we shall need no further incitements to its practice: for every part of that sacred volume is filled with precepts that direct, or examples that inculcate it. The practice of hospitality among the patriarchs, the confidence of Job, amidst his afflictions, arising from the remembrance of his former charity.
The precepts of the prophets, and the conduct of the holy men of all times, concur to enforce the duty of attending to the cries of misery, and endeavouring to relieve the calamities of life.
But surely all further proof will be superseded, when the declaration of our blessed Redeemer is remembered, who has condescended to inform us that those who have shown mercy shall find mercy from him, that the practice of charity will be the great test by which we shall be judged, and that those, and those only, who have given food to the hungry, and raiment to the naked, shall, at the final doom, be numbered by the Son of God amongst the blessed of his Father.
There can nothing more be added to show the necessity of the practice of charity; for what can be expected to move him, by whom everlasting felicity is disregarded; and who hears without emotion, never-ending miseries threatened by Omnipotence? It, therefore, now remains that we inquire,
Secondly: How we may practise this duty, in a manner pleasing to him who commanded it; or what disposition of mind is necessary to make our alms acceptable to God.
Our Saviour, as he has informed us of the necessity of charity, has not omitted to teach us likewise how our acts of charity are to be performed. And from his own precepts, and those of his apostles, may be learned all the cautions necessary to obviate the deceit of our own hearts, and to preserve us from falling into follies dangerous to our souls, while we imagine ourselves advancing in the favour of God.
We are commanded by Jesus Christ, when we give our
