6

have rendered to mankind, or to religion; if this be done solely and entirely for the purposes you specify, of obviating calumny, of exciting others to follow your example, and increasing your power of doing good, there seems nothing in it to blame. But if it be merely to gain applause, it is certainly contrary to the true spirit of the Gospel, which forbids all ostentation, both in the distribution of alms, and in the exercise of every other Christian virtue.

"In regard to the last point you touch upon the liberality of the rich towards the poor-it ought undoubtedly to be proportioned to their wealth; and they should rather exceed than fall short of the strict line of duty. They should give

with a willing heart and a liberal hand.

Charge them,' says the Apostle,

that

are rich in this world, that they do good; that they be rich in good works; ready

to

to distribute, willing to communicate ; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may attain eternal life.' But it is not said here or any where else, that I can recollect, that the rich are to deny themselves necessaries. The young man in the Gospel indeed is commanded, if he would be perfect, to sell all that he had and give to the poor;' and the first Disciples had all things in common.' But no one, I believe, thinks, that we are now obliged, or called upon by our duty, or by any principle of Christianity, to do either of these things. Neither, I apprehend, are we now required to part with necessaries, in order to relieve the poor. If we do, it is without question highly commendable; but it is no where required as a duty. It is out of their abundance, that is, their superfluities, that St. Paul directs the rich Corinthians

your case, that need give you any serious uneasiness or alarm. Although we should all aim at the very highest point of perfection in the Christian temper and character, yet too many of us, God knows, must expect to fall short of it, some in a greater, some in a less degree; and there must be many grievous errors and defects even in our very best services; yet these we hope will be forgiven, and our imperfect efforts accepted through the merits of our Redeemer. In our Father's house, we are told, are many mansions, and different gradations of happiness. Some will be rewarded with more and some with less, according to the different progress they have made in Christian excellence; but no humble, serious, conscientious Christian, who sincerely wishes and strives, as far as he is able, to devote his heart and life principally to God; who is supremely and habitually governed

by

by a desire to know, and a disposition to do his will, and endeavours, under the influence of these motives, to live as much as possible to his glory; who, though he cannot arrive at the perfection he aims at, in his sentiments and feeling, affections and actions, yet uses his utmost efforts to come as near it as he can; and in the meanwhile sees and deplores and labours to correct his failings,—no such pious Christian as this will, I humbly conceive, be excluded from the kingdom of Heaven, and from some share, whatever that may be, of future recompense."

In this admirable answer to a perfectly unknown and anonymous correspondent, exclusively of the kindness of the motive, which could alone induce him to write it, there is such a total absence of the wildness of enthusiasm; the advice is so judicious, so truly sound and scriptural; and it offers so much substantial

your case, that need give you any serious uneasiness or alarm. Although we should all aim at the very highest point of perfection in the Christian temper and character, yet too many of us, God knows, must expect to fall short of it, some in a greater, some in a less degree; and there must be many grievous errors and defects even in our very best services; yet these we hope will be forgiven, and our imperfect efforts accepted through the merits of our Redeemer. In our Father's house, we are told, are many mansions, and different gradations of happiness. Some will be rewarded with more and some with less, according to the different progress they have made in Christian excellence; but no humble, serious, conscientious Christian, who sincerely wishes and strives, as far as he is able, to devote his heart and life principally to God; who is supremely and habitually governed

by