7
I hold them as a steward for thee. Here, give me of thy evil things, for they are laid upon thee that I may take them off or bear them with thee." This, brethren, is the law of Christ, a law to be observed as holy duty, as blessed privilege, in the full measure of the demand, or at least of the ability to meet it, in the spirit of love.
We may not refuse when there is a cry for help, and we have it to bestow; we may not plead another's liability to exempt ourselves. We may not give just what we will, when more is wanted, and we possess more, or can get it. We may not excuse ourselves from farther care, where our utmost effort has failed to remove the oppressing load; we have then to add taking to our giving, to go under the burden and help to bear it.
Let these general remarks suffice to introduce and recommend the special appeal which I have to make to you to-day on behalf of your burdened brethren, the distressed operatives of Lancashire.
