3. Every true Christian will resemble Christ in doing good —
[Though some things which our Lord both said and did are not proper for our imitation, because they were peculiar to his office, yet many things were done by him on purpose that they might be imitated f; and, in respect of the general tenour of his conduct, it is our bounden duty to follow him8. A de- light in doing good must above all things evidence itself in all his people. We might as well think ourselves his Disciples while committing the grossest crimes, as while living in an habitual want of benevolent affections. Our Lord himself has warned us, that the issue of the final judgment will depend on this very point. If for his sake, we have abounded in every good word and work, we shall be received by him with plaudits;
c Acts ix. 34. f John xiii. 14, 15. s 1 John ii. 6.
but if not, we shall be banished from him with tokens of his heaviest displeasure11.
Let all of us then approve ourselves his true Disciples by our resemblance to him in condescension, diligence, and self-denial. By nothing will he be so much glorified, or our sincerity evinced, as by this. O that we might all be henceforth known by this character, They go about doing good /]
4. The institution before us is worthy of most liberal support1."
h Matt. xxv. 34 — 46.
1 Whatever the occasion be, whether for a Benevolent Society, or a Spital Sermon, or any other, it should be here stated, and, in a way of comparison or contrast, be recommended.