PERILS.

In conclusion, I turn another way. The whole question of the increase
and investment of money is a very solemn and searching one for the
Christian, clerical or lay. There are holy men who say that we ought in
no degree to "lay up." While I reverence their meaning, I do not agree
with them. Yet I do most deeply feel that their warnings raise a
danger-signal in a direction opposite to that which we have been
viewing, but equally important. Some of my younger Brethren have already
a private competency; others may be expecting one.

*"WHEN RICHES INCREASE."

To others, gifted in one way or another for marked acceptance in the
Church, posts are, or will be, offered which even in these days bring a
good income, perhaps a growing one. Take heed unto thyself. It is with
deep significance that the Word of God bids us not set our heart upon
riches _when they increase_. [Ps. lxii. 10.] It is often observed, I
fear, that a man's readiness to give diminishes in proportion to his
power for giving. There is a subtle fascination for many minds, and
among them for minds generous at first, in an access of possessions; the
thirst for more sets in, however imperceptibly, and perhaps the
Christian, perhaps the Pastor, has become--before he knows it--covetous;
caring a good deal for money. Let us take heed unto ourselves.[13]

[13] I cannot help relating a pathetically amusing remark I once heard
in a Dorsetshire cottage. I had looked in on the good housewife in the
course of a long walk, and she was telling me about the needs and
straits of a recent time of illness. The aged Vicar of the large and
thinly-peopled parish was a well-to-do man, and not at all unkind in
meaning and manner. But he never gave alms, or indeed material help of
any kind. "Poor Mr ----," said the cottager, with the kindliest
_naivete_, "he never _do_ give away anything. There, _I suppose it be
his affliction_."

"LAY NOT UP FOR YOURSELVES."

I am sure that the Gospel has no censure for modest comforts and for
simple refinements. I am sure that it bids the Christian, whether Pastor
or not, "_provide_," look beforehand, with a view to save needless
anxiety and disadvantage both for himself and yet more "for them of his
own house." [1 Tim. v. 8.] But I am equally sure that it commands us
even more emphatically not to lay up treasure upon earth; not to make
the sad mistake of thinking that the work of life is to get. Rather may
ours be the spirit of a nobl