The most efficacious _preventive_, of the evils attendant on
poverty, is the general and extensive application of mental and
moral discipline to the rising generation. This is the only radical
remedy for the disease; a truth, which should never be lost sight
of, by forecasting statesmen and enlightened philanthropists. But
the urgency and immediate pressure of want, requires prompt relief,
not to be derived from this source. The array of indigence will
be unusually great during the approaching winter, for even honest
industry is frequently disappointed in its search after employment.
Among the objects of public beneficence there will generally be
found a considerable number of this description, whose condition is
the result of misfortune alone; while the calamities of others, are
the consequences of vice and improvidence. But it should always be
remembered, that wretchedness and misery from whatever cause they
may proceed, are entitled to commiseration; and that genuine charity
imitates though at infinite distance, the example of our beneficent
Creator, who "maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good,
and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."
The most salutary mode of extending relief, is unquestionably
that of employment. Idleness is uniformly prejudicial to sound
morals, and intrinsically mischievous in its character. When
alms are distributed it is moreover, far preferable to furnish
the necessaries of life, rather than money, which is too often
misapplied. As this is to many, the season of plenty and good cheer,
particularly in the country, the situation of the necessitous is
from this circumstance, entitled to primary consideration. I well
remember, when a boy and residing in a neighbouring county, being
despatched to some of the poor in the vicinity, with a part of the
superabundance of the season; and their grateful and affectionate
benedictions on the head of their revered benefactor, will never be
forgotten. I may perhaps be indulged in adding, that I rejoice in
believing, that he is now in that city "which hath foundations;" not
one of whose inhabitants can say "I am sick." The example of such
men is cheering and of signal advantage to society. "The memory of
the just is blessed."
I am well aware, that to dwell at length on the subject here
recommended, would, as it respects some of the patrons of the Rural
Magazine be an act of supererogation. To such as these, all that is
necessary to stimulate to a performance of their duties to their
unfortunate fellow creatures, is to be made acquainted with their
situation. The extension of the necessary assistance, is however, in
many instances, a task of peculiar delicacy. Reference is here made
to those who have seen happier days, and whose feelings, will not
permit them publicly to solicit relief. In this class will generally
be found, the least obtrusive but most deserving individuals; those
who have undoubted claims on the generous and humane.
As this is probably the last opportunity, I shall have of
holding communion, with my readers, it would be a source of real
satisfaction, should ever a solitary hint of a profitable tendency,
be derived from this valedictory paper. If the pressure of grief and
privation, in a single instance be obviated, the reward would indeed
be ample. Duties of the most imperative and important character, are
constantly claiming our serious and assiduous attention. I cannot
therefore, with more propriety, terminate my humble, desultory
labours, than by sincerely and fervently desiring, that when the
winter of old age and the evening of life shall arrive, we may enjoy
the delightful consciousness of having faithfully performed our
respective obligations, and particularly those which we owe to THE
POOR. ☞