←612
←612
Comp. Gregory de Cura Past. Part. i. ch. xi. Mr. Scott states the impression on his own mind on perusing the memoirs of Luther and Melancthon, of the disinterested spirit common to most of the eminent men, employed in the great work of the Reformation. His own applicatory remarks are well deserving of attention—‘Yes, and if we would aspire to be employed with success on such high and holy services, we must become detached more than we are from the interests of this life. Oh! have we not become too given to contrive the means of a good provision, and of maintaining a handsome style of living? This was never the spirit, which wrought great things in the Church of God. Let us beware, lest we fall under the sentence, though in somewhat varied sense—“You have your reward”—in improved circumstances, but in blighted labours.’ Continuation of Milner, vol. ii. pp. 181, 182. The closeness and accuracy of observation of the heathen on this point is very remarkable. They consider freedom from the love or care of money the strongest proof of the influence of Christianity. It was remarked by one of the most intelligent among them, of a native teacher—‘There was only one flaw he discerned—in every thing else he was perfectly brought under the power of the gospel—he was not covetous; but he had a degree of reluctance in parting with his money.’ Swartz’s remarkable usefulness was manifestly connected with his high and uniform standard of personal disinterestedness. See Dean Pearson’s interesting Life of Swartz.