Of Brotherly Kindnefs and Charity. 24 t moral perfeuions of the Deity, and doing SERM. the things which pleafe him. If we be- IX. lieve his amiable excellencies, and have an efteem and reverence for him in our hearts, we muff be convinced that it is very defirable, nay, and the greateft perfetion we are ca- pable of, to be as like him as the frailty of our nature will allow ; and that to be ap- prov'd by him in our actions muff be a great happinefs, and molt worthy of us continually to purfue. Now, if godlinefs imports a dif= pofition to imitate God, then certainly it will dire us to charity, for thereby we fhall re- femble our heavenly father, who is good unto all, and his mercies are over all his works. Nothing appears more evident to a confide - rate mind than the divine bounty. What a multitude of creatures depend upon him, and he gives them that which is convenient for them ! The earth and the fea are filled with the riches of his liberality; in them are innumerable living things, which all wait on him that he may give them their meat in due jeafon; that which he gives them they gather; he opens his hand, and they are filled with good. The human race are his particular care. How wonderful is that provifion which kind providence continually makes for us ? V L. II. R All P-.
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