Of Brotherly Kindnefs and Charity. 23 3 pretender to charity. But I proceed to con- SERM. Eider, IX. Secondly, The obligations we are under to the pratice of this excellent duty. And the firfl I (hall mention, is taken from the con - fideration of ourfelves. If we enter into a ferious reflection on the conftitution of our own minds, we fhall find they are fo framed as to be under an almoft neceffary determina- tion to the exercife as well as the approbation of charity ; and if there be any part of the work of God's law written in our hearts, it is this. There is fuch an inftind of bene- volence and compaffion to the afflicted of our own kind planted in every human breaft, that fcarcely the ftrongeft prejudices or molt powerful habits of wickednefs can overcome. By this facred bond God has linked us together, and (hewn his gracious care for the common advantage and happinefs of all the nations of men which he has made of one blood to dwell on the earth. Let any one look into the workings of his own heart when a pitiable obje& is prefented to him, and try whether he does not feel fomething within which calls him to ftretch forth his hand for the relief of the diftreffed ? if it is not with violence to himfeif that he can illut
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