egradation, 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