August 8

"The fruit of the Spirit is goodness."—Galatians 5:22

WE still find ourselves in the garden of the Lord, under the tree of grace, admiring the verdure of its leaves, the beauty of its blossoms, and the rich clusters of its fruits. Consider

THE OBJECTS TO WHICH THIS GRACE IS DIRECTED.

The relief of temporal distress. "Goodness" shows itself not only in endeavoring to relieve those cases that come under our immediate attention, but in seeking out the scenes of misery and hovels of wretchedness that would otherwise be hidden from our view.

The communication of spiritual good. What means and opportunities have we for this, in teaching in the Sabbath School, and thus being the instruments of imparting moral and spiritual instruction to those who are ignorant and out of the way; in the distribution of tracts, and other methods for the diffusion of knowledge. What an honor to be the means of winning souls to God, to Christ, and to heaven!

It is Divine in its source. This fruit is the product of a tree that does not grow in nature's soil. It is very different from that good nature which is exercised by those who are not the subjects of grace. God is angry with the wicked every day, yet he suffers his sun to shine, his breeze to blow, and his rain to descend on them. He is both the source and pattern of all true benevolence.

It is disinterested in its nature. The pulse of Christian philanthropy beats in the hearts of comparatively few. This principle does not seek a recompense, nor court applause; the pleasure derived, and the reward received, are in the act itself, not from the expectation of any advantage to be obtained. True benevolence courts secrecy, instead of sounding a trumpet.

It is impartial in its character. It is not to be exercised under the influence of caprice, or regulated by the feelings of prejudice. It does not refuse objects of need, because they happen to belong to another section of the church than that with which it is connected. It does not ask, before it proffers its aid, what sect or party does he belong to, but simply inquires what is his need.

It is persevering in its exertions. Resembling not the lightning's flash, but the untiring course of the sun, Ecclesiastes 11:6. What a contrast is there between the benevolent Christian and the selfish worldling! The one grasps the world in the arms of his benevolence, the other has all his thoughts and desires centered in himself.