Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1842-09-09
For The Vermont PkGnir.
BENEVOLENCE.

SNcIy Conil1eu 10 the human race; Dut, al /
though it is possessed, by both man and
beast, still VIC have reason 20 believe il was
designed for the promotion and happiness of
rational, intelligent, moral and accountable
beings. True benevolencc is one of the
greatest virtues of society, where a commu-
nifty are governed by the principle of doing
good to others and are dictated by true hon
esty and integrity. There we may be sure
of finding pure happiness combined with
joy, peace, and prosperity. There is some
thing connected with a benevolent act, or
an attempt to alleviate the sufierings and dis
tress Of an unfortunate fellow being, which
causes pleasant emotion within the bosom
of the benefactor, which it is in vain for
language to attempt to describe. Benevo-
lence predisposes to dsintcrested kindness
towards our fellow beings, desiring their
happiness; and gives mildness, cheerlulness
and charity in its widest sense to its posses
sor-thereby securing not only the approba-
ton of mankind, but is rewarded by the
smiles Of ALMIGHTY Con, and the rich and
tenlold blessings of Heaven,
Con will reward the grateful heart
That feels for others woes;
And will rich blessings e'er impnrt
Where kind bcnevolence CLOVIS
But let us consider Of what sincere be-
neyolence consists Many arc apt to desig-
nate a benevolent disposition, by the large
amount which they give to charitable pur-
poses, forgetting that the poor widows mite
was more acceptable in the sight of Con,
than the purse Of gold from the rich mans
plenty. IL we receive beautifully of this
worlds goods, then it becomes us, as benev-
oent beings, to give bountifuly; but il we
have but little, then lei US give what we can
give with right heart, and we shall be re-
warded accordingly.
But does true benevolence consist in free
ly giving of what we possess. or does
it consist in chershing kind and az
fectionate disposition, sympathising with
the afflicted, comforting the distressed
dealing honestly, aud paying honest debts,
loving one another with brothcrly love, and
doing unto others as we would be done by.
! Benevolencc is the highest sentiment ex-
listing among animals, and it has noble and
exalted influence upon the character aud
disposition of mankind Its refining and
purifying influence upon the inclinations OF
the heart is truly admirable. 1t so dignifcs
the character of man, that poet once des-
cribing the influence of beneyolence upon
the heart, says
oils heart no selfish cares confined,
lie felt for all that feel DISTRESSED,
Aud still benevolent and kind
| He blessed them as he wished to bless"
Benevolence, when il is predomnating
organ of the mind, destroys that selfish dis
position which so often renders socie'
ty disagreeable, and gives peace and harmo
ny wherever its influence extends Selfish
ness and benevolence exert much influence
upon society, and still what contrast be
tween them. The one causing contention
strife, hatred, and cnmiiy, while the otheI
tends to promote happiness. diffusing joy
peace, harmony and friendship, or in othe
words uniting all the virtues which adorI
and elevate the character and condition o
: society. Benevolence renders man NOR,
and more like his Creator, by giving hin
meekness and humility, noble and gener
Gus heart, and kind and merciful DISPOSE
ton. Let us therefore cherish benevolenc,
and be dictated by the golden rule, "Do un
to others as You would be done by" ]. NJ
The following curious and characteristic