On CHARITY with regard /s ALMS. 1 65 
not what, nor to whom they give, muft difpenfe their charity 
very fparingly, or become beggars themfelves. 
I have often thought, that the cloathing or employing one 
fingle perfon, who feems to be under the protection of no hu- 
man being, is far better than the precarious temporary relief 
of numbers. Flow many miferable wretches live in rags, with 
their bodies maimed or iickly, on purpofe to extort charity I 
proper objects may neverthelefs be found, if we seek for them; 
and this relief feems to be one of the nobleft kinds of private 
charity : by being acquainted with their fad ftory, you will 
have fuch a fenfe of their fufferings, as no tranhent regard can 
create ; and whilft you fhow mercy, you will receive it. Fare- 
well. I am yours, &* c. 
LETTER LIV. 
To the fame . 
Madam, 
I T has been often remarked, that to laugh and weep in due 
feafon, and with propriety, is no common excellence in man 
or woman ; but I have often thought, with Mr. pope, 
‘ 1 The hr oa deft mirth unfeeling folly wears , 
“ Lefs pleafng far than virtue s very tears T 
Heaven certainly beholds with favor the tears of commifera- 
tion ; but we generally check, if not conceal our fenfe of hu- 
man mifery ; and I queftion whether there is not as much false 
modesty in charity as in devotion. The pure dictates of 
humanity would lead us to a thoufand generous actions, which 
we 
