A Sermon Preached on the Anniversary of the Boston Female Asylum for Destitute Orphans, September 25, 1835

In this mid‑19th‑century sermon a Boston rector addresses the board of the Female Asylum for Destitute Orphans, reflecting on the moral imperative of charity. He opens by explaining his initial reluctance to publish the discourse, stressing that genuine generosity arises from inner conviction rather than public recognition. The tone is modest yet earnest, rooted in the religious culture of ante‑bellum Boston.

Drawing on Proverbs and the Sermon on the Mount, he argues that benevolence is not merely a pleasant impulse but a solemn duty bound to divine promise. The preacher emphasizes that charitable acts are rewarded both in earthly happiness and heavenly blessing, encouraging a ‘bountiful eye’ toward those in need. He also warns against the ‘evil eye’ of selfishness, contrasting it with the open‑handed spirit the asylum seeks to cultivate.

Listeners will hear a measured appeal that balances the joy of giving with the responsibility of consistent, principle‑guided aid. By framing charity as a covenant with God, the sermon invites sustained support for the institution beyond occasional almsgiving. The address offers a vivid glimpse into how faith and emerging social welfare intersected in early American orphan care.