tive parts. Whether they administer or not any considerable part of the funds with their own hands, they alone can most effectually open the fountains of benevolence, and make them flow more abundantly when occasion calls for it; they alone can best instil the principle which should guide these overflowing streams into their proper channels; they alone, from making it their business, and by their experience, can best point out in practice the ultimate objects and destination; they alone can prepare the recipients to ask and to accept the proffered alms upon the right motives and principle, and not to ask and to refuse them when the necessity does not justify it. Under the hand and guidance of the Church all is liberal, all is well applied, all is well arranged, orderly, and suitable. In the language of Mr. Wilberforce, in his Essay on the Parochial System, "The benevolence of Christians should be wise, well-ordered, discriminating, and bountiful. Such are the alms of i Parochial System, p. 41. C C the Church: ennobling to the giver, but not debasing to the receiver; because the love of Christ towards men becomes the effectual source and motive, the model and example of the love of men towards their brethren.”j See the appendix to this chapter. CHAPTER VI. Treatment of the Poor. MODERN MAXIMS OF CHARITY THEIR FAILURE LITTLE CHARITY IN ENGLAND-FOREIGN HOSPI- --- DISUNITED -SOCIETY DISJOINTED SYMPTOMS "WHAT is your rule for giving charity?" "The word of God says, Give to every one that asketh thee;' and I know no other law." "No, sir, I cannot go with you there. I have agreed with you hitherto, and upon every other topic; but I can never admit this." The gentleman who made this answer was a religious man, and a man of sense, and one who looked with alarm and horror upon the principles by which the world is at present governed. The word and law of God is openly denied in every particular. And when it is boldly challenged, as it is, even by the most religious and scrupulous, what hope can there be against the continued rise of the flood of infidelity, by which the whole Christian world is about to be overwhelmed? But let us forget the truth of God's word for the present, and admire man's wisdom and his practice, and his own opinion of it; for it is very great! God has said, "Give to every one that asketh ;" and, "Be temperate and frugal;" and, "Lay not up treasure ;" and, "Woe be to the rich." But let us forget this. Man says, "Never give to any one in the streets; all the beggars you meet with are impostors and criminals. It is a crime to beg; and all the charity you give them only makes them idle and worse: you are a partaker in their criminality. It is a crime to give. The greater part of what is given in charity does more harm than good: it fosters vice and idleness: it prevents a man from exerting himself; for all which you are answerable. Some few cases there are which may be better for a little assistance; but these cases are rare, and most of them doubtful. If you have thoroughly investigated and ascertained such a case, why then you may give to it freely; but never give any thing without thorough inquiry. Give once, and have done with it. Never give in dribblets; assist effectually, or not at all. If you cannot inquire, give nothing; for there are ten chances to one that it is an imposture. In the meantime, make as much as you can, that these burdens may fall lighter. The riches of a country are its prosperity. Educate the poor, for this reason, in order that they may be rich; that |