_Christian Duty to the Poor._--1. It is frequently the lot of those who are rich in grace to be poor in the things of the present life, and driven into such straits as to be forced to live upon some charitable supply from others, God seeing it convenient hereby to wean them from worldly contentments that heaven may be more longed after and more sweet when it comes. 2. Though those who are our own poor, within the bounds where we live, are chiefly to be relieved by us, yet in cases of extremity the poor who live remote from us are also to be supplied. 3. Ministers ought to press upon the people, not only duties which are easy and cost them nought, but also those that are burdensome and expensive, especially that they would willingly give of those things they enjoy for the supply of others who want.--_Fergusson._ _The Poor Representative of Christ._--One evening at supper, when one of the boys had said the grace, "Come, Lord Jesus, be our Guest, and bless what Thou hast provided," a little fellow looked up and said, "Do tell me why the Lord Jesus never comes. We ask Him every day to sit with us, and He never comes!" "Dear child, only believe, and you may be sure He will come, for He does not despise our invitation." "I shall set a seat," said the little fellow, and just then there was a knock at the door. A poor frozen apprentice entered, begging a night's lodging. He was made welcome, the chair stood empty for him, every child wanted him to have his plate, and one was lamenting that his bed was too small for the stranger, who was quite touched by such uncommon attentions. The little one had been thinking hard all the time. "Jesus could not come, and so He sent this poor man in His place: is that it?" "Yes, dear child; that is just it. Every piece of bread and every drink of water that we give to the poor, or the sick, or the prisoners for Jesus' sake, we give to Him."--_Memoir of John Falk._ _Remembrance of the Poor recommended._ +I. The nature of the assertion.+--1. Remember the work of the poor. 2. The deprivations of the poor. 3. Our remembrance of the poor should be founded on a personal acquaintance with their circumstances. "Indeed, sir," said a person of large property, "I am a very compassionate man; but to tell you the truth, I do not know any person in want." He kept aloof from the poor. +II. Obligations to comply with the recommendation.+--1. The dictates of humanity require it. 2. The demands of duty. 3. The rights of justice. 4. The claims of interest. +III. Answer objections.+--Such as: 1. My circumstances are impoverished and I have nothing to spare. 2. Charity must begin at home. 3. I have a right to do what I will with my own. 4. The poor do not deserve to be remembered.--_Beta._ _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.--Verses_ 11-21. _A Fearless Defence of Fundamental Truth--_