cultivate to the uttermost a spirit of benevolence ; remembering the example which he himself had set them, and bearing in mind that saying of our Lord, of which he had so often reminded them, namely, that " it was more blessed to give than to receive." Happily for us, St. Luke was inspired to record in the history of St. Paul, what he, and all the other Evan- gelists had omitted in their histories of Christ. And the very circumstance of its being so providentially preserved, may well render it an object of our most attentive regard.
Let us consider then, I. The grounds of this declaration —
That the man who lessens his property by giving, should, by that very act, become more truly blessed than the most destitute person can be made by re- ceiving, appears a paradox that cannot be explained. But to evince the truth of it, we shall point out some particulars, wherein the act of giving is manifestly more blessed than that of receiving —
I. It calls forth more noble feelings — [The feelings of him who receives in a becoming manner, are by no means despicable. Gratitude is a very refined and dignified sensation ; and, when ennobled by a view of God's hand, and an acknowledgment of his overruling providence in raising up to us a benefactor, it becomes one of the noblest exercises of tbe human mind. Yet we must confess, tbat the donor has the advantage of the receiver in these respects : for generosity and compassion are more elevated sentiments than gratitude, inasmuch as they have in them less of what is selfish, and originate, not in any pei-sonal gratification, but solely in the wants and miseries of a fellow-creature. Moreover, if the donor be in a right spirit, he will act altogether with a view to God's glory: he will consider himself simply as God's agent or steward ; and, instead of admiring himself on account of what he does for God, he will bless and magnify his God for employing him in so honourable a service. Would we form a just idea of the feelings of a good man discharging the duties of benevolence; let us paint to ourselves the sensations of the angel who was sent to strengthen our Saviour after his conflicts with all the powers of darkness0. Did he receive with joy the
c Luke xxiii. 43.