XXxiv INTRODUCTION'. 



rrtuftbe admitted to operate as of fome weight ; — for, however 

 generally and fairly thefcheme would promife an exemption 

 from incumbrance, by the greateft probability that fuch 

 tenants would maintain themfelves, and live fuperior to the 

 idea of taking parifh-pay, — yet firom fevere ficknefs — the 

 death of parents — and the fmallnefs of orphan children, 

 fome inflances of expence may pofTibly occur: and we muft 

 not expeft, under fuch pofiibihties, that gentlemen will ilifle 

 the cbje,;ion. Eut in numerous inftances fimilar improve- 

 ments may be made within the boui-uls of common parilhes— 

 fiill on their own lands — and that fufRciently near for gen- 

 tlemen to enjoy the pleafurc and partake the benefit of fuch 

 ufeful works in fociety. But this obje£tion is alfo to be ob- 

 viated in another, and in a more generous manner. On a 

 fuppofition that a gentleman fliould chufe to build ten or a 

 dozen cottages, as aforefaid, on the borders of his own eftate, 

 the pari(h being wholly his own — and that in compliance 

 with anticnt cuflom, he fhould be a8uated by caution againft 

 the expence of paupers : He might fecure himfelf from fuch 

 contingent expcnces, and at the fame time improve the con- 

 dition of thofe families, by erecting them alfo into a club or 

 friendly fociety — that beft of all provilions for the cafualties 

 ofjife — that bcft of all means for exciting and continuing 

 the ideas of oeconomy, fobriety, and happinefs. Thefe ten 

 or twelve men, by a contribution of one halfpenny per day 

 each, out of their labour — or perhaps two- pence per week, 

 would foon eRablifh, under their landlord's fuperintendance, 

 fuch zfund as would amply fecure him againft any fuch 

 contingent expence, either by (icknefs or death; and be an 

 additional fource of rational delight, to minds capable of de- 

 lighting in the happinefs of the ranks below them. The 

 trouble of this mode of provilion would be the moft tri- 

 fling — fome one of the cottagers themfelvesj as head and 



father 



