Beneˊficence [say the Moralists]

is the highest and utmost strain of Humanity, when a Man out of a pure Inclination that arises either from a native Generosity of Soul, or from Pity and Compassion to a Person in Distress, is at some pains or charge in bestowing freely upon another, what may relieve his Necessity or promote his Advantage. The Virtue that answers to Benefice in the Giver is Gratitude in the Receiver.