Gold Nugget 300 - Coals Put Together

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      The languid and unemotional, the cold and calculating, however they may pride themselves upon their justice and reasonableness, are not the people who do the good, the benevolent work of the world.  It is good to be zealously affected in a good cause. …

      We are members one of another, and it is not desirable, it is not possible, for any person, for any community, to be indifferent to the welfare of others.  And the conduct of each has some influence upon the conduct of others.  It is not easy to be zealous when all around are unconcerned and inactive, whilst, on the other hand, the spectacle of zealous devotion and self-denial is stimulating and encouraging. …

      It cannot but be acknowledged that emulation may lead to ostentation.  Who can question that the motive of some givers to charitable and religious institutions is impure?  One wishes to excel another, for the pleasure of triumphing over him, or of cutting a more important figure in the eyes of his fellow-men.  And thus the true motive is lost sight of, and a moral injury is wrought. …

      We may learn from the case of others what may be done where there is consecration, self-denial, and prayerful effort.  Our apathy may be rebuked, our flagging benevolence revived.  It is when the coals are not only kindled, but put together, that the fire burns clear and bright, and gives forth its genial warmth.

 

The Pulpit Commentary, II Corinthians p. 225, II Corinthians 9: 2, (R. Tuck)

 

Gold Nugget 300

Coals Put Together

 

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