[ 347 ] 



in colledrive and civil fociety, I wifh to point out 

 one fubjed: which feems in a particular manner to 

 merit your attention and encouragement: this is, 

 the eftablifhment of Parochial Friendly Societies 

 among handicraftfmen and poor labourers. 



Where thefe have been eftablifhed, and con- 

 dudled by prudent rules and regulations, they have 

 proved very comfortable refources to many indivi- 

 duals, when age or afflicflion has difqualified them 

 for labour, and alfo leflened parochial expences. 



The funds raifed by thefe focieties may be 

 confidered as fo much money faved from the ale- 

 houfe, to be applied in times of necellity to the 

 beft of purpofes ; and as each member contributes 

 only three-pence a week, it is fcarcely felt by indi- 

 viduals. But the advantage and relief which 

 /even Jhillings a week affords to the fick^ the lame 

 and the aged, is very comfortable; and they are 

 thereby freed from the painful neceflity of apply- 

 ing to their parifhes for fupport. 



As thefe Friendly Societies arc founded on one of 

 the wifeft maxims in the code of human policy ; 

 namely, that it is eafily in the power of the many to 

 help the few, I think they mem publtck encourage- 

 ment and fupport. Therefore, if your finances 



will 



