may certainly conclude from these general prophetic declarations, that amongst those who shall go out of this world approved of God, no temper of mind will be found which will greatly disturb their felicity. Yet so feeble is the virtue, so small the attainments of many whom we cannot but put in this number; that it would seem that some further discipline, though it will not be of the hazardous kind, will be necessary to the greater part; and this we may be assured of, that all the virtuous and benevolent dispositions, which we are put upon acquiring here, will not be lost, but will contribute to our happiness, by being drawn forth and exercised in some way or other.

II.

We may in the next place examine in what manner our compassion should exert itself.

And here we must be particularly careful that it does not terminate in the mere act of pity; but stir us up, to our ability, to help those who are the wretched objects of it.

The apostle James, where he is exposing the vanity of faith without works, touches this point in a very lively and natural way;

(ii. 15, 16.) "If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food; and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, and be warmed, and filled, notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body,what doth it profit?"

Those, to whose circumstances that fine saying of our Lord's suiteth: "that it is more blessed to give than to receive," (Acts xx. 35.) those who have ample means and opportunity, should not turn away from real objects of want, where they can be helpful to them. They should search out the truly necessitous, modest poverty that shuns the public eye, the friendless, unknown, destitute, neglected, and overlooked by others.

There are instances on record, in different countries and times, and many more still buried in oblivion, and known only to that eye which seeth all things, and in whose book they are written, of those who have secretly and uniformly conveyed support to the miserable beings that fill our prisons for debt, and to others in deplorable want, but who have chosen to let their names never be known, contented with his approbation alone, who seeth what is done in secret.

And

And yet in many cases, it is not only right and becoming, but even necessary, for encouragement to others, that generous efforts for the relief of human misery should not be concealed. In these points, without anxiety or needless scruples, every one is to follow the guidance of his own mind and heart.

In some persons, that sorrow, or painful feeling, to which alone we sometimes give the name of pity, wears away, by mixing much with miserable objects. They are less affected with such spectacles. This is seen in those who attend hospitals and often visit the sick.

But then in virtuous minds, the actual desire of giving relief, and exertion of themselves for this end, increases, in proportion to the number of the unhappy whom they see. They have greater readiness, presence of mind, and willingness to help them. And this disposition, those who are cast into such situations should be attentive to cultivate and strengthen.

In like manner as it is observed in those who are often called to attend persons in a dying state. In serious and good minds, the sensible apprehension of dying, by having death continually before their eyes, is much

lessened ;

lessened; they behold it with much indifference in others, and are less affected with the thought of it for themselves: nevertheless their practical regard to it, the habit of always acting with a view to it, is much increased and confirmed.

III.

At every turn the thoughtful mind sees cause to admire the wise disposal of Providence in all things belonging to this passing state in which we are placed.

And in this view we perceive the excellent moral and spiritual advantages of a compassionate disposition, which brings the sufferings of others home to ourselves.

If we experienced no pain, either in our own persons or from seeing the miseries of others, we should be in danger of becoming vain, selfish, and worthless beings. We stand in need of such painful monitors to bring us to serious reflection, and that sobriety of mind which becomes creatures who have so much depending on themselves and their own conduct, who are here today, and tomorrow go hence and are no more seen.

Scenes

Scenes of woe, which we behold, and interest ourselves to alleviate or remove, remind us of our own frail uncertain condition, of what may be soon our own lot; for none can plead exemption from the stroke of calamity and suffering. They point out, as in a mirror, what we are, what we came into the world. for, what kind of being we may be intended for hereafter, and how best be fitted for it.

And when we see, as we often see, the good afflicted and distressed, sometimes beyond the common rate of others; by serious reflection we are brought to own that mysterious dispensation of divine providence in visiting his creatures, with suffering, to fit and prepare them for greater happiness in a future state.

This the Apostle to the Hebrews most aptly and beautifully remarks to his persecuted countrymen, (xii. 5, 6, &c.) "Ye have forgotten the exhortation, which speaketh unto you as unto children; My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure

chastening,