March 2

“But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly,” — Matt. vi. 3, 4.

TO promise is made to those who give to the poor to be seen of men. They have their reward at once, and cannot expect to be paid twice.

Let us hide away our charity; — yes, hide it even from ourselves. Give so often and so much as a matter of course, that you no more take note that you have helped the poor than that you have eaten your regular meals. Do your alms without even whispering to yourself, “How generous I am!” Do not thus attempt to reward yourself. Leave the matter with God, who never fails to see, to record, and to reward. Blessed is the man who is busy in secret with his kindness: he finds a special joy in his unknown benevo lences. This is the bread, which eaten by stealth, is sweeter than the banquets of kings. How can I indulge myself to-day with this delightful luxury? Let me have a real feast of tenderness and flow of soul.

Here and hereafter the Lord, himself, will personally see to the rewarding of the secret giver of alms. This will be in his own way and time; and he will choose the very best. How much this promise means it will need eternity to reveal.