366 Of the Direction of our Charity. Bk. iv. 



the particular objects relieved, it is not to be ex- 

 pected that this kind of charity should have any 

 strikingly beneficial influence on the minds of the 

 majority who exercise it. 



Even in the relief of common beggars, we shall 

 find that we are often as much influenced by the 

 desire of getting rid of the importunities of a dis- 

 gusting object, as by the pleasure of relieving it. 

 We wish that it had not fallen in our way, rather 

 than rejoice in the opportunity given us of assist- 

 ing a fellow-creature. We feel a painful emotion at 

 the sight of so much apparent misery; but the pit- 

 tance we give does not relieve it. We know that 

 it is totally inadequate to produce any essential 

 effect. We know besides, that we shall be ad- 

 dressed in the same manner at the corner of the 

 next street; and we know that we are liable to the 

 grossest impositions. We hurry therefore some- 

 times by such objects, and shut our ears to their 

 importunate demands. We give no more than we 

 can help giving without doing actual violence to 

 our feelings. Our charity is in some degree forced; 

 and, like forced charity, it leaves no satisfactory 

 impression on the mind, and cannot therefore have 

 any very beneficial and improving effect on the 

 heart and affections. 



But it is far otherwise with that voluntary and 

 active charity, which makes itself acquainted 

 with the objects which it relieves ; which seems 

 to feel, and to be proud of the bond that unites 

 the rich with the poor ; which enters into their 

 houses, informs itself not only of their wants, but 



