THOMAS BERNARD, ESQ. E seldom see a person, in the course of a prosperous business, stop short, and say, I have enough. We see him more seldom consider his prosperity as a trust conferred by Providence for the good of others; and still more seldom engaging in that line of benevolent action, which is among the most laborious, and the least grateful. Charity is often disposed to open its purse: but rarely to take pains; though a man's time is frequently more useful, than his money. We revere the memory of the late Mr. HOWARD, who sought out misery in jails. But misery is not confined to jails. We bless the benevolent heart, which seeks it in the dwellings of the poor-even in the loathsome cottages of filth and beggary. It was one of the marks of the Christian religion to preach the gospel to the poor: and it is surely another to be attentive to their temporal wants. Indigence is generally thriftlefs. Half the miseries of the lower classes classes of mankind arise from profligacy idleness, or mismanagement. What a bless ing therefore is HE to the lower orders of society, who by active researches collects the several benevolent schemes of a charitable nation into one point: and by pertinent observations shews in what various ways the distresses of the poor may be relieved-how early instruction may induce religious habits -how sloth may be converted into industry -penury into plenty-and mifery into comfort-how the blind also, the lame, and the aged may receive every assistance, of which their condition is susceptible. Thus, my dear Sir, I have drawn a picture, which I present to you. All who are acquainted with the original, will acknowledge the likeness. The following Discourses, which in some degree, I hope, pursue the benevolent plans I have just specified, I beg you will accept; and believe me to be, dear Sir, with the greatest esteem, and respect, Your obliged, And affectionate humble Servant, VICAR'S HILL, September 22, 1800. WILLIAM GILPIN. |