This was a powerful intimation, that if those more indigent converts had been so bountiful, what might not be expected from the opulent metropolis of the regions of Achaia? It was also an experiment of their sincerity; for if they were more forward in profession, and more abundant in graces, would it not be an expected consequence, that they should be more abundant in works of charity?

And, finally, not contented with pressing upon them the example of a church of inferior note, he rises suddenly to the sublimest of all precedents. He does not, to them, quote any injunction of their Divine Master to charity, though with such injunctions the Gospel abounds; but in a manner strong, and instant; unexpectedly presses his example, and in the loftiest possible instance *; "for ye "know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, though he was rich, yet for your

"sakes he became poor, that ye through "his poverty might be rich." To what a trifle, to what a nothing, does he, by this admirable turn, reduce the largest pecuniary bounty, by directing their attention to the UNSPEAKABLE GIFT!

To the same purpose he directs his friends at Ephesus, in his last affectionate discourse, to the precept of Christ. After the most powerful exhortations, he alludes to his having himself supplied his necessities by the labour of his own hands, in order to the exercise of charity; and then, lest they should suppose this to be any vaunt of his self-denial,

ther than a declaration made to stimulate his hearers to similar industry, by a similar motive of charity, — he sums up the charge by a most powerful incitement, equal of itself to account for his own generosity, as well as to awaken theirs, producing the only posthumous quotation which Scripture has preserved

preserved of the Divine Instructor, "Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said it is more blessed "to give than to receive."

Another instance of his delicacy is, that in addressing the same people, when he would lower to its just inferiority the value of gifts and miraculous powers in comparison of the more excellent way, he does not directly point at their vanity and self-exaltation, but with a refinement worthy the attention of all censors, he transfers the application to himself- though I (not though you) speak with the tongues of men and of angels; though I have the gift of prophecy and faith; though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and have not charity, I am nothing.

As he thought it necessary in this address to adduce the strongest suppose

*

I Cor. ch. xiii.

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able

able instances, even instances which could not be thought to exist, there was no method which could so effectually expose the radical evil of uncharitableness with so little offence to those who were guilty of it, as to apply the imaginary case to his own person: nor could the most elaborate harangue on the beauty of charity have produced without it so powerful an effect nor would any delineation of all the oppositevices, which were notoriously practised by the proud and sensual Corin thians, have affected them so much, as this beautiful portrait of the heavenly vir tue, in which many of them were eminently deficient, and to whom the picture therefore presented such a contrast.

Yet, while he thus combated their preference of talents which might raise admiration, to those which tended to the general good, he thought proper to let them see, that the inferior value he set on them was not to screen or justify any

ignorance of his own; and that, as is too commonly the case, he did not depreciate learning, because he did not possess it.

After having enjoined on the Thessa

lonians, that it was their duty" to love

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one another, as they were taught of "God," lest it might look like a suspicion rather than a reminding, he encou ragingly subjoins, " and indeed ye do "it." In the same spirit, after saying to the same church, "Comfort your"selves together, and edify one ano"ther," he again intimates that they did not so much require to be instructed as congratulated, by adding, " even as also ye do."

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Again, with a holy generosity, when he has any thing to notice which he can honestly praise, the commendation he bestows is undivided; when any unacceptable point to press, he softens prejudices and courts compliance by mixing himself

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