short, was one of great usefulness, and a rich blessing to multitudes whom he aided in the world. BENEVOLENCE, OF FINLEY.-"It is true I have but little to give," said Dr. Finley to an agent who was asking aid to build a church in a destitute region; "but I consider it a privilege and an honor, so far as the Lord allows, to have something, if it be but a single nail, in every edifice going up for Christ." BENEVOLENCE, OF MRS. GRAHAM.-Mrs. Isabella Graham made it a rule, to appropriate a tenth part of her income to charitable and pious purposes. Having, by à sale of land, made a profit of a thousand pounds, and so large a profit being new to her, "Quick, quick," she cried, "let me appropriate the tenth before my heart grows hard!" What distrust of self! What fidelity in duty, and to her stewardship! BENEVOLENCE, OF LADY HUNTINGDON.-Lady Huntingdon, with an income of only some twelve hundred pounds, did much for the cause of religion. She erected chapels, aided ministers, and was constantly doing good to the poor. A minister and a gentleman from the country having once called on her, the latter, when he came out, exclaimed, "What a lesson! Can a person of noble birth and nursed in the lap of luxury, live in such a house, so meanly furnished, and shall I be surrounded with luxury and elegance? Henceforth I shall hate my house, my furniture, and myself, for spending so little for God, and so much in folly!" BENEVOLENCE, OF OBERLIN.-The well known Oberlin, reading one day about the tithes required of the Jews under the Mosaic system, was so struck as to resolve, from that moment, to devote three-tenths of all he possessed to the service of God and the poor. The resolution was no sooner made than put into execution, for whatever Oberlin conceived to be his duty to do, he conscientiously and without delay set about doing it. From that period to the end of his life, even during the most calamitous seasons of the revolution, he faithfully adhered to his plan, and often said he abounded in wealth! BENEVOLENCE, OF THE DUCHESS OF VENTADOUR.—During a scarcity, nearly approaching to famine, which prevailed in France, produced by the dreadful severity of the preceding winter, the Duchess of Ventadour, who had, on account of her exemplary character, been appointed governess of the infant king, Louis XV., not only gave away all her revenue, but, in addition to this, borrowed 80,000 francs to relieve the poor. Her steward remonstrated with her saying, that she passed all the bounds of prudence; but she meekly replied: "Let us give always, and even borrow, while it is necessary, to save the poor from death; we shall never want, neither I nor my family; in my station there is no great hardship in trusting to Providence." BENEVOLENCE, OF THOMAS MANN.-While it is gratifying to see Christian excellences displayed by all ranks of persons, it is peculiarly pleasing to see them shown by the lower classes. Thomas Mann obtained the whole of his money as a sculler on the river Thames, in which occupation God prospered him. Here he showed great liberality. We are assured that many instances of his kindness were so literally done in secret, that they were never known beyond the objects whom they benefited. His charity was so universal, so constantly and daily practiced, that the detail of it would be as monotonous as it was unceasing: a few anecdotes only will be related, and a few of the methods detailed, by which, with all humility, he "let his light shine before men," and by which those who come after may be led to "glorify his Father which is in heaven." He gave liberally after charity sermons, and always lamented seeing persons pass the plate without contributing. "They love a cheap gospel," he would say. He had not courage to enter a place of worship at which he was unaccustomed to attend, unless the sermon was to be followed by a collection; "And then," said he, "I can enter boldly." Be tween the hours of service, he would often walk up and down the streets, instead of going home; and if he saw any persons who seemed to suffer silent distress, he would accost them in a kind manner, inquire into their circumstances, and administer relief where it seemed to be required. For this purpose he always put a quantity of silver into his pockets on Sunday mornings. He used to say that when we have enough for ourselves, we ought still to continue our business that we may have to give to others. He frequently purchased boats for poor watermen with families, or parted with his own when half worn out, sometimes receiving payment from them by installments, according to their ability. He never prosecuted for the recovery of a debt, or received interest upon any sum borrowed of him. Equally frequent were the cases in which he relieved the aged and infirm, by little weekly stipends, as a method of adding to their comforts; the occasionally distressed, by sums of money proportioned to the emergency of their circumstances; those who were out of work, by employing them and