05 "Blessed are the merciful, cont'd

"Blessed are the merciful, cont’d

4. Works of mercy are to be done in humility. Away with ostentation! The worm breeds in the fairest fruit; and the moth in the finest cloth. Pride will be creeping into our best things. Beware of this dead fly in the box of ointment. When Moses’ face shone, he put a veil over it. So while your light shines before men and they see your good works, cover yourselves with the veil of humility. As the silkworm, while she weaves her curious works, hides herself within the silk and is not seen, so we should hide ourselves from pride and vainglory.

It was the sin of the Pharisees while they were distributing alms that they blew the trumpet (Matthew 6:2). They did not give their alms—but sold them for applause. A proud man ’casts his bread upon the waters’, as a fisherman casts his angle upon the waters. He angles for vainglory. I have read of one Cosmus Medices, a rich citizen of Florence, that he confessed to a near friend of his, he built so many magnificent structures, and spent so much on scholars and libraries, not for any love to learning but to raise up to himself trophies of fame and renown. A humble soul denies himself, yes, even annihilates himself. He thinks how little it is he can do for God, and if he could do more, it were but a due debt. Therefore he looks upon all his works as if he had done nothing. The saints are brought in at the last day as disowning their works of charity. ’Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ (Matthew 25:37-39). A holy Christian not only empties his hand of alms—but empties his heart of pride. While he raises the poor out of the dust, he lays himself in the dust. Works of mercy must be like the cassia, which is a sweet spice—but grows low.

5. Dispose your alms prudentially. It is said of the merciful man, ’He orders his affairs with discretion’ (Psalms 112:5). There is a great deal of wisdom in distinguishing between those who have sinned themselves into poverty, and those who by the hand of God are brought into poverty. Discretion in the distribution of alms consists of two things: in finding out a fit object; in taking a fit season. The finding out a fit object comes under a double notion. Give to those who are in most need. Raise the hedge where it is lowest. Feed the lamp which is going out. Give to those who may probably be more serviceable. Though we bestow cost and dressing upon a weak plant—yet not upon a dead plant. Breed up such as may help to build the house of Israel (Ruth 4:11), that may be pillars in church and state, not caterpillars making your charity to blush. ’Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.’ (Galatians 6:10)

Discretion in giving alms is in taking the fit season. Give to charitable uses in time of health and prosperity. Distribute your silver and gold to the poor before ’the silver cord is loosed or the golden bowl is broken’ (Ecclesiastes 12:6). ’He who gives early, gives double’. Do not be as some, who reserve all they give until the term of life is ready to expire. Truly what is then bestowed is not given away—but taken away by death! It is not charity—but necessity. Oh do not so marry yourselves to money that you are resolved nothing shall part you from it—but death! A covetous man may be compared to a Christmas-box. He receives money—but parts with none until death breaks this box in pieces. Then the silver and the gold come tumbling out. Give in time of health. These are the alms which God takes notice of, and (as Calvin says) puts in his book of accounts.

6. Give thankfully. They should be more thankful who give an alms—than those who receive it. We should give a thank-offering to God that we are in the number of givers and not receivers. Bless God for a willing mind. To have not only an large estate—but a large heart, is matter of thankfulness!