when "the multitude of them that believed," as recorded in the Acts, 66 were of one heart and one soul;" to the successful efforts of the present period, which has beheld savages laying aside their ferocity, and national enemies embracing one another at the foot of the cross; in every climate, in every stage of civilisation, the disciples of Christ have been distinguished by their mutual love; and the Christian has proved the Christian's friend, the Christian's brother.

Finally, brethren, if the obligation of Christians to the exercise of charity is thus binding, allow me to say, that the claims of that particular charity are peculiarly strong, for which I solicit your aid this morning. Of a public hospital, that may be asserted which cannot be asserted of all charities, that it is impossible it should be so perverted or abused as to produce harm instead of good. In this calculating age, when even begging is a trade, some charities create their own objects: a fact which ought not to stop our hands, or turn away our heads from the poor man :—but may reasonably make us ponder as to the properest methods of giving. An hospital, as we know, is designed to mitigate the pain and the sicknesses to which sin has made our nature liable. Now we can never so effectually relieve

pain and sickness, but they shall still be dreaded and avoided. We may weary the most patient efforts of medical skill; we may exhaust the cup of charity to the dregs; but it will still be thought better to continue in health, than to have health restored; better to be free from pain, than to seek its alleviation. And if health is to all proverbially the highest blessing, how truly is it so to the classes for whom an infirmary is provided; to those whose daily. bread depends upon their daily strength to labour, whose sickness receives few comforts, and whose pillow, if smoothed at all, must be smoothed by the hand of charity. I feel that in behalf of such an institution I may speak boldly; may without scruple remind you of the apostle's words; "He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."

Indeed the annual records of an hospital furnish the strongest grounds for both inward reflection and active exertion.

I find, that during the last year ten thousand persons have been admitted on the books. What an evidence of the calamities by which in this fallen state we are surrounded!

Have any of those here present been afflicted in like manner? Then think how much you stood in need of relief, how highly you prized it, how grievous you would have felt the want of it and let that recollection determine you, whether you will contribute or refuse to contribute, whether you will contribute largely or sparingly.

On the other hand, has God's mercy exempted you from the like affliction? What reason to be grateful! And if you do not show your gratitude by assisting your less favoured brethren, how do you obey the christian precept, and love them as Christ hath loved you

?

The books to which I have referred, suggest one further reflection. Out of the number who sought relief at the hospital, I find that two hundred and sixty died.

This might have been your lot-must be at some time or other; and no one, believe me, on his dying bed, ever regretted the sum which he had subtracted from his own enjoyment to bestow on others. Dying beds, and those who attend them, have borne witness to many lamentations, but never bore witness to any one complaining "I have withdrawn too

much from myself and my family, to relieve the distress around me. I have done too little for myself, and too much for my Saviour."

Learn, from this truth, to expend your money in a way which cannot be repented of. For he that giveth unto the poor, lendeth unto the Lord and look, what he layeth out, it shall be paid him again.”

372

SERMON XXI.

THE BLESSINGS ATTENDING THE CON-
VERSION OF A SINNER.

JAMES V. 20.

He that converteth a sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins.

To convert a sinner from the error of his way, is not the work of man, but of God. Whoever tries it in his own strength, will soon find how limited is the influence, in spiritual things, of one mind over another. The most affectionate persuasion, the most indisputable argument of the most practised orator, can of itself no more convert the heart of man, than the most experienced philosopher can create a world.