opinions of men, than those whom we consider our rivals.
Those, who possess this desire, and at the same time feel a haughty
spirit towards those, whom they consider in the humble walks of life,
are certainly not the men, who are entitled to our esteem, nor are
they to be looked up to, as examples of magnanimity. So far from
possessing true greatness of soul, or being entitled to veneration,
they are certainly below those whom they affect to despise. A truly
great and good man has no desire to dazzle, but to be useful in the
world. He sees the miseries under which thousands groan, and desires
to relieve them, but with no wish to be considered great for
discharging those duties of kindness and humanity. But it is a
lamentable consideration, that too many, in performing those acts of
mercy, seek to stand on an eminence above the crowd they wish to
benefit, and proclaim their intentions to men through the loud
sounding trumpet of fame, but, at the same time, will not even stoop
to converse with the very beings they profess such a warm desire to
aid. Every thing must be done on a high scale, and in the manner they
dictate, otherwise they have no wish it should be done at all. It is a
matter of regret, that this spirit, so desirous of minding high
things, has been carried into the sanctuary--in fact, has been carried
to the solemn gates of death--yes, even into eternity.

We have witnessed what are commonly called "revivals of religion," in
which two or more denominations united, apparently, heart and hand.
They publicly declared, that as they saw their fellow creatures
exposed to the burning wrath of God in the future world, they had no
motive in view, but their conversion and escape from that awful doom--
that it was, to them, a matter of indifference with what church they
united themselves, provided, they would only repent and turn to God.
All this passed on well till the reformation ceased. The next thing,
to be determined, was, what doctrine do you believe, and what church
will you join? This was a trying point, and its settlement filled them
with animosity towards each other. And why? Because each desired the
honor of converting them to their faith, and of bringing them into
their church, or else, that they should not be converted at all.
Though this has been done by some, yet it is no evidence, that all
will do this, or even approve it. There are those, who, we believe,
are actuated by nobler motives than in the cause