And shall not we be ready to consecrate our most valued possessions to the service of such a Master? Shall we hesitate to devote to him whatever he claims, or whatever we can bestow? Shall we feel a moment's reluctance to aid his cause by the application of some considerable part of our pecuniary resources to his church and people? He has bequeathed his poor to our care, and it is a solemn charge; neglecting which we shall miss the honor of his final benediction; but fulfilling it, we may indulge the delightful hope that he will recompense even the most trifling attention, and inscribe upon each future crown, in characters visible to the whole intelligent universe, _he_ or "_she_ HATH DONE WHAT SHE COULD." The Poor Widow. Chapter VIII. Account of Christ's sitting over against the Treasury--He particularly notices the Conduct of an obscure Individual--She casts in two Mites--it is to be viewed as a religious Offering--the Ground on which it is eulogized by Christ--the Example honorable to the female Sex--People charitable from different Motives--two Reasons which might have been pleaded as an Apology for withholding this Donation, she was poor and a Widow--Her pious Liberality notwithstanding--all have Something to give--the most trifling Sum of Importance--the Habit of bestowing in pious Charity beneficial--Motives to Gratitude deduced from the Wretchedness of others, the Promises of God, and the Cross of Jesus. Uncharitableness does not seem to have been characteristic of the Jews at any period of their history, who erred rather on the side of ostentation than of parsimony. During the three great annual festivals, the offerings to the temple were very considerable, and of various kinds; although, in the time of Christ, the country was in a state of comparative depression, as tributary to the Roman empire. Many individuals, however, were no less distinguished for their liberality than their opulence. But it is common to be deceived by appearances; and an action which we may estimate as good, may be of little value in the sight of that Being who "searcheth the reins and _hearts_," and who will "give to every one according to their works."