When the wealthier crowd had left the place,
A needy widow, with dejected face,
Offerd her two poor mites, twas all her store,
And blush'd, and inward sighd she had no more.

THE WIDOW AND HER TWO MITES.

Not unconcern'd did this our Saviour see,
But prais'd the widow's generous poverty.
The rest but their superfluous wealth had thrown,
Nor would their coffers miss it when 'twas gone.

"THERE came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing." (Mark xii. 42.)

Our Lord, when finally about to leave the temple, sat down over against the treasury, into which the people put money for defraying the expenses incurred for the services of the temple. He saw several rich persons giving large sums; at length a poor widow put in two mites, which make a farthing, and he declared that "she had cast in more than all the rest." Their larger donations were only a part of their superfluities, and bore no proportion to their abundance; she cast in all her living,

having nothing left. All she had to depend upon was what she might earn by her labour, or receive as alms. Doubtless our Lord saw that she did not do this out of singularity, or in expectation of praise or reward, but in dependence on the Divine promises and providence.

From this humble offering, remember that what we rightly give for the relief of the poor, and the support of God's worship, is consecrated to God; and our Saviour approves with pleasure whatever we have in our hearts to give to the relief of his poor members, or for his service. He sees every hand that is stretched out for such purposes. Pounds were little to the rich; two mites were all to her. Christ judged of the offering by the intention of the giver, rather than by the amount of the gift. The poorest are able to perform works of kind

ness, and can exercise charity according to their means. "Blessed is he that considereth the poor and needy: the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble." (Psalm xli. 1.) Let us also not forget that Jesus still sees how much, and from what motives, men contribute. He looks at the heart; he observes what principles they act upon, and what their views are in giving alms; and whether it is done unto the Lord, or only to be seen of men. He approves of liberality in the rich; they should apportion a part of their wealth more than they generally do, to works of piety and charity; but it should be done in simplicity. If objects of charity do not present themselves that require so much, they ought to inquire them out, and to devise liberal things. Nor should they be flattered that their gifts will atone for any ungodliness or personal