feed his lambs, and feed his sheep y."]
y John xxi. 15 — 17.