down from heaven: we must not then think, that it is the business of _clergymen_ only to carry on the work of salvation; but must remember, that we are engaged in the same business, though not in the same manner. ¹ 1 Cor. xii. 2. V. Had the _poor widow_ thought herself excused from taking care of the treasury; had she thought it belonged only to the _rich_ to contribute to it, she had lost that great commendation which our Saviour bestowed upon her. Now, it may be that some widows are so very poor, as not to have so much as a _mite_ to give to the treasury, who must therefore content themselves with the charity of their hearts; but this can never happen in the business of salvation. Here no one can be so poor, as not to have a _mite_ to contribute towards it. For no circumstances of life can hinder us from being _examples_ of piety, and making our lives a _lesson_ of instruction to all that are about us. And he that lives an exemplary life though his state be ever so _poor_ and _mean_, is largely contributing to the salvation of others, and proving himself the _best_ follower of his Lord and Master. VI. This therefore is the first great instance in which we are to follow the example and spirit of our blessed Saviour. He came to save the world: we must all consider ourselves as called to carry on this _great work_. For how can we think ourselves to be his _followers_, if we do not follow him in that for which he came into the world? How can we be like the Saviour of the world, unless the _salvation_ of the world be our constant care? We cannot save the world as he saved it, but we can contribute our mite towards it. _How knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thine husband? Or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife¹?_ This shews plainly, that _all persons_ may have a share in the salvation of those that are near them, and that they are to consider themselves as expresly called to this great work. For the apostle uses it as the same argument both to husband and wife; which supposes that it is a business in which one is as much concerned as the other. The _woman_ we know is not allowed to speak in the _church_, yet is she entrusted with _some share_ in the salvation of the world; she is supposed equally capable of saving the husband, as the husband of saving the wife. Now what is here said of husband and wife, we must extend to every _state_ and relation; _brothers_ and _sisters_, _friends_ and _neighbours_, must all consider themselves as called to the salvation of one another. How knowest thou, O _sister_, whether thou shalt save thy _brother_? How knowest thou, O _man_, whether thou shalt save thy _neighbour_? Is a way of thinking that ought never to be out of our minds. For this would make brothers and sisters bear with one another, if they consider, that they are to do that for one another which Christ hath done for the whole world. This reflection would turn our anger toward