God? But I think that the awful majesty of the Lord's very
countenance might strike such a man dumb, ere he had time to say those
vain proud words, and strike his conscience through with the thought,
Yes, I have been charitable: but have I been humane? I have been a
philanthropist: but have I really loved my fellow-men? Have I not made
my interest in the heathen whom I have not seen, an excuse for despising
and hating my countrymen whom I have seen, if they dared to differ from
me in religion or in politics? I have given large sums in charity: but
have I ever sacrificed anything for my fellow-men? I have given Christ
back a pound in every hundred--perhaps even out of every ten which He has
given me: but what did I do with the other nine pounds save spend them
on myself? Is there a luxury in which a respectable man could safely
indulge, which I have denied myself? What have I been after all, with
all my philanthropy and charity, but a selfish, luxurious, pompous
personage? an actor doing my alms to be seen of men? I did my good works
as unto Christ?--No; I did them as unto myself--to get honour from men
while I lived, and to save my selfish soul when I died. God be merciful
to me a sinner! That such thoughts ought to pass through too many
persons' hearts in this generation, I fear is too certain. God grant
that they may do so before it is too late. But it is plain, at least,
that these are not the sheep of whom Christ speaks.

Again, there are another, and a very different kind of persons, who we
have a right to fancy, would answer the Lord somewhat thus: "Oh Lord,
speak not of it. It may be I have tried to do a little good to a poor
suffering creature here and there; to feed a few hungry, clothe a few
naked, visit a few sick and prisoners. But Lord, how could I do less?
after all that Thou hast done and suffered for me; and after Thy own
gracious saying, that inasmuch as I did anything to the least of Thy
brethren, I did it to Thee. What less could I do, Lord?--and after all,
what a pitifully small amount I have done! Thou did'st hunger for me--
for whom have I ever hungered? Thou did'st suffer for me--for whom have
I ever suffered? Thou did'st die for me--for whom have I ever died? And
I did not--I fear in the depth of my heart--do what I did really for
Thee; but for the very pleasure of doing it. I began to do good from a
sense of duty to Thee; but after a while