January 19

Do good. - Hebrews 13:16.

GOD not only bestows good upon his people for their own sakes, but blesses some for the sake of others. He looks beyond the immediate possessors of his favours. These he designs shall not only be the subjects of his goodness, but the instruments; not only the recipients, but the diffusers. And how can we neglect to impart relief and comfort to others, which God is so graciously communicating to us:-“Freely we have received, freely let us give”?

It is in this way we may expect to have our mercies blessed, and this is the way also to have them increased. “The liberal soul deviseth liberal things, and by liberal things shall he stand.” The objects of our benevolent regards are numerous. “As we have opportunity, we are to do good to all men, especially unto them that are of the household of faith.” These are the fatherless and the widows, whom we are to visit in their affliction; we have the sick to heal, the naked to clothe, and the hungry to feed. But there are also the careless to awaken, the ignorant to instruct, the vicious to reclaim, and the backsliding to restore. The soul is of supreme importance, and it becomes us peculiarly to aid in supporting those institutions and efforts which have in view the spiritual and eternal welfare of men.

Christians not only see wants and miseries which distress them, but which excite in them a disposition to relieve according to their power; they are delighted to indulge a spirit of benevolence; and, with regard to the extension and promotion of the Redeemer’s cause generally, they will endeavour to be accessory to its advance. And while they will be instant in praying that God’s kingdom may come, and his word may have free course and be glorified, they will be forward in offering their aid, and will rejoice when those prayers are answered.

“Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” should be our anxious and prayerful inquiry; and, if we have prayed for these objects sincerely and earnestly, consistency requires, if we would not be condemned out of our own mouths, that we should be forward to make every sacrifice in our power for these attainments.