The work of beneficence is twice blessed. While he that gives to the needy blesses others, he himself is blessed in a still greater degree. The grace of Christ in the soul is developing traits of character that are the opposite of selfishness,-traits that will refine, ennoble, and enrich the life. Acts of kindness performed in secret will bind hearts together, and will draw them closer to the heart of Him from whom every generous impulse springs. The little attentions, the small acts of love and self-sacrifice, that flow out from the life as quietly as the fragrance from a flower--these constitute no small share of the blessings and happiness of life. And it will be found at last that the denial of self for the good and happiness of others, however humble and uncommended here, is recognized in heaven as the token of our union with Him, the 83 King of glory, who was rich, yet for our sake became poor.

Godgørenhedens gerning bringer en dobbelt velsignelse. Medens den, der giver til de trængende, velsigner andre, velsignes han selv i en endnu højere grad. Kristi nåde i sjælen udvikler karaktertræk, der er egoismens modsætning egenskaber, der vil forskønne, forædle og berige livet. Venlige handlinger, som udføres i ubemærkethed, vil knytte hjerter sammen og drage dem nærmere ind til hans hjerte, fra hvem enhver god tilskyndelse udgår. Den lille opmærksomhed, de små handlinger, der skyldes kærlighed og selvopofrelse og udstrømmer fra livet lige så stille som blomstens duft udgør en ikke ringe del af livets velsignelser og lykke. Og det vil engang vise sig, at selvopofrelse for andres bedste og lykke, selv den ubetydeligste og hernede mest upåagtede, bliver anerkendt i himmelen som tegn på vor forening med ham. Herlighedens konge, der var rig, men for vor skyld dog blev fattig.