A Sermon Preached on the Anniversary of the Boston Female Asylum for Destitute Orphans, September 25, 1835   By: Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright (1792-1854)

In "A Sermon Preached on the Anniversary of the Boston Female Asylum for Destitute Orphans, September 25, 1835," Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright presents a thought-provoking discourse on the importance of charity and compassion towards orphaned children. Through his eloquent delivery, Wainwright navigates the complexities of societal obligations, religious duty, and the dire circumstances faced by destitute orphans.

The sermon begins by highlighting the fundamental role of institutions like the Boston Female Asylum in providing solace and support to those most vulnerable in society. Wainwright masterfully portrays the destitute orphans as innocent victims of circumstances, deserving of love, care, and assistance from the wider community. His emphasis on the importance of compassion towards the less fortunate serves as an urgent call for action in a world often plagued by indifference and neglect.

Throughout his sermon, Wainwright draws heavily on biblical references to strengthen his arguments. By anchoring his ideas in religious principles, he appeals to the moral conscience of his listeners, prompting them to reflect on their duties and responsibilities as disciples of Christianity. Wainwright's skill in intertwining scripture with real-world issues demonstrates his ability to bridge the gap between theology and practicality, making it easier for his audience to relate to the cause he champions.

Moreover, Wainwright's emphasis on the long-term impact of charitable acts is particularly noteworthy. He highlights the transformative power of providing a stable upbringing and education to orphaned children, enabling them to break free from the cycle of poverty and build fulfilling lives. By framing the assistance provided by the Boston Female Asylum as an investment in human potential, he appeals to the hopes and aspirations of his listeners.

While Wainwright's sermon effectively highlights the urgency of assisting orphaned children, some readers may feel that he occasionally oversimplifies the complexities of poverty and social inequality. At times, his rhetoric falls into the trappings of sentimentalism, potentially obscuring the underlying systemic issues that perpetuate these inequities. Nonetheless, this minor flaw does not detract significantly from the overall strength and persuasiveness of his arguments.

In conclusion, "A Sermon Preached on the Anniversary of the Boston Female Asylum for Destitute Orphans, September 25, 1835" by Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright is a powerful and persuasive piece of oratory. Through his skillful use of biblical references, Wainwright compels his audience to reassess their moral obligations towards orphaned children and recognize the transformative potential of charitable acts. This sermon will undoubtedly resonate with readers who seek inspiration to make a positive impact on the lives of the less fortunate, urging them to actively engage in creating a more compassionate and just society.

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Upon your first application to me for a copy of this sermon to be printed, I respectfully declined giving it, because it was not prepared with the slightest reference to such a result, and more especially because it has been my uniform practice to abstain from appearing in this way before the public, when I could with propriety do so. To your renewed request, and the reasons you state for making it, I feel myself constrained to yield, although my own conviction in regard both to the character of the discourse itself, and to the inexpediency of such publications, except in very special cases, remains the same. If, however, its possession, as you imply, can afford gratification to any one interested in your most excellent institution, I ought not perhaps to be longer influenced by a consideration which relates merely to myself in withholding it... Continue reading book >>