348 Fundamental Principles of 



of providing for the poor, there are many who by their 

 rank and peculiar situations are clearly pointed out as 

 the most proper to take up the business at its com- 

 mencement, and bring it forward to maturity, as well 

 as to take an active part in the direction and manage- 

 ment of such an institution after it has been estab- 

 lished ; and it appears to me that the nature and the 

 end of the undertaking evidently point out the per- 

 sons who are more particularly called upon to set an 

 example on such an occasion. 



If the care of the poor be an object of great national 

 importance ; if it be inseparably connected with the 

 peace and tranquillity of society, and with the glory and 

 prosperity of the state ; if the advantages which individ- 

 uals share in the public welfare are in proportion to the 

 capital they have at stake in this great national fund, 

 that is to say, in proportion to their rank, property, and 

 connections, or general influence, as it is just that every 

 one should contribute in proportion to the advantages 

 he receives, it is evident who ought to be the first to 

 come forward upon such an occasion. 



But it is not merely on account of the superior inter- 

 est they have in the public welfare that persons of high 

 rank and great property, and such as occupy places of 

 importance in the government, are bound to support 

 measures calculated to relieve the distresses of the poor: 

 there is still another circumstance which renders it in- 

 dispensably necessary that they should take an active 

 part in such measures ; and that is, the influence which 

 their example must have upon others. 



It is impossible to prevent the bulk of mankind from 

 being swayed by the example of those to whom they 

 are taught to look up as their superiors : it behooves, 



