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

Professional Assiltonte. 165
oirgument or influence througli the two branches of
the legislature, or comolunicates his ideas to those~
who are more likely to carry them into eft"ect; de ..
serves weil of a class of the community so numero~
that their happiness forms a principal part of the
whole. The study and activity thus employed is
charity, in the· most meritoriou:i sense of the word.
2. -The application of parochial relief is entrusted
in the fir$t instance to overseers and contractors, who
have an interest in opposition to that of the poor, in ...
asmuch as whatever they allow them comes in part
out of their own pocket. For this reason, the law
has deposited with justices of the peace, a power of
superintendance and co~trol; and the judicious interposition
of this power is a most useful exertion of
charity, anc! lfttimes within the ability of those, who
have no other W2.y of serving their generation. - A
country gentleman of very moderate education, and
who has little to spare from his fonone, by learning
so m1lch of the poor law as- is to be found in Dr.
Burl],' s Justice, and by furnishing himself with a
knowledge of tIle prices of labour and provision, so
as to be able to estimate the exigences of a fclmily,
and what is to be expected from their industry, may,
in this way, plac~ out the one talent committed to
him ~o great account.
s.: Of all private professions, that of meqicine puts
it in a man~s power to do the most good at the least
expense'- Health, which is precious to all, is to the
poor invaluable; and their complaints, as agues,
rheumatisms, &c. are often such as yield to medicine.
And with respect to the expense, drugs at first hand
cost little, and advice cost nothing, where it is only
bestowed upon those who could not afford to pay
for it.
4. The rights of the poor are not so important or
intricate as their contentions are violent alld ruinous.
~ Law~er. or Attorney, of tolerable knowledge in
hIS profeSSIOn, has commonly judgment enough to