Mackenzie's The Man of Feeling not only celebrates Harley as a man of goodness as he reacts to the human suffering around him, but it also gives voice to the truth that goodness is not extinguished in those afflicted by the ills of the world. Thus, Mackenzie's version of morality is one of compassion and beneficence in reaching out by word and action to those in need, recognizing the goodness in those who have fallen along life's way, and not judging them in their misfortunes.
Mackenzie allows his hero to vent his sorrow through an "unmasculine" release of neverending tears. Time after time Harley feels compassion deeply, shows it openly, and takes action to help the unfortunate. Thus, the author directs the men in his society to break from cold indifference (both internal and external), as it is a moral obligation to feel sympathy. And tears may flow freely and copiously, for to do so is not less manly- it's more humane.
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