No. XI.
Man is a being, holding large discourse,
Looking before and after.
In my last number I availed myself of the occasion, to dwell with some emphasis, on the necessity and advantage of retrospection. The past is rife with lessons of experience, fitted to serve as waymarks and beacons, for the government of human conduct in the subsequent course. Obvious as this may appear, it is nevertheless lamentably true, as the venerable John Adams has somewhere observed, that our attention is too frequently monopolized in the pursuit of present enjoyment, and that each succeeding generation is not satisfied, until it "has made experience for itself." It is, however, gratifying to believe, that many are not so unmindful of their real interests, and so destitute of true wisdom; but are on proper occasions employed, in "looking before and after." To these no apology will be necessary, for recommending a preparation for those duties, which appertain to the severe and dreary season, upon which we are now entering. A season, above all others calculated, to illustrate the generous and benevolent principles of our nature; and which calls most loudly and authoritatively for their exercise. When indigence is gifted with peculiar eloquence, which the powers of a Burke or an Ames, could scarcely heighten. We are fortunately so constituted, that the sight of distress is amply sufficient to awaken our sympathy, without requiring by a conclusive moral deduction, the establishment of the fact, that it is our duty to sympathize with the objects of it. Ere long a wide field will present itself for mitigating the sufferings and relieving the wants of
THE POOR.
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. ☞
FOR THE RURAL MAGAZINE.