2. Amongst the peculiar advantages of public charities above private ones, is also to be mentioned, that they are examples of great influence. They serve for perpetual memorials of what I have been observing, of the relation which subsists between the rich and the poor, and the duties which arise out of it. They are standing admonitions to all within sight or hearing of them, to "go and do likewise," Luke x. 37. Educating poor children in virtue and religion, relieving the sick, and correcting offenders in order to their amendment, are in themselves some of the very best of good works. These charities would indeed be the glory of your city, though their influence were confined to it. But important as they are in themselves, their importance still increases by their being examples to the rest of the nation ; which, in process of time, of course copies after the metropolis. It has, indeed, already imitated every one of these charities: for, of late, the most difficult and expensive of them, hospitals for the sick and wounded, have been established: some within your sight, others in remote parts of the kingdom. You will give me leave to mention particularly, that in its second trading city,[1] which is conducted with such disinterested fidelity and prudence as I dare venture to compare with yours. Again, there are particular persons very blameably inactive and careless, yet not without good dispositions, who, by these charities,
- ↑ As it is of very particular benefit to those who ought always to be looked upon with particular favour by us, I mean our seamen, so likewise it is of very extensive benefit to the large tracts of country west and north of it. Then the medical waters near the city render it a still more proper situation for an infirmary; and so likewise does its neighbourhood to the Bath Hospital; for it may well be supposed that some poor objects will be sent thither, in hopes of relief from the Bath-waters, whose case may afterwards be found to require the assistance of physic or surgery; and on the other hand, that some may be sent to our infirmary for help from those arts whose case may be found to require the Bath-waters. So that, if I am not greatly partial, the Bristol infirmary as much deserves encouragement as any charitable foundation in the kingdom.
