It is according to nature to be merciful; for no man, that has not divested himself of humanity, can be hardhearted to others, without feeling a pain in himself.

Emulation is a noble passion, as it strives to excel by raising itself, and not by depressing another.

There is far more satisfaction in doing, than receiving good. To relieve the oppressed is the most glorious act a man is capable of; it is, in some measure, doing the business of GoD and Providence and is attended with a heavenly pleasure, unknown but to those that are beneficent and liberal.

It is not in the power of a good man to refuse making another happy, where he has beth ability and opportunity.

He that is sensible of no evil but what he feels, has a hard heart; and he that can spare no kindness from himself, has a narrow soul.

Goodness is generous and diffusive; it is largeness of mind, and sweetness of temper; modest

and sincere, inoffensive and obliging. Where this quality is predominant, there is a noble forwardness for public benefit; an ardour to relieve the wants, to remove the oppressions, and better the condition of all mankind.

No character is more glorious, none more attractive of universal admiration and respect, than that of helping those who are in no condition of helping themselves.

By compassion we make other's misery our own, and so, by relieving them, we at the same time relieve ourselves also.

It is better to be of the number of those who need relief, than of those who want hearts to give it.

Some who are reduced to the last extremities, would rather perish, than expose their condition to any, save the great and noble-minded. They esteem such to be wise men, generous, and considerate of the accidents which commonly befal us. They think, to those they may freely unbosom themselves, and tell their wants, without the hazard of a reproach, which wounds more deeply than a short denial.

That which is given with pride and ostentation, is rather an ambition than a bounty. Let a bene. fit be ever so considerable, the manner of conferring it is yet the noblest part.

No object is more pleasing to the eye, than the sight of a man whom you have obliged: nor any music so agreeable to the ear, as the voice of one that owns you for his benefactor,

The qualifications which render men worthy of favours, are the same which make them desirous to acknowledge them. There may be as much generosity showed in the handsome acknowledgment of a kindness, as their is in conferring of that which deserves such acknowledgment.

It is a good rule for every one who has a competency of fortune, to lay aside a certain proportion of his income, for pious and charitable uses; he will then always give easily and cheerfully.

History reports of Titus, the son of Vespasian, that he never suffered a man to depart with discon tent out of his presence.

it is part of a charitable man's epitaph, What 1

possessed is left to others what I gave away, remains with me.

Cyrus, the first Emperor of Persia, obtained a victory over the Assyrians; and after the battle, was so sensibly touched with seeing the field covered with dead bodies, that he ordered the same care to be taken of the wounded Assyrians, as of his own soldiers, saying, They are men as well as we, and are no longer enemies, when once they are vanquished.

Rutilus, was told in his exile, that for his comfort there would be ere long, a civil war, which would bring all the banished men home again God forbid! said he; for I had rather my country should blush for my banishment, than mourn for my return,

Caius, a nobleman of Rome, who was thrice consul; when he had beaten Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, and drove him out of Italy, he divided the land, distributing to every man four acres, and reserved no more for himself; saying, That none ought to be a general, who could not be content with a common soldier's share; and that he had rather rule over rich men, than be rich himself.

Sesostris, king of Egypt, having his chariot drawn by four kings, who were his captives, one of them had his eye continually on the chariot wheel; whereupon Sesostris asked, What he meant by it? He answered, As often as I behold the turning of the wheel (in which that part which is now lowest is presently highest, and the highest presently lowest) it puts me in mind of our fortune. Whereat Sesostris being moved, gave them their liberty.

The words of Lewis XII of France, showed a great and noble mind; who being advised to punish those that had wronged him before he was king, answered; It is not becoming a king of France to avenge injuries done to a duke of Orleans.

He that is noble-minded, has the same concern for his own fortune, that every wise man ought to have, and the same regard for his friend, that every good man really has. His easy graceful manner of obliging carries as many charms as the obligation itself; his favours are not extorted from him by importunity; are not the late rewards of long attendance and expectation; but flow from a free hand and open heart.