2 Corinthians 8:24

REFLECTIONS

What a lovely view those Churches of Macedon exhibit, of the real love of Christ, in their hearts, in their liberal attention to the wants of Christ's members. Not only in proportion to their power, but beyond their power, the Apostle testifieth, of their willingness to help them. But Reader! while paying all due respect to those faithful members of Christ's body; look beyond all and every other consideration of charity, to contemplate that unequalled grace of Jesus, who throws back at an infinite distance, all comparison.

Blessed Lord! in the sweet view of the Israelites, gathering day by day of their perishing food; let my soul learn, how to gather every day, and all the day, of that bread, which endureth to everlasting life. Precious Jesus! he that gathers the least of thee, hath that which empires cannot purchase. Lord! give me largely of thy fulness; and even in the smallest portion, I shall have no lack.

Praises to thy great name, 0 Lord! for the sweet discovery thy servant hath here made, of thine inheritance in thy Church. While thou art all the glory of thy people, they are thy glory in giving out of thy fulness. And while they are made everlastingly blessed, and happy in thee, thou art everlastingly glorified in their salvation. Now do I see a beauty in that Scripture, which God the Holy Ghost makes blessed to my view. Thou shalt be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord; and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Amen,