so great a degree, upon these occasions, and likewise in the late necessitous time, even amongst persons far from being blameless in other respects; this cannot but afford hopes, that we are not given over by Providence, and also that they themselves will at length consider, and not go on contributing, by the example of their vices, to the introduction of that distress which they so commendably relieve by their liberality.
To conclude: let our charity towards men be exalted into piety towards God, from the serious consideration, that we are all his creatures, a consideration which enforces that duty upon our consciences, as we have any regard to him. This kind of adjuration, and a most solemn one it is, one often hears profaned by a very unworthy sort of people, when they ask relief for God's sake. But surely the principle itself, which contains in it everything great, and just, and good, is grievously forgotten among us. To relieve the poor for God's sake, is to do it in conformity to the order of nature, and to his will, and his example, who is the Author and Governor of it; and in thankful remembrance, that all we have is from his bounty. It is to do it, in his behalf, and as to him. For "he that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord," Prov. xix. 17. And our Saviour has declared, that he will take, as given to himself, what is given in a well-chosen charity. Matt. xxv. 40. Lastly, It is to do it under a sense of the account which will be required of what is committed to our trust, when the rich and poor, who meet here upon terms of so great inequality, shall meet hereafter upon a level, before Him who "is the Maker of them all."
