a despicable reward ? But consider how such benefactors are loved by the objects whom they relieve ; " how greatly they are longed after for the exceeding grace of God in them." How do the poor people count the hours, and almost the minutes, when these kind friends are expected to arrive ! Truly this is a great honour from the Lord, and an unspeakable comfort to those who have rendered themselves so respected and beloved.]
3. The honour of the Gospel —
[Of this also the text particularly speaks. These kind offices are regarded both by God and man as a " professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ." The Gospel expressly requires these offices of love. " Pure religion," we are told, " is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction :" and again it is said, " Bear ye one another's burthens, and so fulfil the law of Christ^." When therefore these offices are performed, the Gospel appears, in its true light, a religion of love.
And here we cannot but observe, how such conduct in the professors of the Gospel is calculated to silence all its enemies. Many cry out against the Gospel as inculcating faith only, and leading its advocates to neglect good works. But where shall we find among the enemies of the Gospel such institutions as these ? where shall we find that a regard for the souls of men forms a leading feature in any charity of theirs? It is under the Gospel only that these institutions flourish ; and no sooner does any one receive *' the truth as it is in Jesus," than he delights to aid such institutions to the utmost of his power. Truly this is most honourable to the Gospel : and that which so adorns the doctrine of God our Saviour, must needs be itself worthy of universal support.]
4. The glory of God —
[Doubtless it is not in the power of man to add any thing to the glory of his God. Yet, inasmuch as these institutions lead men to acknowledge the providence of God, and to adore him for his gracious interposition in their behalf, they may be justly said to advance the glory of God. And this view of the subject is repeatedly mentioned both in the text and context^. The visitor may possibly, in the first instance, be regarded as the sole source of the benefit conferred : but his instructions soon lead the grateful person to behold the hand of God, and to render thanks to Him as the true and only source of good. Then the benefactor is viewed in his true light, even like the angel sent by God to deliver Peter from his prison : but God is viewed as " the Author and Giver of the gift." Then
*-' Jam. i. 27. ^ Gal. vi. 2. e See 2 Cor. viii. 19. and ver. 11.