Ch. X. Of the Direction of our Charity. 365 



the test of utility, will appear to be most bene- 

 ficial to the poor, is precisely that, which will 

 have the best and most improving effect on the 

 mind of the donor. 



The quality of charity, like that of nlercJ^ 



" is not strained ; 

 " It droppetli as the gentle rain from Heav'n 

 " Upon the earth beneath." 



The immense sums distributed to the poor in this 

 country by the parochial laws are improperly 

 called charity. They want its most distinguishing 

 attribute ; and, as might be expected from an at- 

 tempt to force that which loses its essence the 

 moment it ceases to be voluntary, their effects 

 upon those from whom they are collected are as 

 prejudicial as on those to whom they are distri- 

 buted. On the side of the receivers of this mis- 

 called charity, instead of real relief, we find accu- 

 mulated distress and more extended poverty ; on 

 the side of the givers, instead of pleasurable sen- 

 sations, unceasing discontent and irritation. 



In the great charitable institutions supported 

 by voluntary contributions, some of which are 

 certainly of a prejudicial tendency, the subscrip- 

 tions, I am inclined to fear, are sometimes given 

 grudgingly, and rather because they are expected 

 by the world from certain stations and certain 

 fortunes, than because they are prompted by mo- 

 tives of genuine benevolence; and as the greater 

 part of the subscribers do not interest themselves 

 in the management of the funds or in the fate of 



