NUMBER III. ON BENEFICENCE. While pity thus her virtuous aid employs, IN justice to the kind-hearted VIRGINIA, and the benevolent virtues of her soul, the tribute of praise, due to her disinterested conduct, should not be withheld. May the recital of her noble generosity stimulate others to a similar line of conduct. She had been the companion of Katharina's youthful days, had shared her vicissitudes in the meridian of life, and was now resolved to be the partner of her griefs and comforts in retirement. She had no debt of gratitude to pay-no selfish ends in view; attachment to her old friend, and the affection she felt for her children, alone instigated her to support them in their trials, and to testify the sincerity of her regard by her constancy. She dealt not in professions, but followed the dictates of a liberal and honest heart. Mark, then, the difference between words and actions. Virginia could weep with the unfortunate-be moved with compassion even for a brute in distress-and fly to the relief of pain wherever it came within her knowledge. Her feelings were manifested by actions, not by words. Without weeping aloud, she would dry up the tear of sorrow. No extravagant exclamations burst forth to denote her sympathy;-no hysterical affections were displayed' to betoken her tenderness. Without talking of her sensibility, her christian virtues shone conspicuously. True Christianity softens the heart, directs the conduct, and shews itself in benevolence, charity, compassion, and all the relative duties of this life. The affectation of it displays itself in empty sounds and seldom produces a gracious act; though it frequently calls forth unmerited applause, from those who are led into a belief that the professing saint is all that he appears to be. And it is by no means uncommon, to see those who can pour forth a torrent of eloquence in declaring their inability to render a service at the critical moment, and make a reserve of a donation by attaching an if or a but to their unmeaning promises, gain more credit with half the world, than many whose honest sensibility propels them to acts of generosity without so much as letting the object of their concern suspect that they are moved. But superficial observers are too apt to suffer their understanding to be imposed upon by specious prétences, and to close their senses against unassuming virtues. Let it not be suspected, however, that Virginia's liberality was thus requited, when she withdrew herself from the busy world to be the solace of her friend in retirement. No;-Katharina's heart was in unison with her own, and she knew as well how to receive a benefit as Virginia did to bestow one. Without Virginia's friendship she would have been lost; for she not only shares her affections, but her whole fortune; by which means she has the satisfaction of seeing her daughters, as they grow in loveliness, improve in mind, and attain the most useful acquirements. Virginia assists in their education, and debars herself of many indulgencies, to contribute to their support and instruction. "I will do what I can for you, my friends, while I live," is her constant maxim, "and not cause you to rejoice at my death, by leaving you to enjoy that which I cannot take with me!" Thus she heaps upon them everlasting obligations, and keeps alive a warm affection; and will no doubt be rewarded in her old age, by the tender assiduities and grateful attentions of her amiable protegées ;-for she has not only given them her time, her counsels, and regard; but has increased their knowledge, added to their accomplishments, and, without making the least reserve against accidents or the infirmities of age in this life, consoles herself with doing the will of her heavenly Father, and heaping up treasures in heaven, when the riches of this world shall be lost in the general D wreck. Thus, in spite of the privations she necessarily undergoes to effect the good purposes of her benevolent disposition, she feels an inward satisfaction that gladdens her heart as she reflects on the happiness she administers; and that to do good and distribute, are sacrifices with which God is well pleased. Such reflections more than compensate, she cheerfully declares, for the inconveniences she suffers by what the more worldlyminded would call an improvident generosity. But this might be a too hasty surmise! There is a charm in benevolence of so powerful a nature, that while it works upon the sensibility of those on whom it is exercised, gives peace and satisfaction to those who practice it; and relieves them, in a great measure, from the weight of worldly cares to which every human being is subject. It expands the heart, frees it from all selfish views, and disposes it to enter into the griefs and joys of others. In short, a benevolent mind is one of the greatest blessings bestowed on man. It leads to the constant discharge of social duties; not through ostentation, but for conscience' sake. The person who possesses it, feels a satisfaction within that wealth can never purchase. Our lives may be made happy by promoting the happiness of others, whether we be rich, or whether we be poor. A compassionate feeling for the misfortunes of our fellow-creatures, will prompt us to comfort the afflicted-to instruct the ignorant to correct offenders-and to counsel the ungodly ;-deeds that will serve as letters of credit when we reach our destination, and contribute to make us happy in the mansion prepared to receive us at the end of our journey, though we may experience but little benefit from them in this nether world. Can advantages of a sublunary nature be put in competition with these? Reader, reflect if such considerations be worth attending to; and let not the ingratitude of man arrest thy charity, check thine hospitality, or retard the generous purposes of thy soul. The recording Angel will fly with the register of thy deeds to heaven, and there thou wilt meet a just reward! |