reducing themselves to a level with the lowest, that all might be supplied with " food convenient for them^"
Another instance we have, in the churches of Macedonia, who, " in a trial of great affliction, and in the midst of deep poverty, abounded unto the riches of liberality;" exerting themselves, " not only according to their ability, but beyond it," to supply their distressed brethren in Judaea '^.
Thus should it be with us, when any great and extraordinary difficulty has arisen : our spirit should rise to the occasion : and, if we cannot emulate that glorious example, we should at least be ready to comply with the exhortation of the Baptist, "He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none ; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise ^"]
Doubtless this disposition is amiable : but how shall we determine, II. To what extent it should be exercised ? —
With respect to the disposition itself we do not hesi- tate to say, that it admits of no limit whatever —
[There is not a person in the universe who is not called to exercise it. The mechanic, or the labourer, should exert him- self, according to his ability, to relieve others ; he should " labour, working with his hands, not to support himself merely, but that he may have to give to him that needeth^." _ Even the widow that has but two mites, may yet exceed in her liberality all her opulent neighbours s. The very person that receives relief, may yet pant for an opportunity to afibrd it to others : and, in that case, God, who sees his heart, will accept the will for the deed : " for, if there be first a willing mind, it shall be accepted according to that a man hath, and not accord- ing to that he hath not^." Nor is there any assignable limit to the degree in which the disposition should be exercised. The only hmit that can be mentioned (if it may be called a liniit^ is, to be " merciful, even as our Father which is in heaven is merciful \"]
But the precise manner in which it should be exer- cised must be regulated by circumstances. It must vary according to,
1. Our own means and abilities —
<= Acts iv. 32 — 35. ^ 2 Cor. viii. 1—4.
*> Luke iii. 1 1. If the occasion of the sermon be very pressing, it might be here stated to advantage.
f Eph. iv. 28. g Mark xii. 41—44. ^ 2 Cor. viii. 12.
' Luke vi. 36.