paying them for what he gave them to do. In this manner he furnished a poor man, who asked alms at his door, with a quantity of religious tracts, one of which he was to leave at every house in the neighborhood, and then remunerated him for his trouble. Sometimes his stock of matches, bought of the poor, would so accumulate, that he would furnish the baskets of other necessitous persons from his store. He was once seen going up to a poor boy, who sat by the side of Tower Hill, and after wiping his naked feet with a handkerchief, putting on them a new pair of shoes and stockings, which he had provided for the purpose. Many, whom he assisted with articles to sell in the street, were so struck with his generosity, as to declare they could not trouble him any more: some, for whom he had procured employment, would wait on him to return thanks for the comfortable circumstances in which they found themselves placed. He was in the habit of giving half a crown at a time to poor industrious ་ men, remarking, that it was to get them something to eat for the morrow. This he was accustomed to do on a Saturday night: according as God had prospered him, he was able to distribute; and the gift was calculated to remind poor persons of the approaching Sabbath, and lead them to prepare for it. BENEVOLENCE, PROMPT.-The benevolent Dr. Wilson once discovered a clergyman at Bath, who, he was informed, was sick, poor, and had a numerous family. In the evening he gave a friend fifty pounds, requesting him to deliver it in the most delicate manner, and as from an unknown person. The friend said, "I will wait upon him early in the morning." "You will oblige me, sir, by calling directly. Think of what importance a good night's rest may be to that poor man." BENEVOLENCE, PROMPT IN ADVERSITY.-The late Mr. Thornton was applied to, by a respectable clergyman, for some pecuniary assistance. Mr. Thornton having listened to his story, immediately gave him a draft for fifteen pounds. Whilst the grateful clergyman was still with him, the post letters arrived, and Mr. Thornton begged him not to go till he should see if he had received any news which might interest him. He began, accordingly, to read one of his letters, and, after a considerable pause, said to his friend: "Here is a letter conveying bad news indeed: I have lost a very valuable ship, and certainly my loss can not be less than £20,000. You must return me that draft, my dear sir; and to prove that I do not deceive you, read the letter which I have just received." What could the poor clergyman do? He recalled to mind the condition of his starving and sickly wife and children, and anticipated the grievous disappointment which his returning from Mr. Thornton without assistance would occasion. However, with a heavy heart, he handed the draft to Mr. T., and betook himself to read the letter, by way of concealing his distressed countenance. He soon perceived the loss was even greater than Mr. T. had mentioned, and all his hopes died away. In the mean time Mr. Thornton had been writing, and when the letter was returned to him, he said: "You see, my dear sir, how unpleasantly I am situated; however, here is another paper which I desire you will put in your pocket. The poor, hopeless clergyman took it, and opening it, found a draft for fifty pounds. He looked at Mr. T., as if doubting the evidence of his senses; but Mr. T. replied: "My dear sir, as the Almighty seems determined to deprive me of that wealth which he gave, and which he has so good a right to take away, I must be speedy, therefore, to give while it is in my possession." - BENEVOLENCE, REWARDED, AND THE WANT OF IT PUNISHED.— Some years ago, a poor lad came to London, in search of a situation as errand-boy; he made many unsuccessful applica tions, and was on the eve of returning to his parents, when a gentleman, being prepossessed by his appearance, took him into his employment, and after a few months, bound him apprentice. He so conducted himself during his apprenticeship, as to gain the esteem of every one who knew him; and after he had served his time, his master advanced a capital for him to commence business. He retired to his closet with a heart glowing with gratitude to his Maker for his goodness, and there solemnly vowed that he would devote a tenth part of his annual income to the service of God. The first year his donation amounted to ten pounds, which he gave cheerfully, and continued to do so till it amounted to £500. He then thought that was a great deal of money to give, and that he need not be so particular as to the exact amount: that year he lost a ship and cargo to the value of £15,000 by a storm! This caused him to repent, and he again commenced his contributions with a resolution never to retract; he was more successful every year, and at length retired. He then devoted a tenth part of his annual income for several years, till he became acquainted with a party of worldly men, who by degrees drew him aside from God: he discontinued |