in apprehending' the true import of my text, nor any doubt upon our minds, which of the two objects before us should be preferred. Let this i)reference, then, be seen in the whole of of our life and conversation. I say not, that we should never (JO to " the house of mirth ;" but only that, our heart should not he there ; and that, if called there by any peculiar occur- rence, we should go, not as those that would be at home there, but as physicians to a hospital, where they desire to do all the good they can, but are glad to come away again, and to breathe a purer atmosphere.
Well do I know that it is not in the power of all to visit the abodes of misery, and to spend their time in administering to the necessities of the poor. But, where these offices can be performed consistently with the duties of our own peculiar sphere, they are most pleasing in the sight of God, and not a little profitable to our own souls'" But those who can- not embark to any extent in the office of visiting the afflicted, may yet facilitate the execution of it in others by their liberal
contributions" And if, from the peculiarity of our
engagements, we are so circumstanced that we cannot per- sonally frequent " the house of mourning," let us at least shew that oi/r hearts are there; and that we have no occupation more congenial with our minds, than to " rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep."]
"" If this were preached in behalf of a Benevolent Society, an appeal might here be made to those engaged in it, whether they have not experienced the truth of Prov. xi. 25. and Isai. Ivii. 10, 11.
" Here, whether the Institution be of a public or private nature, a statement maybe made of the methods pursued, and of the good done.