PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

16+ Proftujonai A;sisiIlIUl.
of all contests, ~ bellll1ll scr~:jle, might probably hal-f·
ensued, to the reproach, if not the extinctiol1 of tIle
Christian name~
The truth is, the emancipation of slaves should be
gradual; and be carried on by provi~ions of law,
and under the protection of civil government.
Christianity can only operate as an alterative. By
the' mild diffusion of its light and inHuence, the
nUnds of m~ are insensibly prepared to perceiv~ a!ld
correct the enormities, which folly, or wickednes~, or
accidellt, have introduced into their public establishments.
In this way the Greek and R081tl.' slavery ~
and since these the feudal tyranny, has declined before
it. And we trust that, as the knowledge and authority
of the same religion advance in the world, they
~·il1 banish what remains of this odious institution.
CI-IAPTER IV.
C:HARITY.
PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE.
THIS kind of beneficence is chiefly to be expected
from members of the legislature, magistrates,
medical, legal, and sacerdotal professions ..
1. The care of the poor ought to be the principal
object of all laws, for this plain reason, that the rich
are able to take care of themselves.
Much has been, and more might be done, by the
laws of this country, towards the relief of the impotent,
and the protection and encouragement of the
industrious poor.
'Vhoever applies himself to collect
observations upon the state and operation of the poor
laws, and to contrive remedies for the imperfections
and a ru.ses which he observes, and digests these remedies
into acts of parliament, and conducts them by