May 4

Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.—Psalms 41:1.

DO I constantly bear in mind that, as to all I possess, I am but God's steward? And as he has commanded, do I thoughtfully and habitually consider the poor? Do I aid them only when their necessities are forced upon my notice; or do I seek out the knowledge of their wants through personal and self-sacrificing efforts? Is my aid given in a kind and sympathizing spirit? And do I seek to do good alike to the body and the soul?

Proportion thy charity to the strength of thine estate, lest God proportion thine estate to the weakness of thy charity. Let the lips of the poor be the trumpet of thy gift, lest, in seeking applause, thou lose thy reward. Nothing is more pleasing to God than an open hand and a close mouth.—QUARLES.

Take care of the poor, and the Lord will take care of you. Liberality to them is the surest and safest way of thriving. Such as practice it may be sure of relief from God in their own time of need.—MATTHEW HENRY.

Give! as the morning that flows out of heaven; Give! as the waves when their channel is riven; Give! as the free air and sunshine are given;

Lavishly, thoughtfully, cheerfully give: Not the waste drops of thy cup overflowing; Not the faint sparks of thy hearth ever glowing; Not a pale bud from thy full roses blowing—

But give, as He gives thee, who gave thee to live!