Tuesday 22 July 2008

Scottish Paupers

Every Sunday a collection is made in the different congregations for the sick and necessitous, as poor's rates are unknown in Scotland; but as the natives can practice the lesson of being content with little, or are possessed of such a spirit of independence, that they will not submit to the disgrace of asking alms without urgent necessity, the small pittance thus gathered weekly, and placed under the distribution of the minister and elders, has hitherto been found sufficient for every purpose of regular charity. Thus in a country where the greatest number are poor, there are yet very few beggars. Thomas Pennant (1769).

Scottish Proverbs and Scottish Sayings.

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