Grampian Club > Leaves from my autography

LEAVES FEOM MY AUTOBIOGKAPHY. 317
It is our project to promote that interest, tiian wliicli there is
none greater, a benevolent interest in others, to bestow our
grateful sympathies on those who, from the prodigality of their
mind's wealth, have so frequently enriched the poor soil of a
desert heart — to cheer the solitude and alleviate the physical
sufferings of those whose genius, during the sunshine of their
lives, has enlivened many a lonely hour, and lightened many
a painful reflection. We have heard much, we cannot hear too
much, of the sorrows of great cities. It did not require the
powerful pen of Dr Guthrie to deepen the sad impression,
which the minds of all who reflect must feel who walk abroad ;
but, I do believe, that of all these sorrows, the most severe are
those of the refined and educated,
' Dearly bought the liidden'treasiu-e
Finer feelings can bestow ;
Hearts that knew the sweetest pleasure
Thrill with deepest throbs of woe. '
Eemember how sensitive is genius ; how delicate are its percep-
tions ; how exquisitely fine its instincts ! The bold, the daring,
and the self-reliant, fight the battle of life and wrestle with fate ;
but those whose lives have been passed in retirement, whose
temperaments magnify the evils under which they are suffering,
how can the energies of such as these suffice for the sad defici-
ences of the hour ? And how can there be a charity more
blessed to the giver, as well as to the receiver, than that which,
from its very nature, is charity which is given in secret, and
which is rewarded by the still smaU voice of affectionate grati-
tude ? "
These sentiments were cordially re-echoed by Mr
Buchanan, M.P., Professor Macquorn Eankine, and
others. In the evening about forty members and
their friends dined together in the George Hotel,
Glasgow, Mr Baillie Cochrane being in the chair.
Among the speakers was Professor Blackie, who
delivered an important speech on university reform.