humanity, and chooses to reserve all its worthless stock of
pity for fictitious objects, or for those who, in respect of time,
or place, or eminence, are beyond its reach.

For these reasons, I am satisfied that compassion alone,
especially that displayed on occasion of witnessing public
spectacles, is at best but a very weak evidence of philan-
thropy. The only proof that is entirely unequivocal is actu-
al beneficence, when one seeks out the real objects of com-
miseration, not as a matter of self-indulgence, but in order to
bring relief to those who need it, to give hope to the despond-
ing, and comfort to the sorrowful; for the sake of which one
endures the sight of wretchedness, when, instead of giving
pleasure, it distresseth every feeling heart. Such, however
enjoy at length a luxury far superior to that of pity, the god-
like luxury of dispelling grief, communicating happiness, and
doing good.

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