Page:The collected works of Theodore Parker volume 7.djvu/137

Rh Fathers of New England owned the bodies of their labourers and domestics! The condition of the working man has improved relatively to tho wealth of the land over since. The wages of any kind of labour, at this day, bear a higher proportion to the things needed for comfort end convenience than ever before for two hundred years.

If you go back one hundred years, I think you will find that, in proportion to the population and wealth of this town or this State, there was considerably more suffering from native poverty then than now. I have not, however, before me the means of absolute proof of this statement; but this is plain, that now public charity is more extended, more complete, works in a wiser mode, and with far more beneficial effect; and that pains are now taken to uproot the causes of poverty—pains which our fathers never thought of. In proof of this increase of charity, and even of tho existence of justice, I need only refer to the numerous benevolent societies of modern origin, and to the establishment of tho ministry at large, in this city—the latter tho work of Unitarian philanthropy. Some other churches have done a little in this good work. But none have done much. I am told the Catholic clergy of this city do little to remove the great mass of poverty, intemperance, and crime among their followers. I know there are some few honourable exceptions, and how easy it is for Protestant hostility to exaggerate matters; still I fear the reproach is but too well founded, that the Catholic clergy are not vigilant shepherds, who guard their sacred flock against the terrible wolves which prowl about the fold. I wish to find myself mistaken here.

Some of you remember the "Old Almshouse" in Park Street; the condition and character of its inmates; the effect of the treatment they there received. I do not say that our present attention to the subject of poverty is anything to boast of—certainly we have done little in comparison with what common sense demands; very little in comparison with what Christianity enjoins; still it is something; in comparison with "the good old times," it is much that we are doing.

There has been a great change for the better m the matter of intemperance in drinking. "Within thirty years, the progress towards sobriety is surprising, and so well-