Wills and Legacies
441
and death, let each ask himself the question, “How much do I owe my
Lord?” and then let your grateful offerings be in accordance with your
appreciation of the great gift of heaven in God’s dear Son.
[485]
In determining the proportion to be given to the cause of God,
be sure to exceed, rather than fall short, of the requirements of duty.
Consider for whom the offering is to be made. This recollection will
put covetousness to flight. Only consider the great love wherewith
Christ has loved us, and our richest offerings will seem unworthy of
His acceptance. When Christ is the object of our affections, those who
have received His pardoning love will not stop to calculate the value
of the alabaster box of precious ointment. Covetous Judas could do
this; but the receiver of the gift of salvation will only regret that the
offering has not a richer perfume and greater value. Christians must
look upon themselves only as channels through which mercies and
blessings are to flow from the Fountain of all goodness to their fellow
men, by whose conversion they may send to heaven waves of glory in
praise and offerings from those who thus become partakers with them
of the heavenly gift.
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