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CHAP. XXIII.

Charity.—Shopping.—The diſtreſſed Stationer.—Miſchievous Conſequences of delaying Payment.

AS they walked in ſearch of a ſhop, they both determined to purchaſe pocket-books; but their friend deſired them not to ſpend all their money at once, as they would meet many objects of charity in the numerous ſtreets of the metropolis. I do not wiſh you, ſhe continued, to relieve every beggar that you caſually meet; yet ſhould any one attract your attention, obey the impulſe of your heart, which will lead you to pay them for exerciſing your compaſſion, and do not ſuffer the whiſpers of ſelfiſhneſs, that they may be impoſtors, to deter you. However, I would have you give but a trifle when you are not certain the diſtreſs is real, and reckon it given for pleaſure. I for my part would rather be

deceived