December 29

When thou, doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.—Matthew 6:3.

DO I always bear in mind that the property I hold, is not mine, but God's; and that I am but his steward, and soon to give up my account to him? And when I give is it to please him, as well as from a feeling of sympathy for others who may be in need? Do I watch against selfishness and self-conceit; against ostentation in giving, which is but another form of pride; and against covetousness, which is idolatry? Do I remember that for all I have and do I must answer at the judgment?

God grant that my bounty may be a clear and transparent river, flowing from pure charity, and uncontaminated by self-love, ambition, or interest. What are the paltry gifts for which others forget to thank me, compared with the blessings for which I have so often forgotten to thank God!—GOTTHOLD.

We might somewhat marvel what the apostle Paul should mean, to say that "covetousness is idolatry," if the daily practice of men did not show that, whereas nature requireth God to be honored with wealth, we honor, for the most part, wealth as God.—HOOKER.

In all thy thriving still misdoubt some evil,

Lest gaining gain on thee, and make thee dim To all things else. Wealth is the conjurer's devil,

Whom when he thinks he has, the devil hath him. Gold thou mayest safely touch; but if it stick Unto thine hands, it woundeth to the quick.

—HERBERT.