We certainly are not called to perform the same specific act —
[That act arose out of the circumstances of the Church at that time. Some indeed have suggested, that they acted thus from an assured expectation that either they should be speedily dispossessed of their property by the violence of persecution, or that they should ere long suffer the loss of it in the general destruction of the Jewish polity. But such an idea as this divests their conduct of all its excellence ; since it would have been no virtue at all to sell what they knew would soon be taken from them, and to give away what they could not retain. They proceeded on far different grounds from these. Of the multitude who were converted, great numbers came from a distance to the feast, not expecting to continue at Jerusalem more than a few days: but now that they were led to just views of Christianity, they would on no account lose the opportunities they enjoyed of obtaining further instruction from their inspired teachers : of course therefore, unless assisted by others, they must be left destitute of necessary food : and, if necessitated to depend on others who were enemies to this new religion, they could expect but little aid, and would therefore be under a strong temptation to renounce Christianity as soon as they had embraced it. Besides, of those who lived at Jerusalem, many would probably become objects of virulent persecution, so as to be deprived of all that they possessed; and therefore that none might be reduced to abject want, the whole body formed one common stock for the supply of all ; the richer making their abundance a supply for the necessities of the more indigent3. This however was perfectly voluntary on their part; for St. Peter told Ananias that he was under no obligation to part with his property b ; and the whole tenour of Scripture supposes that there must be different ranks and orders of men, who are called to the performance of distinct and appropriate dutiesc.J
But the principle from which they acted is of uni- versal and unalterable obligation —
[Love was the principle by which they were actuated : and it is characteristic of love, that "it seeketh not its ownd:" it puts off selfishness, and seeks its happiness in contributing to the happiness of others. A person under the influence of this principle considers all that he possesses as belonging to God, and as a talent with which he is entrusted for the benefit of mankind. Hence he is " glad to distribute, and willing to
a Compare Acts iv. .'52, 31, .'5.'). '• Acts v. I.
c The command given to the Rich Youth was also peculiar to him. 1 iuke xviii. 22. ct 1 Cor. xiii. 5.