Among the voluntary modes of raising such
contributions, lotteries ought not to be allowed, because they
increase the number of those who are poor, and involve danger to the
public property. It may be asked whether the relief of the poor
ought to be administered out of current contributions, so that every
age should maintain its own poor; or whether this were better done
by means of permanent funds and charitable institutions, such as
widows' homes, hospitals, etc.? And if the former method is the
better, it may also be considered whether the means necessary are to
be raised by a legal assessment rather than by begging, which is
generally nigh akin to robbing. The former method must in reality be
regarded as the only one that is conformable to the right of the
state, which cannot withdraw its connection from any one who has to
live. For a legal current provision does not make the profession of
poverty a means of gain for the indolent, as is to be feared is the
case with pious foundations when they grow with the number of the
poor; nor can it be charged with being an unjust or unrighteous burden
imposed by the government on the people.
2. The state has also a right to impose upon the people the duty
of preserving children exposed from want or shame, and who would
otherwise perish; for it cannot knowingly allow this increase of its
power to be destroyed, however unwelcome in some respects it may be.
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