1 64. CHARITY with regard to ALMS, 
relief of the indigent, would anfvver the end of all charities. 
We fhould then think it fcandalous to fuller any object to lan- 
guid} in didrefs ; whereas our dreets are now full of them, and 
we familiarized to milery. I have heard the poors rate computed 
at three millions and a half ; and, including our public 
hofpitals, that one twentieth part of the inhabitants of this 
illand are provided for by the public. I believe charity, like 
many good things, is much abufed in this nation ; but I ap- 
prehend the fum in quedion does not exceed two millions. 
This would not be the cafe, were there more attention in the 
making laws relating to charities ; or, which I rake to be the 
cafe, if there was more virtue in the executing of them. We 
may eafily difeover that virtue is the thing on which the happi- 
nefs of dates, as well as of individuals, depends. 
Never to give to an obje<d in the dreets, mud blunt the edge 
of their affe&ions, who walk much, and fee them often. “ Let 
“ it not grieve thee to bow down thine ear to the poor ; and 
tl give him a friendly anfwer with meekness,” is the lan- 
guage of humanity ; but as the cafe dands, we mud leave them 
with a carelefs indifference, if not an insolent contempt. To 
remedy this evil in fome meafure, and yet pay honor to the 
law, which is calculated for very wife purpofes, the mod obvi- 
ous method is to appropriate a certain fum to the relief of the 
indigent, where we can be affured it is well employed : but this 
will be no eafy talk, unlefs you keep a purfe for this purpofe, 
didindl from all other expence ; and remember that thofe are 
bed able to give, whofe prudence and generosity go hand in 
hand, and mutually affid each other. The rich, who know 
not 
