It is a pleasant thing enough to be able to spend a little money without
fear when the desire for some indulgence is strong upon one; but how much
pleasanter the ability to give money away! Greatly as I relish the
comforts of my wonderful new life, no joy it has brought me equals that
of coming in aid to another's necessity. The man for ever pinched in
circumstances can live only for himself. It is all very well to talk
about doing moral good; in practice, there is little scope or hope for
anything of that kind in a state of material hardship. To-day I have
sent S--- a cheque for fifty pounds; it will come as a very boon of
heaven, and assuredly blesseth him that gives as much as him that takes.
A poor fifty pounds, which the wealthy fool throws away upon some idle or
base fantasy, and never thinks of it; yet to S--- it will mean life and
light. And I, to whom this power of benefaction is such a new thing,
sign the cheque with a hand trembling, so glad and proud I am. In the
days gone by, I have sometimes given money, but with trembling of another
kind; it was as likely as not that I myself, some black foggy morning,
might have to go begging for my own dire needs. That is one of the
bitter curses of poverty; it leaves no right to be generous. Of my
abundance--abundance to me, though starveling pittance in the view of
everyday prosperity--I can give with happiest freedom; I feel myself a
man, and no crouching slave with his back ever ready for the lash of
circumstance. There are those, I know, who thank the gods amiss, and
most easily does this happen in the matter of wealth. But oh, how good
it is to desire little, and to have a little more than enough!