Alms before men.
Almsgiving
I. The duty to which our lord refers. The word in the first verse rendered “alms” is in some ancient copies rendered righteousness; in the second verse it means charitable gifts. Our duty to give of our goods. The gift of alms a deed of justice as well as of mercy; the poor have a just claim on the abundance of the rich.
II. The evils to be avoided in its discharge,
1. We are to avoid the desire of human applause.
2. We are to avoid giving an ostentatious notoriety to deeds of beneficence. It is the empty vessel that cannot be touched without telling it.
III. The manner in which deeds of righteousness and charity are to be performed.
1. Modesty.
2. With a cheerful respect to the Divine precepts.
3. We must aim at the advancement of the honour of God.
4. Act from Christian compassion and fellowship.
5. We must depend on Divine assistance, and ascribe the praise of all to Him who enables us to live to His glory.
IV. The argument stated by our Lord.
1. The futility of ostentatious displays of piety.
2. The promise annexed to their right performance.
3. How jealous should we be of the principle from which we act.
4. Never presume on eternal life from the works of the law. (J. E. Good.)
Purity of motive in religion
When Mrs. Judson read the Lord’s “ Sermon on the Mount “ to the first Burman convert, he was deeply affected. “These words,” said he, “take hold on my very heart; they make me tremble. Here God commands us to do everything that is good in secret; not to be seen of men. How unlike our religion is this! When Burmans make offerings they make a great noise with drums and cymbals, that others may see how good they are. (Anecdotes of the Aborigines.)
Secret philanthropy
Loud, ostentatious, and unprofitable, it was like the brawling, noisy, foaming, frothy torrent, which, with a rock for its bed and barrenness on its banks, makes itself seen and heard. How different genuine, gracious piety! Affluent in blessings but retiring from observation, it has its symbol in the stream that pursues a silent course, and, flashing out in the light of day but here and there, but now and then, is not known but by the good it does-the flowers that bloom on its banks, and the evergreen verdure which it gives to the pastures through which it winds on its quiet path. (Dr. Guthrie.)
Silent philanthropy
Alms should be like oil, which, though it swim aloft when it is fallen, yet makes no noise in the falling; not like water, that sounds when it lights. (Hall.)