thing is prepared." [31]

"The Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow," [32]--"the
poor that are cast out" [33]--these were Israel's special charge under
the law. But the gospel gives deeper work.

"When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy
brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also
bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a
feast call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind; and thou shalt be
blessed, for they cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed
at the resurrection of the just." [34]

The Lord dates the note of payment far ahead, but indeed I think he is
better than his word, and deals out much coin as we go along; it is such
wonderful pleasure to fill an empty cup! This is "recreation," true and
sweet; for of all the refreshments from one's own toil and sorrow, I
think ministering to other people is about the best.

I have said nothing--is it needful to say aught?--of the Bible rules for
_behaviour_ at a feast. One is ready to imagine that _Christians_ do
only that which is "lovely, and of good report." Yet notice a few things.

"They love the uppermost rooms at feasts," [35] was spoken of the
Pharisees; but to his disciples Christ said: "Whosoever will be chief
among you, let him be your servant." [36]

"When thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room." [37]

Other things follow close and easily upon that.

"Be courteous."--

"Let your moderation be known unto all men."

"Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do it all to the
glory of God."

And to people with hearts so set, that other vexed question of dress will
be easy; for all will be "clothed with humility";[38] and the spotless
garments will so far outshine the pearls and costly array, that no one
will miss them, nor wish them there.[39]

[1] I Cor. vii. 29.

[2] Job vii. 6.

[3] I Pet. i. 17.

[4] Rev. iii. 22

[5] Gen. xxi. 8.

[6] Gen. xxix 35.

[7] Gen. xix. 3.

[8] Job i. 7.

[9] I Sam. xx. 6.

[10] Gen. xxvi. 30.

[11] II Sam. iii. 20

[12] I Sam. xxv. 26.

[13] Judges ix. 27.

[14] Dan. v. 1.

[15] Isa. v. 12.

[16] Titus ii. 12.

[17] Gal. v. 21.

[18] I Pet. iv. 3.

[19] Ps. cxix. 63.

[20] I Cor. v. 10.

[21] I Cor. x. 27.

[22] I Cor. x. 28.

[23] Luke v. 29.

[24] Luke v. 29.

[25] Matt. x. 25.

[26] Eph. v. 4.

[27] I Cor. ii. 8.

[28] John