which equally depends the prosperity of individuals and of empires———the desire implanted in the human breast of bettering its condition.[1] Be it our endeavour that this principle obtain a potent influence on the lower classes of society. our duty to the poor is a personal service, injoined by the highest authority, and cannot be commuted: it is a work in which no man has a right to be idle—"Where is it that in such a world as this, health and leisure and affluence may not find some ignorance to instruct, some wrong to redress, some want to supply, some misery to alleviate? Shall ambition and avarice never sleep? shall they never want objects on which to fasten? shall they be so observant to discover, so acute to discern, so eager, so patient to pursue, and shall the benevolence of Christians want employment?[2]
- ↑ Smith's Wealth of Nations.
- ↑ Mr. Wilberforce's Practical View.
