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PROSPECTUS 
 
 ■ 
 
 OF THE 
 
 MUTUAL ASSURANCE SOCIETY, 
 
 FOR 
 
 SICKNESS, SUPERANNUATION, AND LIFE. 
 
 To avert the evils of poverty, and promote comfort and happiness, — To enahle the 
 people to maintain themselves from their own resources, by the exercise of a prudent 
 economy, — is the object of the proposed institution. 
 
 " UNITY IS STRENGTH." 
 
 That Poverty, in itself, is a very great evil, is an opinion universally 
 held by men in all ranks and conditions of life ; and that it is felt or 
 feared in a greater or less degree by nine-tenths of the entire 
 population of Great Britain, it is believed will not be disputed. 
 The arduous spirit of philanthropic enterprize has of late years 
 done much to ameliorate and lessen the amount of human suffering, 
 and reclaim to the paths of virtue and of comfort the improvident 
 and the profligate •, and many have been the tributary streams 
 whose supplies have been poured in to swell the tide of general 
 happiness among our people. Public and private benevolence 
 have been exerted to a great extent ; and there is not a district 
 in the country which has not in one way or other felt the beneficial 
 effects resulting from it; but, great as has been the good already 
 achieved, a great deal more remains still to be accomplished. 
 
 Of all the ills to which humanity is heir, none so much harass the 
 mind of an honest man, as the inability for self-support. Against 
 its occurrence he labours from the term of boyhood, and is not soon 
 satisfied that his savings are sufficient to secure to him a plentiful 
 provision when the period of hoary hairs arrives, and the frailty 
 incident upon threescore years overtakes him. Nor is it the fears 
 of old age alone that cause him alarm. Having been taught, 
 either by dear-bought experience in his own person, or by the 
 history of disease and death which every family in his neighbourhood 
 presents to view, that, at no stage of their existence, are human 
 beings safe against the attacks of sickness, the risk of accident, or 
 the chance of death, he is hence urged to look forward with con- 
 cern for his future subsistence, and eagerly occupied in securing 
 an adequate fund for his future comfort. And, if men in the 
 middle walks of life, who generally have it in their power, through 
 
2 
 
 industry and economy, to make provision against the imbecility 
 of old age, find this applicable to their case, and hence evince 
 much anxiety about the future ; what may be conceived to be the 
 feelings of that honest but poor man, whose independence of spirit is 
 too noble to brook the aid of a parish-allowance, and too worthy 
 to supplicate or even accept the munificence of private charity ? Yet, 
 it is matter of fact, that defies contradiction, that be the labourer 
 or mechanic as frugal as he may, if it but so happen that, from 
 scarcity of employment, inability to Work, or any other circum- 
 stance, his means of subsistence be cut off or even suspended, 
 though but for a short period, then will the miseries he has so 
 much reason to fear press upon him, and tend in an eminent degree 
 to aggravate his sufferings : for, such is the low remunerating rate at 
 which labour is obtained, that a workman's whole wages are scarcely 
 more than sufficient for his comfortable maintenance : and, such 
 a state of things must necessarily continue to increase, unless an 
 antidote be speedily provided. The many charitable institutions 
 now in operation, laudable as are their views, seek to attain their 
 object in one and the same way, and that, it is humbly conceived, 
 not in the way best suited to attain it, so as at the same time to 
 keep alive that generous independence which has so long been 
 the pride of our Scottish peasantry. Instead of endeavouring to 
 prevent the approach of poverty while it was yet distant, and 
 could be fairly dealt with, the worthy promoters of such institu- 
 tions have chiefly directed their influence and their efforts to the 
 removal of the evil after it had arrived, and grappled with the 
 disease after it had gained strength. By this mode of treatment 
 they have, in many cases, exerted a baneful influence ; for, while 
 to every cry of want there was to be found a response of charity, 
 the demand, as might naturally be expected, kept pace with the 
 supply, until the malady has so spread and widened, as to leave 
 but too unequivocal a proof that Scotland is quickly verging to a 
 state of like dependency as her sister country, while she is alike 
 destitute of the means and the temper to sustain the burden. 
 Thus, while it is admitted that much temporary good has been 
 done by the hands of charity, still it is contended, that a perma- 
 nent evil has too often flowed from it ;— a glaring proof of which 
 pos tion may be deduced from the parish of Haddington, where, 
 in spite of all her auxiliary spontaneous charity, (and it is decid- 
 edly great, considering the number and resources of the contri- 
 butors,) the poors' rates have continued to increase, although the 
 allowances to individual paupers have not been materially enlarg- 
 ed. How best to provide against the approach of poverty, then, 
 must be a question involving both a deep interest and an important 
 duty. 
 
