For the Panoplist,

ON DISINTERESTED BENEVOLENce.

PERHAPS no term in theology is more frequently misapprehended, than the phrase "Disinterested Benevolence." Not a few have re jected the expression as inadmissible. Still, it has obtained in reli gious discussions. The use of it, at this time in the day, is not improper. Its import has been defined again and again. I do not pretend to decide on the merits of the phrase, but to illustrate the spirit which it expresses, and show, in what its peculiar excellence

consists.

Selfishness regards only and ultimately its personal benefit. It is the predominant feeling in the unsanctified heart. Indeed, all the conduct of impenitent sinners has reference to this object. Hence the uniform inquiry, "What shall we eat? What shall we drink? Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" Selfishness looks at its own interest as the chief good, "Lays up treasures on the earth, and labors for that meat which perisheth."

On the other hand, disinterested benevolence looks at the glory of God and the happiness of the universe. It does not indeed exclude itself entirely. Personal interest is blended with the general good. Itself is only an insignificant atom, a very inconsiderable proportion of the great whole. It considers its own dimensions, and attaches to itself that degree of consequence only, to which its rank in the scale of being entitles it. "It looks not on its own things, but on the things of others;" "It rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; seeketh not its own; is not easily provoked; thinketh no evil.”

The peculiar excellence of this temper consists,

ed."

1. In its disposition to alleviate suffering. By reason of sin, the present is a state of incalculable wretchedness. Transgression has exceedingly marred human enjoyment. The apostasy sowed, far and wide, the seeds of discord and death. A moral desolation defaced the fairest portion of this world; and, with an insupportable weight of guilt and misery, the "whole creation hath groaned and travailThe human race has exhibited an almost unbroken series of Ishmaels, "Whose hand has been raised against every man." Disin terested benevolence mourns over this wretched state, extends a helping hand, and attempts to alleviate the miseries of the fall. It devises and executes measures to this end. It seeks out, and relieves the distressed, "it feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, restrains the profli gate, instructs the ignorant, and visits the fatherless and the widow in their afflictions." In a word, it is the moral rainbow, which the "Sun of righteousness" spreads on the cloud and darkness that envelope us.

2. In its affinity to the spirit of holiness, It is godlike. This temper is the crowning glory of the godhead. It is this, exercised without limit, which is the foundation of the divine claims. God demands the homage of our hearts on this account. God has exhibited this perfection in his character, from the beginning. In this

disposition, the plan of grace originated. Here, in the scheme of redemption, God discovered the immeasurable nature of this attribute.

But this temper is also the very spirit of the holy. It is the source of that obedience which distinguishes the angels. The "ministering spirits" are ready to obey the divine commands, because they are benevolent. Heaven is all life and zeal, because its inhabitants delight in promoting the welfare of the world, because they rejoice to do good.

Every thing permanently good, which has been achieved in this world, had its origin in this principle. That, they might publish "glad tidings of great joy to all people," prophets, apostles, and holy men were led by this spirit, through trials, persecutions, and death. This temper has sacrificed personal interest to the happiness of mankind. The universal reign of this principle will be the distinguishing feature of the millennium. Then, "men will live in peace, and learn war no more." Then, they will "seek each others good to edification." These are some of the peculiar traits of disinterested benevolence, and surely it is an excellent spirit. We may remark,

1. That the exercise of this temper is attainable in the present world. Many bright examples of it have been exhibited here. Its lustre once garnished the hills and vallies of Judea. This is the very spirit of Christ. Has he ever had a disciple in this world? Yes, he had one on the cross; he has had millions in his church. "But if any man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his.” But will any of our race ever get to glory? Yes, ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands. But how? for "without holiness no man shall see the Lord."

2. In vain do men expect future happiness without this temper. This is the only spirit which can breathe in the atmosphere of heaven. No other is fitted to the employments, or attuned to the song in glory. This is the life spring of saints and angels. Those who do not exercise it are strangers to holy joy, and, unless they become renewed in the "spirit and temper of their minds," cannot know what it is "to be justified by grace" or "saved from wrath."

