And what exertions of benevolence, of compassion, of godlike mercy, had then been totally prevented! Who could then have said to the Lover of men, --
Thy Mind throughout my life be shown,
While listening to the wretch's cry,
The widow's or the orphan's groan,
The poor and needy to relieve;
Myself, my all for them to give
It is the just observation of a benevolent man, --
All worldly joys are less
Than that one joy of doing kindnesses.
Surely in "keeping this commandment," if to no other, "there is great reward." "As we have time, let us do good unto all men;" good of every kind, and in every degree. Accordingly, the more good we do, (other circumstances being equal,) the happier we shall be. The more we deal our bread to the hungry, and cover the naked with garments, -- the more we relieve the stranger and visit them that are sick or in prison, -- the more kind offices we do to those that groan under the various evils of human life, -- the more comfort we receive even in the present world, the greater the recompence we have in our own bosom.
~ John Wesley (God’s Love to Fallen Man)
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