 It appears, that to meet poverty after it arrives is not effectually 
 to remove it : to remedy the evil a more radical antidote must be 
 applied ; and that will not be found either in compulsory, off 
 
public or private charity. Effectually to prevent pauperism— which 
 is the most humiliating, if not vitiating condition in which any 
 people can be placed, — they must be made to provide for them- 
 selves, and the classes from amongst which the successive ranks 
 of our indigent poor are called forth, must be plied with a more 
 wholesome regimen. To our Sessional and Parochial Schools, 
 — our Schools of Arts and Mechanics' Institutions, and Literary 
 and Scientific Libraries, — all and each of which, added to our 
 Religious Instructions, have an evident and direct tendency to raise 
 the moral, as they are allowed to do the intellectual, character of 
 a people, — to these, wc say, must be added a practical code of 
 Economics, suited to the circumstances of the class of persons it 
 is meant to subserve ; and we do conceive, that amongst our men 
 of handicraft and hard labour, there are yet stamina enough, 
 if rightly applied, to stem the current of national degradation ; and, 
 out of means, the produce of their own industry, to raise to healthy 
 independence the artizans and labourers of the land, that most 
 useful class of men, on whose order and welfare so much of the 
 social compact depends. 
 
 While we do not blame, but would rather laud, the praise- 
 worthy attempts of the wealthy who have frankly come forward to 
 the relief of indigence, yet would we like to see that noble feeling 
 which of old was too high-minded to brook the acceptance of chari- 
 ty in any shape, again assume its former independent character. 
 Then would the mechanic or the farm-servant, while in health he 
 met the necessities of his family, and maintained for them an 
 honest and respectable appearance by the rewards of his daily la- 
 bour, secure also, (as far as possible) in the event of his sickness, 
 infirmity, or death, a provision for those who look to him for sup- 
 port, which would raise them above immediate want, and enable 
 them to retain their wonted place among the families around. And 
 this, it is presumed, limited as are his means, he has the ability of 
 doing, if he can save but a very trifling sum from his weekly or 
 monthly wages. This country is happily furnished with Banks 
 for small savings, — institutions excellent in themselves, but defec- 
 tive in their operation, inasmuch as the savings of many years 
 may be swallowed up during a few months' illness, and the frugal 
 labourer thereby left as helpless and as indigent as before. A more 
 efficient plan for his relief, it is conceived, is necessary, and may 
 be found in Associations for Mutual Support. And is not Friendly 
 or Benefit Societies precisely of that nature ? Their object and de- 
 sign is — from a common fund to which all the members contribute — 
 to meet and remedy the evils of poverty, arising from the sickness 
 or infirmity of the member during his life, and that of his family 
 at the time of his death. This these institutions are fitted to do, 
 without either lowering the member in the eye of his neighbour, 
 or in the slightest degree affecting his own feelings of independence. 
 It has long been matter of regret, that, owing to many radical 
 
defects in their original constitution, such societies have frequently 
 failed to realize the looked for benefits ; and, instead of supply in 
 time of need, have only bequeathed disappointment and distress 
 to their aged members ; but, as the sources of their decay have 
 been detected and clearly pointed out in the Report of the 
 Highland Society of Scotland, and in the evidence adduced before 
 the House of Commons in 1825 and 1827, such errors may, in 
 future, be guarded against ; and as Friendly Societies, in their 
 nature and general principles, are very similar to the Life and An- 
 nuity Assurances of the higher and middle classes, so, it is confi- 
 dently hoped, that ere long those Societies will be elevated to a 
 like honourable distinction among our national institutions, and 
 enable the poor man to purchase a real security against want, 
 which must in an eminent degree conduce to his comfort and hap- 
 piness. 
 
 It is with a view to the attainment of this desirable object, 
 and to give permanent stability and perfect confidence to the 
 community, that the present Prospectus is submitted for con- 
 sideration. It is got up under no influential patronage — neither 
 has it any sinister motive, — it is simply a suggestion frankly 
 and freely given to the public : if it is judged applicable to the 
 circumstances of the people, its own inherent merit must support 
 it; if it is thought unworthy of that approbation, its reaching the 
 public eye can at least do no harm. 
 
