religions, are now overshadowing and blasting the nations.  We should search for distinct knowledge of the intellectual degradation, of the moral corruption, of the oppression, wretchedness, and woe, of the groans uttered, and the tears shed, by the millions now subject to their galling sway, “as for hid treasures.”  Ignorance on these topics, at the present day, cannot be excusable.  The organs of the various benevolent societies come weekly or monthly to our doors, detailing scenes of sottish ignorance, of pollutions and misery, which cause philanthropy to weep.  They are indeed distressing to the feeling heart; and I have sometimes thought there were those, who shrink from the affecting view of a world ravaged, enslaved, and tortured by sin, lest it should work too strongly on their sympathies, and thus forcing the guards of covetousness, open their treasures against their more settled purposes; while others have been too heartless in their investigations.  But this is treason to the Divine government; it is an unwillingness to know exactly our relations, and thus the claims of the human family on our regards.  Such treachery and indifference cannot go unpunished.  Did Christ shrink from contemplating the loathsomeness and woe of our outcast race?  He not only contemplated, he shared our sorrows.  Let every one then survey the world as it is, and let its appalling scenes glare on his conscience.

In the third place, we should hold up before our minds striking examples of benevolence.  God has raised up some with great hearts, who have given bountifully in proportion to their means, to promote his cause.  Such were the poor widow, who gave “all that she had,” the Macedonian Christians, whose liberality exceeded their means, and the King of the Friendly Islands already mentioned.  Such was the late Mr. Goodell of Vermont, who, with a house and farm not estimated at over $1,000, contrived by labor, frugality, and self-denial, to pour his hundreds and tens of hundreds into the treasury of the Lord.  Such were the late Mr. Smith of Hartford and Mr. Cobb of Boston, “the sweet savor” of whose names awakens the kindliest associations, and whom God sustained, made cheerful and happy in all their sacrifices for him.  Such was the aged African of Jamaica.  He had earned, while a slave, ninety-six dollars.  Being afterward emancipated, he came to the missionary, and offered the whole for the service of Christ; and when told it was too much, replied, with the most generous devotion, “No, I want to give it all.”  Such was the poor colored woman, who, while she had no dependence for support but the labor of her hands, gave $60 at one time to educate pious young men for the Gospel ministry.  “When she offered the above sum, the agent refused to receive it all, until pressed by the humble donor, who said that she had reserved five dollars; and that she hoped to earn enough to provide for her wants in her last sickness, and for her funeral.”  This is said to be but a specimen of her liberality; and her hopes in regard to her earthly wants were not disappointed.