Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/391

 mend that  charity,  which  ought  to  exist  among  ministers of the  Gospel. " A  brother  that  is  helped  by  his  brother is  like  a  strong  city." (Prov. xviii.  19.)  Reflect  how necessary this  union  is  among  those,  who  are  engaged  in assisting  their  neighbors. What one  collects,  another ought not  to  scatter,  and  that  which  one  builds  up,  another ought  not  to  pull  down. Excite yourself  to  an universal  and  apostolical  charity  for  all  mankind. Observe also, that  these  workmen,  who  are  to  be  employed in the  harvest,  are  to  be  called  and  sent,  by  Christ  or  His legitimate authority,  and  not  to  intrude  themselves  into it without  authority,  or  by  their  own  private  act.

III. Christ gives  four  commands  to  His  disciples, whom He  sends  to  preach  His  Gospel. 1. He  takes away from  them  every  excuse  for  avarice. " Gratis  you have  received,  gratis  give." (Matt. x.  8.)  2. He orders them to  avoid  superfluities. " Do  not  possess  gold,  nor silver,  nor  money  in  your  purses." 3. In  conveniences, He wishes  them  to  use  only  such  as  are  indispensable, 4t Carry  neither  purse,  nor  scrip,  nor  shoes."  4.  Even  in ordinary  necessaries  He  expresses  His  wish  that  they should  confide  in  God  alone,  and  feed  on  what  is  placed before  them  without  seeking  what  is  extraordinary  and particular,  "  eating  and  drinking,  such  things  as  they have." (Luke,  x.)  Meditate  on  each  particular,  and reflect  how  perfect  God  wishes  His  servants  to  be.

I. "  Behold,"  says  Christ,  "  I  send  you  as  sheep  in  the midst  of  wolves." (Matt. x.  16.)    It  is  certainly  an  unheard of  kind  of  warfare,  that  sheep  should  be  sent  to