and of benevolence to man, than from all the selfish gratifica- tions that wealth can ever purchase. But besides the present satisfaction arising from these sources, there is a full confidence in the soul that God himself will minister to our necessities in the time of need1, and an assured hope of his approbation in the day that he shall judge the world. Not that there is any thing meritorious in works of charity, or that they shall go before us to procure for us an entrance into heaven : but " they will follow usk" as evidences of our faith and love, and be brought forth before the universe for special approbation and reward. God has pledged himself, that " what we give to the poor he will regard as lent to him, and that he will repay it again1;" not even a cup of cold water being forgotten, but every the smallest act of kindness being " recompensed at the resurrection of the justm."]
Such then being the duty of the rich in relation to their wealth, I come, in conclusion, to address to them a solemn charge respecting it — Brethren, if I were addressing you as persons igno- rant of Christ and of his salvation, I should, notwith- standing I come as an ambassador from God himself, and speak to you in Christ's stead, be satisfied with the language of entreaty ; and should " beseech you, in Christ's stead, to be reconciled to God." But since ye profess to have believed in Christ, you acknow- ledge your obligation to fulfil his will : and therefore, instead of beseeching you to make this use of your property, I solemnly charge you, or, as the word is elsewhere translated, "command'''' youn, to comply with his injunctions in respect to these things.
1 . If you would approve yourselves upright before God, fulfil ye this duty —
[Guard against the snares of wealth. Mark the operation and effect of riches upon your mind. See whether they pro- duce a haughtiness of spirit, or a complacency of mind, as if they could afford you any substantial comfort : and beg of God that you may, to your latest hour, be as lowly as the poorest of men, and as dependent upon your God as are the ravens, which subsist by his providence from day to day. Remember, that God is a jealous God ; and that a departure from this line of conduct will subject you to his heavy dis- pleasure0.
1 Ps. xli. 1—3. k Rev. xiv. 13. ' Prov. xix. 17.
ra Luke xiv. 14. " 1 Tim. iv. 11. ° Mark x. 23, 24.