The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-05-16
"SCIENTIFIC CHARITY"
A Sermon On the Difference Betwee
Now and Old Methods.

Now and Old Methods.
In view of the charity that now stirs the
heart of the community, the Rev. w. G.
Eliot's sermon on Scientific Charity" at
the Unitarian church yesterday morning
proved of more than passing interest. The
preacher among other things said:
Scientific charity is that method which is
based on the best results of general social
science. The development of wise charitable
methods has been gradual. The old way tended
to make begging ab.usiness and giving irregu-
lar; the new method makes giving
business and begging irregular.
The old method too often put q premium
upon improvidence; the new method cooper.
ates with every means OF alternating poverty
and removing causes In the old way givers
were often influenced by the desire to get rid OF
the applicant or to have perfunctory aims
giving put to their credit in heaven, or with all
good intention were nevertheless too often
swindled by the beggar; the new method aims
to prevent all these abuses.
The charity work OF large cities is best regu-
lated by bureau of charity, enabling the vari.
GUS charitable enterprises of the city to work
together.
The speaker here detailed the history of
the establishment of the Bureau OF Asso-
ciated Charities in this city. The estab-
lishment of such bureau has much to
contend against; first, distrust OF older
charitable institutions. This is caused
partly by ignorance of the methods and
objects of associated charities; partly by
fear lest their funds may be diverted. The
ultimate economy and decrease in the
community charity bill will demonstrate,
if nothing else Will, that the bureau of
charities is here to help and not to hinder.
The function of the associated charities is
not to take the place nor divert the funds
of other enterprises. Second, against a re-
dictionary feeling on the part of some that
help should, be given only to the deserv-
ing. Very few applicants for relief are
absolutely deserving. 1t is the function
of the bureau to recommend what is the
wise action in all cases. Third, the bu-
reau must contend against lack of workers.
The churches of the city have been asked
TO appoint each committee to help the
bureau in those cases which require per-
sonal interest and influence. All but a
few of the churches have neglected this.
The association OF charities through 8
bureau was commended, first, because the
matter is systematized III business wav;
second, for its economy; third, for its
greater justice--a minimum of money be-
ing unwisely spent upon professional beg
gars; fourth, because its machinery is not
an obstacle but the greatest help to per-
sonal work in helping the poor in other
ways as well as with aims. The work of
other charitable enterprises of the city.
especially the Ladies Relief Society, was
commended; but it was urged that the
bureau of charities was not an intrusion
upon their work, but Complementary to it.
The speaker concluded with an appeal to
the congregation TO maintain a continued
interest in the bureau of associated charl-
ties. patience with its shortcomings and
enthusiasm for It's srccesS