Volunteers.
"And the people blessed all the men that willingly offered themselves," etc. A large part of the work done for the good of the community is done by volunteers—men and women who ': willingly offer themselves" to do what in the abstract has no more claim on them than on others; and do it gratuitously. This is especially seen in the various departments of service in connection with religion and charity. Church officers, Sunday-school teachers, visitors of the poor, etc. Amount and value of their labours. Imagine them to cease! Notice—
I. WHENCE VOLUNTARY DEVOTEMENT TO PARTICULAR CHRISTIAN SERVICES SPRINGS. It may, doubtless, arise in some cases from unworthy motives; but we speak of true Christian willingness as directed towards this or that branch of service.
1. Earnest piety and benevolence in general (see on Nehemiah 3:20). Without which no service is truly Christian.
2. Felt aptitude and ability for the work chosen. Well is it when this feeling is not a delusion, and the willing are really the able; well also when the able are the willing, and so the work is not left to pious incompetence.
3. Special inclination for it. Which may arise from the congenial nature of the work, or the associations to which it introduces, or the special opportunities it is believed to afford for getting as well as doing good.
II. THE REWARD OF THOSE WHO DISPLAY IT.
1. The commendation of others. "The people blessed," etc. The expectation of this should not be a principal motive, if only to prevent disappointment. For though a measure of it is usual, it is not always bestowed; and the opposite treatment is possible. Some who will do nothing themselves occupy themselves in reflections on those who are employed in good works. Others, however, will commend; some from hearty appreciation—the appreciation of gratitude from those who receive benefit, of sympathy from those of like mind, who are themselves at work, or who would, but cannot, devote themselves to such service, and rejoice that others both can and will. Commendations of less value will perhaps come from another quarter, i.e. from some who are too selfish or indolent to do their part; but feel more at ease in their negligence from knowing that others are generous and active. To praise them is felt as all but equivalent to cooperating with them, and it is a great deal cheaper. If commendation from others is altogether wanting, there will be—
2. The pleasure of doing good. That satisfaction which springs from a sense of doing our duty, that delight which is inseparable from the exercise of benevolent affections, and that which arises from the perception of good done.
3. Personal benefit. Growth in goodness and nobleness. Increased likeness to Christ and to God.
4. The Divine commendation and recompense.