TEXT: MATT. 25:37-40
'Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?//When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?//Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?//And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me'
'Whatsoever is done to the least of man, it is so done to God.' This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance! Let a man so ponder upon this truth as to allow it, by the assistance of God, has a deep impression on his affection; and without doubt, how tender and delicate would he act toward all that he comes across in this life! Let this saying sink into an ear, and universal love would sway the sceptre!
Lord, press this truth upon my heart! Like the constant buzzing of bees; the barking of dogs at midnight, arise and mightily gore my ears with this truth! Amen!
The hungry seen, is thee seen: when fed, is thee that is fed; when grudged a meal, thou art thereby grudged! Grant me to see not men as trees, but to behold thee, yes, thy image in all of woman born! Grant that I grieve, when I approach beggars' junction, and dare not close my bowel of mercy, turning deaf ears to their cries, 'Please just a farthing for my appetite! please, in God's name!' If to the poor I give, to thee I lend, thus witnesses the Holy Book.
As it were, Oh my King, thou art in some prison; thou have gone days without hunger; sick and thirsty! The prisoners, the hungry, the sick and thirsty, you sit in them all: a visit to, food and water for them all, these acts are to thee!
Oh man, thou art in excusable! You can never say, 'I have not seen God!' --- for He is in all you have ever come across! As you would act or carry yourself toward God, thus should you conduct thyself toward every man.
Tender thou my heart;
Mild thou my temper:
May I none smart
Thoughtlessly ever!
Plant in me, a caring,
Loving and right frame;
As cold water, refreshing;
A prop and foot to the lame!
Amen!