30. How will Christ, when he sits on "the throne of his glory," acknowledge the kindness of the saints to his and their brethren? Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (25 Mt. 40.) 31. How should the afflicted be treated? To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed. (6 Job, 14.) 32. What direction has God given as to the widow and fatherless? Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. (22 Ex. 22.) 33. Will God repay the bounty given to the poor ? He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. (19 Pr. 17.) 34. Is sympathy a duty? Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. (12 Ro. 15.) 35. Does Christ require us to deny ourselves in assisting others? We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (15 Rom. 1.) Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (6 Gal. 2.) 36. What blessing did Christ pronounce on the merciful? Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. (5 Mt. 7.) 37. What example of mercy does Christ command us to imitate? Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. (6 Lk. 36.) 38. How does God consider our conduct to the poor as connected with Him? He that oppresseth the poor, reproacheth his Maker; but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. (14 Pr. 31.) 39. Is there sin in despising, and happiness in having mercy on, the poor? He that despiseth his neighbour, sinneth; but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. (14 Pr.21.) 40. What are God's requirements? He hath shewed thee, Oman, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. (6 Micah 8.) -41. Does the care of God andour duty extend to the animal creation? It is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? (I. Cor. 9. 9. and 25 Deut. 4.) A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast; but the tender mercies of the wicked àre cruel. (12 Pr. 10.) 42. Are we required to follow after peace ? Follow after the things which make for peace. (14 Ro. 19.) Seek peace, and ensue it. (I. Pet. 3. 11.) 43. How did Christ bless the peacemakers? Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God. (5 Mt.9.) 44. What blessing will attend those who possess the lovely dispositions thus recommended in God's holy word? Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (II. Cor. 13. 11.) XXI. LOVE OF THE WORLD.COVETOUSNESS.-CONTENT. Love of the world-Ruinous to the soul-Love it not, live separately from it-God will punish lovers of the world -Vanity of the world-Commands against covetousness. -Advantages of content. 1. Is the love of the world ruinous to the soul ? What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or, what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (16 Mt. 26.) 2. Do large possessions always promote happiness ? The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. (5 Eс. 12.) 3. What cautions do the Scriptures give? If riches increase, set not your heart upon them. (62 P.10.) Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. (3 Col. 2.) 4. Can we serve two such opposite masters, as the world and God together? No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon. (6 Mt. 24.) 5. How far is godliness profitable to us? Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. (I.Tim.4.8.) 6. What duty was Titus commanded to impress on the young? Teach the young women to be sober-Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. (2 Tit. 4, 6.) 7. What does the grace of God teach? The grace of God, that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (2 Tit. 11 to 14.) 8. What does St. John say, as to the love of the world? Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (I. Jn. 2. 15.) 9. Does God require us to differ from the world? Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (12 Ro. 2.) 10. Did the apostle glory in being crucified unto the world? God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (6 Gal. 14.) 11. Is the friendship of the world totally incompatible with the love of God? Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (4 Jas. 4.) 12. How did Solomon sum up the total of all mere worldly pleasures? Vanity of vanities, all is vanity. (1 Ec. 2.) 13. What exhortation does Solomon give on this subject? Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. (23 Pr. 4, 5.) I 14. How are we required to use worldly enjoyments ? Use this world as not abusing it; for the fashion of this world passeth away. (I. Cor. 7.31.) 15. What charge was Timothy required to give the rich? Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good; that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate. (I. Tim. 6.17, 18.) 16. What is the tenth commandment ? Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. (20 Ex. 17.) 17. How does the Psalmist pray against covetousness ? Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. (119 P. 36.) 18. How does Christ caution against covetousness? Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (12 Lk. 15.) 19. What is this disposition called ? Covetousness, which is idolatry. (3 Col. 5.) 20. How does the apostle exhort the Hebrews against this sin? Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (13 Heb. 5.) 21. Are piety and contentment preferable to large possessions? Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith. (15 Pr. 16.) Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. (4 Ec.6.) |