 . That the want of an institution similar to what is now contemplat- 
 ed is really felt, it is conceived, will readily be admitted ; and that 
 the main obstacle to its formation lies in the paucity of infor- 
 mation on the subject is pretty evident, from an examination of 
 the laws and practice of most of the Friendly Societies around us. 
 To point out a few of these errors and prescribe an antidote, will 
 therefore tend both to illustrate their proper principles, and shew 
 in how far the former defects are to be guarded against. 
 
 The errors into which, for want of data and other causes, the 
 old societies fell, are neither few nor unimportant. The first 
 about to be mentioned, is commensurate with their formation ; the 
 others, more or less attach to them during the whole course of 
 their existence. 
 
 When a Society was about to be formed, it was a very com- 
 mon practice to admit to equal privileges persons of different 
 ages, at the same premium, in order to swell the members of the 
 Association at its outset; although a limitation was generally 
 made as to the rate and mode of admission in future. 
 
 Now, it will be seen, that as age advances, sickness and the 
 chance of death increases, and that, too, in a much greater ratio 
 than the proportionate advance in years. For example, by referr- 
 ing to the rates of sickness as given in the Report of the Highland 
 Society for 1821, founded upon data procured from 79 Friendly 
 Societies, diffused throughout sixteen Counties in Scotland, it will 
 be found that the average sickness at the twenty-first year of age 
 
is lit lie more than four days to each individual, and that it in- 
 creases at the rate of a tenth part of a week for each five years 
 between twenty and fifty, — at the latter period, being one week 
 two and a-half days to each person. The average sickness from 
 twenty to fifty, therefore, is not quite one week annually ; but 
 from fifty to sixty this rate is nearly doubled, being, at sixty, about 
 two weeks two and one-eight days ; or, upon an average of the 
 ten years almost two weeks yearly to each person. Again, the 
 sickness found to prevail at the seventieth year, is rather more than 
 ten and-a-half weeks to each person • the average during that de- 
 cade, or term often years, being about six and-a-half weeks, or 
 more than six times the quantum of sickness ascertained to prevail 
 previous to the fiftieth year of age. It is found also, that the 
 scale of sickness ascends still higher as the period of life rises, 
 for at the seventy-fifth year it is, on an average, so high as sixteen 
 and-a-half weeks annually, to each person who reaches that age. 
 
 Again, on referring to the laws of mortality, as deduced from 
 the mean duration of life given in the Northampton, Carlisle, and 
 latest Swedish tables, we find, that of 1005 persons, each com- 
 mencing his twenty- first year, ten will die before reaching the 
 twenty-second year j and ten more annually until the thirty- 
 second year of a<:e, during which year, and until the thirty-ninth 
 year, eleven will be found to die yearly ; from thirty-nine to 
 forty-five the annual decrease will be twelve; from forty-five to 
 fifty-one the remaining number will be diminished by thirteen an- 
 nually; from fifty-one to fiftv-five fourteen die yearly; from fifty- 
 five to fifty-nine the yearly deaths are fifteen ; and sixteen die 
 during the sixtieth year; and this rate goes on increasing until the 
 sixty-ninth year, when the deaths are twenty-three annually; but 
 after the seventy-second year, although the number who die yearly 
 bear a larger proportion to the living at each respective age, yet, 
 as the number of persons alive at the latter period are reduced to 
 301, so the annual decrease is diminished also, though the pro- 
 portion is increased. 
 
 It is worthy of remark, that, of 1005 persons who enter on the 
 21st year of age, 536 reach the age of threescore years; of which 
 latter number, 347 reach 70; 135 reach 80; 5 only see 90; and 
 95 seems to be the greatest extension of human life : there is, 
 however, a decided difference in the duration of life between the 
 sexes, as shewn in the Parliamentary Reports for 1825 and 1827; 
 the probabilities of female life being about a sixth- part greater 
 than that of males. In the above calculation the mean rates of 
 both are taken. 
 
 Again, when what is called the expectation of life is adverted to, 
 the absurdity of insuring all at the same rates appears evident. For 
 instance, the average number of years that each of 1000 individu- 
 als, all in the 21st year of age, may be expected to live, is 38 
 years ; at 30, it is given at 324 years ; at 40, at little more than 26 
 
years ; at 50, at 20 years ; at 60, it is reduced so low as 14 years j 
 and at 70, to little more than Sf years. 
 
