At least so we
may suppose, for they are ready to make such answers here on earth; and
therefore, we may suppose that if they dared, they would answer so at the
day of judgment. One party would--or at least might say, "Yes, Lord, I
knew that whatever I did to the poor, I did to Thee; and therefore I did
all I could for the poor. I started charitable institutions, I spoke at
missionary meetings, I put my name down for large sums in every
subscription list, I built churches and chapels, schools and hospitals; I
gained the reputation among men of being a leading philanthropist,
foremost in every good work."
What answer the man who said that would receive from the Lord, I know
not; for who am I that I should put words into the mouth of my Creator
and my God? But I think that the awful majesty of the Lord's very
countenance might strike such a man dumb, ere he had time to say those
vain proud words, and strike his conscience through with the thought,
Yes, I have been charitable: but have I been humane? I have been a
philanthropist: but have I really loved my fellow-men? Have I not made
my interest in the heathen whom I have not seen, an excuse for despising
and hating my countrymen whom I have seen, if they dared to differ from
me in religion or in politics? I have given large sums in charity: but
have I ever sacrificed anything for my fellow-men? I have given Christ
back a pound in every hundred--perhaps even out of every ten which He has
given me: but what did I do with the other nine pounds save spend them
on myself? Is there a luxury in which a respectable man could safely
indulge, which I have denied myself? What have I been after all, with
all my philanthropy and charity, but a selfish, luxurious, pompous
personage? an actor doing my alms to be seen of men? I did my good works
as unto Christ?--No; I did them as unto myself--to get honour from men
while I lived, and to save my selfish soul when I died.
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