ed by many in the lower ranks of society. Whether this neglect proceed from inevitable necessity, or from a criminal misapplication of the means in their power, the unhappy consequences to their helpless children, and to society, are nearly the same.

Well disposed, as some may be in their straitened circumstances, to secure, by a proper education, the best portion which they can provide for their children, they may be prevented from accomplishing their anxious wishes, by the arresting hand of death. Their children are then thrown helpless orphans upon the world, to feel the deplorable effects of so early a privation of that tender, affectionate parental care, which would have struggled through many difficulties, to provide both for their bodily wants, and the cultivation of their minds. In these afflicting circumstances, shall they be left, abandoned as the forlorn outcasts of society, unpitied, unrelieved? All the tender sensibilities of the humane heart, and the benevolent spirit of Christianity, especially, revolt from the shocking thought, from the dismal prospect.

But thus destitute and friendless, to whom shall these children of adversity and sorrow, look up for the compassion and the assistance, to which their wants give them, a peculiar claim? Does not the finger of Providence, plainly point them to the rich, as their natural guardians? And to them is not the voice of the common Parent of the great family of mankind, particularly and persuasively addressed, in that very solemn and affectionate charge, "Take these children, and bring them up for me."

But to all who are disposed to comply with this call of Divine Providence, and discharge this great debt of

humanity, it may not be convenient, personally to undertake the arduous trust. And if this important business were left solely to the good will and efforts of individuals, acting without concert or system, some would be found to bear more, and others less, than their due proportion of the burden; according to the higher or lower measure of benevolence and zeal, by which they are actuated; while many of the numerous class of the pitiable sufferers, whose case we are contemplating, might be wholly overlooked, and obtain no share of the sympathy and relief, to which they are, by their necessities, equally entitled.

Hence result the propriety, and the utility of such an Institution as this; wisely planned to combine, and by combining, to render more efficacious, the benevolent views and exertions of individuals, in accomplishing one of the most interesting and important works of charity, that can be undertaken.

This Asylum, then, may be justly regarded as a distinguishing, and most honorable monument of the wisdom, and public spirit of our city; and of the discerning and well directed charity of the individuals, who have generously contributed to its establishment and success. And while it continues, by a most munificent hospitality, to provide every comfortable accommodation, connected with seasonable instruction in some of the most necessary branches of learning, and the early acquisition of a most useful habit of industry, to a numerous class of children, who would otherwise want all these comforts and advantages; the rich and the poor, may contemplate its establishment, and its growing prosperity, with almost equal solicitude and satisfaction. For by supporting this Institution, and perpetu

ating and extending its usefulness, the rich may, with the greatest ease and advantage, discharge a great debt of humanity, which they owe to one of the most helpless, pitiable, and interesting, classes of the poor; while these again here meet their generous friends and benefactors, supplying, in the most judicious and liberal manner, every present want, and opening to them the most cheering prospects into the future years of life; and perhaps, into the future ages of their immortal existence, which were before overcast with clouds of the deepest gloom and despondence.

To the promotion of the important objects which this excellent Institution embraces; shall we not then feel ourselves impelled to improve a portion of the bounty of Heaven, which has been bestowed upon us, by all the powerful and persuasive motives, by which, in such cases, our hearts and our conduct ought to be influenced?

These motives are numerous and various. But it may suffice, at present, to suggest only two or three of primary weight and efficacy.

Let it then be recollected, that we are only stewards of those riches, or of that portion of good things, with which we are favoured by a beneficent Providence.

It is equally the dictate of reason and revelation, that "every good gift," every desirable advantage and comfort which we enjoy, "cometh down from the Father of lights." Nothing but the most pitiable ig norance, or the most insufferable pride, can for a moment hesitate in subscribing to the truth of what the language of Divine Inspiration every where teaches; that all which is in heaven, and in the earth, belongeth to the great parent and sovereign of the universe; that

he reigneth over all in the exercise of an absolute dominion; that riches and honor come from him; and that it is he, in short, who giveth us all things richly to enjoy.

Has he "loaded us with his benefits," or has he supplied us with more than a sufficiency to satisfy our own reasonable wants? In what light are we to consider; in what manner are we to improve, the bounty of our heavenly Parent's hand? Are his favours granted to us, as our absolute property? And may we use them in all respects as we please? Are they not, on the contrary, evidently committed to us as a trust, which we hold at the pleasure of their Author, and which we are bound to employ according to his will? And has he not most clearly manifested it to be his will, that we should never forget to do good, according to the means with which he has furnished us, by communicating to others, whose necessities may be supplied from our abundance?

This he teaches us by the most conspicuous objects which he presents to our view in the heavens, wherein his glory is eminently displayed; while we there behold the sun diffusing his cheering light and vivifying heat, over the various regions of our earth, which without his friendly beams, would be one vast, dreary, barren wilderness; and while we there see the clouds pouring down the plentiful rain to refresh the thirsty ground, to revive the languishing plants, and replenish the failing fountains and streams of water.

This he teaches us still more clearly by his own example; while he opens continually his liberal hand, and satisfieth the desires of every living thing, with the good suited to their respective natures; and is con

stantly doing good, more especially, to the children of men; for whose souls he has provided the inestimable blessings of redemption through the riches of his grace in his beloved Son; and whose hearts he fills with joy and gladness, through the various excellent supplies with which they are furnished by his providential care and bounty.

And this he teaches us, in the plainest manner, by his written word which speaks a language the most unequivocal and decisive; "charging them that are rich in this world, to be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate," to those who need the supplies which they can conveniently spare.

How important and precious is the trust thus committed to the rich: And in a ready and faithful discharge of this, with what honour do they appear, as the appointed dispensers of the bounty of the great and beneficent Lord of heaven and earth, to their fellowmen!

Let us also recollect; that to our Lord we must give an account of our stewardship; and that we must expect to meet his displeasure or approbation, and to receive from him an everlasting recompense, correspon dent to the manner in which we have fulfilled the trust reposed in us.

This, the suggestions of reason and conscience lead us to expect; and what can be more worthy of the character of the great Proprietor and Ruler of the universe; or what more wisely adapted to secure the fidelity, and cherish the benevolence of individuals, and to promote the order, harmony and happiness of society? This we are accordingly taught among the fundamental doctrines of Divine Revelation, which