3. The exercise of this temper is the highest glory of the moral creature. In this consists his likeness to heaven and his resemblance of God. This is that image of God in which man was created; which he lost by apostasy, and into which he must be renewed by grace. What but the universal exercise of this spirit is wanting, to change the aspect of this moral desert, render fallen men holy, and fit them for heaven?

4. The spirit of the Gospel should excite universal attention. The reason is obvious. It is connected with the increase of pure benevolence. Only in that heart where "grace reigns" is there any operation of this heavenly temper. Not one ray of this blessed light had penetrated the thick darkness of this polluted world, without the Gospel of Christ. Not a single spark of this holy fire ever warmed a pagan or an impenitent heart.

In such a benevolent work as the increase of righteousness, who will withhold his exertions, or his prayers? Who will be indifferent or remiss? An attempt to extend the kingdom of Christ, will be hailed in

In

heaven, as an effort corresponding with the divine intentions. such an enterprise, cheered by the examples of saints and angels, yea of the godhead itself, let every rational creature engage. Then "will the little hills rejoice on every side." Then, "will holiness be inscribed on the bells of the horses." Yea, then "will the mountain of the Lord's house be established on the tops of the mountains, and above the hills, and all flesh will flow unto it and be saved."

ZEAL OF THE POOR.

B.

From Jewish Records.

"I HAVE not a doubt (writes a man in humble life) nor ever had, as to the propriety and obligation of Christians to endeavor the conversion of that miserable, but dear and interesting people (the Jews;) and whatever are the decrees of God toward them, they should have our first love; for we have derived every thing we enjoy, as Christians from them. Oh; who can read of those Holy men of God, from righteous Abel to the beloved John, and disregard their descendants? else, how dwelleth the love of God in them! But, above all, considering that' they are brethren too of our Savior!-I boast no extraordinary degree of penetration, and it requires none, to see the distinguished mercy and love of God to this once highly-favored people; and, alas! we may see too his severity; but woe to man, if he attempts to imitate God in this his strange work! we should rather be exercised in works of love and mercy toward them. My heart embraces them cordially. I do feel an anxious solicitude for their welfare in the best sense; and may my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, when I cease to pray for the peace of Israel."

A poor widow with three children was so struck with a sense of gratitude to the GREAT JEW, and to Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, and Evangelists,-Jews,—that she went about seeking some one to take her monthly sixpence; and her zeal so increased, that she requested a friend to come to her cottage to read the report of one of our associations to herself and four others. Then she urged a regular meeting there for such as might choose to come. Neighbors sent carpets and candles, chairs and tables, and a pile of Bibles. At the fourth visit to her, twenty met together. She said, before I helped the Jews, I could not find work to do, and was in great want; but ever since, work comes to me more than I can do.

From Jewish Records.

COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF THE EMPEROR OF RUSSIA, GRANTED TO THE REV. B. N. SOLOMON.

"THE bearer of these presents, Benjamin Nehemiah Solomon, a Hebrew by descent, having embraced the Christian religion in England, and subsequently admitted into ecclesiastical orders, at present journeying in Russia by imperial permission, is entrusted to me by his imperial majesty to procure for him special protection in every place of his residence. Wherefore, all local authorities, ecclesiastical and secular, are to afford to the said B. N. Solomon, as a preacher of the word of God among the Hebrews, every protection, defence,

and all possible assistance, so that in case of necessity, he may receive from the authorities in all places, due co-operation and safeguard, in the free exercise of his official duty, without any impediment whatsoever. In witness whereof is this instrument granted, with my signature and the arms of my seal affixed thereto. The minister of religion and national civilization,

Moscow, Feb. 25, 1818."

PRINCE ALEX. GALITZIN.

After reading the above, you will perhaps exclaim, "What hath God wrought;" and you will probably say with a Jewish merchant abroad, "I believe that some important crisis with our people is at hand: what it is, I cannot now say. God will direct all."

