our Association. They were instituted for the prevention of pauperism, and for the greatest good and happiness of the poor. By different, yet perfectly harmonious measures, they are seeking the same great results. One is aiming at its purposes by furnishing employment to those who cannot obtain it for themselves, and yet without it must beg. There are not a few of this class in every large community, and they have strong claims upon the sympathies of those who can furnish them with employment. Our Infant School Societies would rescue the children of paupers, and of the most dependent among the poor, from the dreadful exposures of their condition. They would take these children into their charge, even at the age of lisping infancy, and form their first associations to a knowledge and love of right; to a knowledge and love of God their Father; and to a knowledge and love of duty. These schools are moral nurseries for those, who, if not gathered into them, or if left where they are, can hardly be expected, when they shall be advanced in life, to have any clear and strong conceptions of right and wrong; and who certainly, if uncared for, will not justly be accountable for their character and conduct, as they will be accountable for it by whom they shall have been neglected. We doubt not that every member of this Association will feel the high and strong claims of our Infant School Societies. One of these Societies, we mean that by which the Broad Street Infant School has been sustained, calls for our immediate attention and aid. Its necessities and claims should be among the earliest objects of the care of the Association. We shall lessen demand for alms, in proportion as we shall awaken a spirit of industry in those who shall apply for them, and supply those with employment who cannot otherwise obtain it ; · and not less in proportion as we

shall save the children of paupers from early exposure, and education to the vices, which have brought their parents to debasement and ruin.

We have spoken of a few principles, familiar perhaps to all of us, a regard to which is strongly demanded at once for avoiding abuses of alms-giving, and for a security of the most effectual relief of those for whom both Christianity and humanity alike require it. Through these principles, our Association is intended to act as a balance-wheel in the movements of the Benevolent Societies of which its members are the agents. By visiting, as far as possible, and not once or twice, every applicant for alms, we have learned, to a very great extent, the actual condition of nearly every one to whom the alms entrusted to us have been administered. A few cases of very gross imposture have been detected and exposed. In one instance, and of a female, in which a long series of very aggravated impositions were discovered, the individual guilty of them was arrested upon a civil process, and upon conviction was sent to the House of Correction. Nor have we any doubt that the knowledge of our operations has done much to prevent attempts at imposition. Such attempts may be made successfully upon families, from which no fear of visits is felt. But they cannot long be sustained under a faithful visitatorial system. Yet it is under this very system that the proper subjects of alms have been aided, as they otherwise could not have been. They have been aided, not only with alms, but with that respect and sympathy, that counsel and encouragement, which are not less important and valuable to them than alms. Our ministry to such as these we consider among the highest of our principles. In our connexion with such as these, we sometimes find our ablest teachers; our wisest of mere human guides to the high

est happiness, the best good of life. Alms-giving we consider one of the most imperative of the duties which belong to the stewardship of the rich. It is one of the offices by which we are to prove our love to Christ, and our fidelity to Christ. Nor is there too much of it among us. Far otherwise. If, when mis-directed, our alms may minister to vice in its most debasing forms, and most destructive influences, so also may the withholding of them be the occasion of as dreadful evils, as were ever produced by their abuse. Let it be our aim then to carry on our work with hearts alive at once to its privileges, and to our responsibilities in it. Christian alms-giving is yet a great subject for the consideration of Christians. Much vague, and worse than useless declamation has been employed upon it. Let us all feel that we need light upon it, and that we have much to learn respecting it. Let us do what we can to enlighten, to guide, and to aid each other. And let us not fail to seek for light from Him, who will not withhold it from those who truly want it, and are prepared faithfully to walk in it.

For the Committee,

JOSEPH TUCKERMAN.

BOSTON, October, 1835.

Read this day before the Association, and accepted as their Report.

HENRY B. ROGERS, Secretary,

BOSTON, October 13th, 1835.

OF THE

ASSOCIATION OF DELEGATES

FROM THE

BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES OF BOSTON.

PREAMBLE.

WHEREAS, the public good requires that the character and circumstances of the Poor should be thoroughly investigated and known by those who administer our public charities, in order that all the relief which a pure and enlarged benevolence dictates may be freely bestowed, and that alms-giving may not encourage extravagance or vice, nor injuriously affect the claims of society at large, upon the personal exertions and moral conduct of its members; - and whereas, these most important objects cannot be obtained, without the mutual interchange of all the information and experience possessed by those who are engaged in the work of dispensing alms, nor without the adoption of some common and uniform mode of disbursing charitable funds;- Therefore the various Benevolent Societies in this city have thought proper to send Delegates to this meeting, for the purpose of representing their views and interests in respect to these objects; and of taking such measures, as may be necessary for the attainment of the ends of our proposed Association. We, then, as Delegates from the above referred to Societies, agree to adopt the following

CONSTITUTION.

ARTICLE I. This Association shall be called, THE AssoCIATION OF DELEGATES FROM THE BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES OF BOSTON.

ART. II. The objects of the Association shall be, to adopt measures for the most effectual prevention of fraud and deception in the applicants for charity; to obtain accurate and thorough information with regard to the situation, character and wants of the poor; and generally to interchange knowledge, experience and advice upon all the important subjects connected with the duties and responsibilities of Benevolent Societies.

ART. III. The Association shall choose annually by ballot a President and Secretary, who shall perform all the duties usually required of such officers.

ART. IV. There shall be an annual meeting for the choice of Officers, on the second Tuesday in January of each year. ART. V. Each of the Benevolent Societies attached to this Association shall choose annually two Delegates to the Association, who shall take their seats in the same on the second Tuesday in January of each year; it being understood, that the Delegates now chosen shall retain their places until new ones shall be elected in their stead at the annual meeting.

ART. VI. The Association shall hold a stated meeting on the first Tuesday of each month, and at such hour and place as they may agree upon.

ART. VII. It shall be the duty of the Delegates from each Benevolent Society to furnish the Secretary, at each monthly meeting, with a written report, containing an accurate statement of the number of persons their Society has assisted during the preceding month; the names of those thus assisted; the residence, nation and character of each, and of the kind and amount of relief afforded; according to a form to be adopted by the Association. The Delegates shall also furnish the Association with a correct list of the Executive Officers, and Standing Committees of the different Societies they represent, and of the changes which from time to time may take place in them.

ART. VIII. This Association shall have no control, direct or indirect, over the funds belonging to either of the Societies represented in it; but each Society shall have the entire and sole control of its own funds.

ART. IX. This Constitution may be amended at any meeting of the Association specially notified for the purpose; provided the alteration shall have been proposed at a previous regular meeting, and a statement thereof shall have been placed in the hands of the President at such meeting for the inspection of the Delegates; and the alteration shall be adopted, if two-thirds of the Delegates present shall vote in its favor.

ART. X. Special Mectings of the Association may be called by notification from the Secretary, upon a written request from the Delegates of any three Societies.

JOSEPH TUCKERMAN,
President of the Association.

HENRY B. ROGERS, Secretary.