She was in the first place POOR--poor in the extreme; for when she cast in "two mites" it was "all her living" Poverty is helpless. It does not possess the means of alleviating its own distresses, much less of assisting others to any considerable extent. "Wealth," says Solomon, "maketh many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbour"--separated by his neighbour's _selfishness_, who is too much occupied with his own concerns to cast his eyes beyond the narrow limits of personal interest--separated by his neighbour's _insensibility_, whose heart is often cold and motionless to pity as the stone which paves his doorway--separated by his neighbor's _avarice_, who idolizes gold, and grasps it with unyielding tenacity--separated by his neighbour's _pride_, who looks with contempt upon his unoffending inferior--separated by his neighbour's _servility_, who flatters greatness even by acquiescing in its unfounded dislike of the poor--ah! "the poor is _separated_ from his neighbour!" You plead poverty as an excuse for disregarding every claim upon you; but are you as destitute as this obscure yet excellent woman, who had but a farthing, and gave it even without solicitation? Be encouraged by recollecting who observes and who can repay you. Indeed the poor of every class were the particular objects of the Saviour's attention during his residence on earth; and he has rendered the tattered garment of poverty respectable by having worn it himself. There is one consideration, above all others, which seems to appeal most forcibly to the inferior classes of society in behalf especially of the cause of Christ, and to urge some, even the smallest donations, to the _treasurer_, of the Christian temple, however incapacitated they may be for other benevolent exertions, namely, that _poverty appears to be the peculiar object of divine complacency and provision._ It is the common condition of the people of God, who "hath _chosen_ the poor of this world, rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him." The vale of poverty seems to be the favourite walk of celestial mercy. Here she distributes her charities--here she spreads her table--here she sends her ministers of grace. It was here the Saviour "went about doing good." The discourses he delivered were adapted to the poor--he consulted their capacities, instructed their minds, felt for their circumstances, and relieved their necessities. Whom others despised he honored--whom others forsook he sought--whom others suffered without a sigh to perish, he supplied, and comforted, and saved!