But there are other burdens which seem to light “hap-hazard” upon their bearers, incurred by no special misconduct, corresponding with no particular powers and opportunities. There is no reason that can be discerned why _these_ men should have them, and _those_ be free from them. Nay, there seems every reason why it should be otherwise: the back is weak upon which the heavy weight is laid; the understanding is simple which has perplexities to unravel; the life is upright which has been afflicted; the hand is willing which has no work to do. These are the burdens, the “heavy things,” the _grievances_ of which the text speaks, burdens from beneath which the bearers may naturally cry, “Why am I thus?” burdens the beholding whereof from afar should prompt the humble, adoring exclamation, “Why am I _not_ thus?” The last part of the text answers both classes of inquirers. It is, that opportunity may be afforded for fulfilling “the law of CHRIST,” the rule which He set Himself, that in His earthly course He should minister to others, bearing their infirmities, taking on Himself their burdens, supplying their wants, binding up their wounds, healing their sicknesses, and leaving us an example that we should follow his steps; the new commandment that we should love one another as He has loved us, the exercise of that sympathy, for the working of which He made of Himself and Christians one body, binding them to mutual help and dependence, that “whether one member suffer all the members suffer with it, or one member be honoured all the members rejoice with it.” No man ever came into this world, certainly none was ever incorporated in the Christian Church with license or power to live to himself or by himself. CHRIST has constituted us all in Him members one of another. Faculties and gifts He has bestowed on some, which cannot be used but in communicating to others; needs He has created, and burdens imposed, for the relief of which men must look to their brethren. Hence the richly endowed are to hold their possessions in common, and to distribute them liberally according as every man has need; hence the burden of the suffering and oppressed is to be borne by the free. “Here take of my good things,” we are to say to the needy, “for I hold them as a steward for thee. Here, give me of thy evil things, for they are laid upon thee that I may take them off or bear them with thee.” This, brethren, is the law of CHRIST, a law to be observed as holy duty, as blessed privilege, in the full measure of the demand, or at least of the ability to meet it, in the spirit of love.