, and the comfort and
salvation of others.

"To those who would undervalue works of mercy as evidences of piety,
I would suggest a serious attention to the solemn appeal which the
Saviour of the world makes, in that awful representation of the day
of judgment, contained in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, both
to those who have neglected, and to those who have performed such
works; performed them, I mean, on right principles. With what a
gracious condescension does he promise to accept the smallest
kindness done to his suffering members for his sake. You, madam, I
will venture to say, might do more good than the richest man in the
parish could do by merely giving his money. Instead of sitting here,
brooding over your misfortunes, which are past remedy, bestir
yourself to find out ways of doing much good with little money; or
even without any money at all. You have lately studied economy for
yourself; instruct your poor neighbors in that important art. They
want it almost as much as they want money. You have influence with
the few rich persons in the parish; exert that influence. Betty, my
house-keeper, shall assist you in any thing in which she can be
useful. Try this for one year, and if you then tell me that you
should have better shown your love to God and man, and been a
happier woman, had you continued gloomy and inactive, I shall be
much surprised, and shall consent to your resuming your present way
of life."

The sermon and this discourse together made so deep an impression on
Mrs. Jones, that she formed a new plan of life, and set about it at
once, as every body does who is in earnest. Her chief aim was the
happiness of her poor neighbors in the next world; but she was also
very desirous to promote their present comfort; and indeed the
kindness she showed to their bodily wants gave her such an access to
their houses and hearts, as made them better disposed to receive
religious counsel and instruction. Mrs. Jones was much respected by
all the rich persons in Weston, who had known her in her prosperity.
Sir John was thoughtless, lavish, and indolent. The squire was over
frugal, but active, sober, and not ill-natured. Sir John loved
pleasure, the squire loved money. Sir John was one of those popular
sort of people who get much praise, and yet do little good; who
subscribe with equal readiness to a cricket match or a charity
school; who take it for granted that the poor are to be indulged
with bell-ringing a