i. 17. _Relieve the oppressed._
Religion means sympathy with man in his oppressed condition. The
truth alone can give men freedom. +I. The oppressed.+ 1. _There are
those oppressed by sinful habits._ Many men are their own tyrants.
They build their own prison, make their own fetters, and whip
themselves. Their oppression is the consequence of their sin. Such
are to be relieved, however little they may appear to desire or
deserve it, by the compassion of the good. 2. _There are those
oppressed by commercial difficulty._ There are many men whose
commercial life is one continual struggle to get on, and to provide
those things honest in the sight of the world. They have small
capital. Fortune seems against them. They are active, but they do not
succeed. Such ought to be relieved by the generous consideration of
the good. 3. _There are those oppressed by domestic misfortune._ The
wife has lost her husband. The children have buried their parents.
They are out alone in the wide world. They are liable to the
thoughtless but stern oppression of men. Such must be relieved by the
good. 4. _There are those oppressed by religious bigotry._ There are
many great souls who are larger than a sect, oppressed by the
conventionally orthodox. They are driven from their pulpits. They are
excommunicated from their synagogue. They need the relief of true
sympathy. +II. Their relief.+ 1. _By personal sympathy._[1] Genuine
sympathy is always a relief to an oppressed[2] It heals the soul and
lightens the burden.[3] A kind word, a cheering look, is welcome to
the oppressed. 2. _By intelligent advocacy._ The cause of the
oppressed should be advocated where it is likely to be redressed.
Politics can be employed in no higher ministry than in seeking the
relief of the oppressed. 3. _By practical help._ Sympathy must not be
substituted for personal and self-denying help. Words are well;
smiles are welcome; but personal help is the most effective to the
removal of oppression.--_J. S. Exell._