Joppa illustrious on many accounts, particularly as the residence of Dorcas--she was a Disciple of Christ--Faith described as the Principle of Discipleship--the inspired Testimony to the Character of Dorcas--she was probably a Widow or an aged Maiden--Remarks on the Reproaches commonly cast upon the latter Class of Women--Dorcas exhibited as a Pattern of liberality, being prompt in the Relief she afforded--her Charities abundant--and personally bestowed--Observations on the Propriety of visiting the Poor--the Charities of Dorcas often free and unsolicited--wise and conducted upon a Plan--the Pretences of the uncharitable stated and confuted--Riches only valuable as they are used in bountiful Distribution. Seven of the most celebrated cities of antiquity (Smyrna, Rhodes, Colophon, Salamis, Chios, Argos, and Athens) are said to have disputed the glory of having given birth to Homer; and it must be admitted that places and families acquire an importance from their connection with names which appear conspicuous on the page of history, and have been praised by the united voices of successive generations. We cannot hear, without an instinctive glow, of the cities of Rome, Athens, Sparta, Syracuse, and others which respectively produced a Cæsar, a Demosthenes, a Lycurgus, and an Archimedes; of the islands of Samos and Ægina, whence emanated the resplendent genius of a Pythagoras and a Plato; of the villages of Alopece and Andes, immortalized as having produced a Socrates and a Virgil. But let not the enchanting annals of Roman literature or Grecian wisdom detach our minds from the nobler records of inspiration, or diminish the conviction which religion must ever inspire, that the birth place of benevolence and piety is more illustrious than the birthplace of genius and philosophy. On this principle we look with admiration upon the town of Joppa, which, if it cannot boast a prodigy of valour, talent, or learning, is nevertheless conspicuous as the residence of one "of whom the world was not worthy." She was not, indeed, rich in wealth, but in good works. She was not a conqueror of nations or a distributor of crowns, but a giver of alms. She had no name on earth beyond the limits of a small Christian church, but her record was on high, and her memorial has not perished with her.