Besides the fund before mentioned, there is another set apart for Jewish children in London; a third, for supplying the Jews with the New Testament in the Hebrew tongue; and a fourth, for General Purposes; to either of which, the bounty of individuals is scrupulously applied.-Reader! say not, I contribute to a Bible, or a Missionary, or a Tract Society already, and therefore I shall be excused for declining to help this. What! excused from helping to save souls, when you have the opportunity and means to do it! How will this plea avail in that day when the secrets of all hearts will be disclosed. Hear what St. John saith, "Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” But, are you aware that this is the only institution in England, which devotes all its time, its talents, and its resources, to the single object of saving the Jews from the wrath to come? Can you then refuse your aid? If so, how dwelleth the love of God in you?

When the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, he issued a proclamation to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem, and it was built, because the people had a mind to work. Behold, now, a second Cyrus raised up; yea, kings ministering unto Zion! The determination of the Lord's people should now be what was Nehemiah's of old, "The God of heaven, he will prosper us, therefore, we his servants will arise and build." When the wise men had opened their treasures, we read, that they presented their gold, besides their incense and myrrh to him who was born king of the Jews. But this Society provides a treasury both for the wise and unwise, wherein the rich and the poor, parents and children, masters and servants, may deposit their Christmas offerings. The widow's two mites were most acceptable, because she gave them with all her heart, and probably put up a prayer at the same time. "Let every man do according as he is disposed in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver."

EXTRACTS FROM REV. COTTON MATHER.

DESIDERIA VERNALIA; or Petitions in Spring.

LORD, let the Sun of Righteousness draw near unto me, and let me be quickened and revived, and made a new creature, and made very fruitful by his benign and blessed influences.

Lord, let a glorious CHRIST return, like the sun to a miserable world, and bring a new face upon it,-produce upon it a new creation, and fill it with the fruits of righteousness.

Lord, let the hours of darkness grow shorter and shorter with me. Lord, let the time of the singing of birds" come on. Let thy Spirit fit me for, and fill me with, the songs of the Redeemer. let the songs of piety replenish the whole earth with an heavenly melody.

And

Lord, enable me with diligence to prosecute a divine husbandry, and with patience to wait for a good harvest of my endeavors to serve the kingdom of God. O, let light and joy be sown for us.

Supplications in Summer.

Lord, let me be as fruitful as any of the trees in the fields, which now yield a grateful spectacle. O, let me abound in the fruits of righteousness.

Lord, let my dear Jesus be to me as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land; and may I also drink of what flows from that wonderful. Rock.

Lord, let me be entitled to and prepared for the blessedness of that world, in which no uneasy heat will molest thy children.

Autumnal Supplications.

Lord, let me see a joyful harvest of all my poor endeavors to glorify thee. Let me reap with joy.

Lord, let me arrive at my grave and thy floor, as a shock of corn fully ripe, in the season thereof.

Lord, affect me and the rest of mankind, with a sense of our mortality, for we all fade as a leaf.

CONSECRATIONS.

At Paris, N. Y. St. Paul's Church was consecrated Sept. 20. Services by the Rt. Rev. Bishop HOBART. Sept. 21, the Chapel for the Onedia Indians, at Onedia castle, was consecrated.

At New Haven, Con. Oct. 27, Rt. Rev. THOMAS C. BROWNELL was consecrated to the office of Bishop of Connecticut. Present Bishop WHITE, of Pennsylvania; Bishop HOBART, of New York; and Bishop Griswold, of Rhode Island. Principal services by Bishop White.

INSTALLATIONS.

At Stockbridge, Ms. Aug. 25, 1819, was installed the Rev. DAVID D. FIELD, of Westminster, Ver.

At Madison, Geauga Co. Ohio, Sept. 1, the Rev. ALVAN HYDE, Jun. Sermon by the Rev. Alvan Hyde, D. D. of Lee, Ms.

At Chester, Ms. Oct. 20th, the Rev. Rurus POMROY. Sermon by the Rev. Theophilus Packard, of Shelburne, Ms.

At Salem, N. H. the Rev. WILLIAM BALCH. Sermon by the Rev. Peter Eaton, of Boxford, Ms.

At Amherst, Ms. the Rev. DANIEL A. CLARK. Sermon by the Rev. Noah Porter, of Farmington, Con.

At Northington, Con. Nov. 3d, the Rev. BELA KELLOGG. Sermon by the Rev. Noah Porter, of Farmington.