178 NOW OR· NEVER. opportunities: stoop to their infirmities: bear with unthankful frowardness; it is for men's salvation. Remember there is no place for your instructions or exhortations in the grave or ht;ll. Your dust cannot speak, and their dust cannot hear. Up, therefore, and be doing with all your might. 4. Hath God intrusted you with the riches of the world; with many talents or with fe·w;, by which he Iooketh you should relieve the needy, and especially should promote those works of piety which are the greatest charity? Give prudently, but willingly and liberally, while you have to give. It is your gain: the time of laying up a treasure in heaven, and furthering your salvation by that which hindereth other men's, and occasioneth their perdition. " As you have opportunity, do good to all men, but especially to them of the household faith." "Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven and to eight; for thou knowest not what evil may be upon the earth." "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand : for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it. Say not to thy neighbour,"go and come again, and to-morrow I will give, when thou hast it by thee." Lay up a foundation for the time to come. Do good before thy heart be hardened, thy riches blasted and consumed, thy opportunities taken away; part with it before it part with thee. Remember it rnust be now or neve1·. There is no working in the grQ.ve. 5. Hath God in.trusted you with power or interest, by which you may promote his honour in the world, and relieve the oppressed, and restrain the rage of impious malice? Hath he made you governors, and put the sword of justice into your hands? Up then and be doing with your might. Defend the innQcent, protect the servants of the Lord, cher-
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