One of them was a young merchant--the other a man past the prime of life, and belonging to the community of Friends.

They were in conversation, and the manner of the former, earnest and emphatic, was in marked contrast with the quiet and thoughtful air of the other.
"There is so much idleness and imposture among the poor," said the merchant, "that you never know when your alms are going to do harm or good.

The beggar we just passed is able to work; and that woman sitting at the corner with a sick child in her arms, would be far better off in the almshouse.

No man is more willing to give than I am, if I only knew where and when to give." "If we look around us carefully, Mr.Edwards," returned the Quaker, "we need be at no loss on this subject.

Objects enough will present themselves.