A great minister would not recommend his
sovereign to confer honours on such people; and sensible men would be
glad to see that the resources of the state, in all ways, were dealt with
considerately.

The above reflections are not foreign to the main subject of this essay;
for a government, having at heart the improvement of the labouring
population, or any other social matter, might direct the stream of
honours towards those who were of service to the state in this matter,
and so might make the civic crown what it was in ancient days. Not,
however, that I mean to say that the best men are to be swayed by these
baubles. The hope of reward is not the source of the highest endeavour.

* * * * *

There is a class of persons who interest themselves so far in the
condition of the labouring population, as to bring forward sad instances
of suffering, and then to say, "Our rich men should look to these
things." This kind of benevolence delights to bring together, in
startling contrast, the condition of different classes, and then to
indulge in much moral reflection. Now riches are very potent in their
way; but a great heart is often more wanted than a full purse. I speak
it not in any disparagement of the rich or great, when I say that we must
not trust to them alone. Amongst them are many who use their riches as
God's stewards; but the evils which we have to contend against are to be
met by a general impulse in the right direction of people of all classes.
There are instances where a man's wealth enables him to set forth more
distinctly to the world's eye some work of benevolence, even to be the
pioneer in improvements, which persons of smaller fortunes could scarcely
have effected. In such a case great indeed is the advantage of riches.
But do not let us accustom our minds to throw the burden of good works on
the shoulders of any particular class. God has not given a monopoly of
benevolence to the rich.

What I have just said about individual rich men, applies in some measure
to associations for benevolent purposes. They are to be looked upon as
accessories--sometimes very useful ones--but they are not to be expected
to supersede private enterprise. A man should neither wait for them;
nor, when they exist, should he try to throw his duties upon them, and
indolently expect that they are to think and act in all cases for him.
Wherever a strong feeling on any subject exists, societie