 Again, the deaths to the living in each year of the following de- 
 cades, or term ot ten years, according to ihe Highland Society's 
 average, are, in round numbers, between 20 and 30 years of age, 
 in the proportion of 1 in 95 : 
 
 Between 30 and 40 1 in 76i 
 
 40 _ 50 1 in 58. 
 
 , 50 _ 60 1 in 40j. 
 
 60 _ 70 1 in 22. 
 
 _ 70 _ 80 1 in 104. 
 
 80 _ 90 ~1 in 5i 
 
 Above 90 , ...] in 24. 
 
 Now, it is contended, that when these several calculations are 
 adverted to, it must be very plain to any person who will take the 
 trouble to examine, that with the advance of years, conies a de- 
 cided increase of sickness; as also, the less expectancy of life, and 
 the greater probability of death. It is therefore most obvious, 
 that if members are allowed to enter at different ages, and at the 
 same premium, either the young entrant must pay too high or the 
 old entrant too low a premium ; or, the Society must become in- 
 solvent when the period of greatest sickness and mortality for those 
 who entered in youth arrives : or, as hitherto been the case, re- 
 source must be had to younger entrants still to prop the institu- 
 tion ; but as they, too, will become old in their turn, the evils of 
 bankruptcy are but reserved for them ; as has been proved by the 
 experience of many Societies who flourished for a generation, but 
 which, from the germ of destruction being within them from the 
 first, eventually went to ruin. 
 
 Now, in order to remedy this fundamental error, it is proposed, 
 indeed, to make it eligible for persons of any age under 50 to be- 
 come members; but then all cannot enter at the same premium. 
 Each individual above 21 years of age, must pay either an equiva- 
 lent sum as entry money, corresponding to his age at entry, or an 
 increased annual contribution that will compensate for it. Thus, 
 be the entrant of what age he may, his entry money, if paid at 
 once, shall just be the same as the individual stock or property in 
 the Society held by a member of his own age, who entered at 21 
 years of age, so that, in fact, all the members, after deducting 
 risk to the time at which they join the Society, are made virtually 
 to enter on the same terms. By this means, be the ages of the 
 members at entry what they may, all are placed on a perfect 
 equality ; the person who enters at a greater age having no unjust 
 advantage over him who entered at a younger age, but which 
 would he the case were all indiscriminately admitted at the same 
 contribution, and all to receive the same benefits. 
 
 Another radical error under which the old Benefit Societies 
 laboured, and which operated powerfully against their stability, 
 
arose from the contributions and allowances not being justly propor- 
 tioned to each other, even supposing all the members to have entered 
 from the first at a prescribed age. To increase the evil, too, every 
 institution, with more limited means, embraced a variety of objects, 
 and promised a multiplicity of benefits, each of which would have re- 
 quired separate schemes, and taken the united premiums to meet one 
 single branch of expenditure. Indeed, instances are not awanting, 
 in which societies have promised their members aliment in time of 
 sickness, an allowance at the death of the wife or child of the member, 
 as well as funeral money at his own decease, and, what is more 
 absurd still, an annuity to the widow during her lifetime, when, in 
 truth, the whole of the payments taken together, were not more 
 than adequate to defray the sick allowance, without any other ap- 
 pendage. To avoid danger from this source, be the objects con- 
 templated ever so many, different interests will not be allowed td 
 clash as was wont to be the case J for, a table of rates shall be ap- 
 propriated to each department or scheme, the contributions applic- 
 able to which shall form a distinct fund, under the management 
 of office-bearers appointed by the shareholders immediately connected 
 with it : And the rates of payment and allowance shall not be taken 
 by chance as formerly^ but calculated on the kndWn and acknowledged 
 scientific principles followed by the numerous Life and Annuity 
 Assurance Companies throughout the empire, the beneficial effects of 
 which are so much prized by the upper classes of society. 
 
 But before developing the proposed scheme further, another ma- 
 terial defect in many of the old institutions may be adverted to ; and 
 that arose from the members of which they were composed being too 
 few in number to afford a fair average in health and life, two hundred 
 being considered little enough for that purpose.* And this brought 
 with it yet another evil, which, although we are happy to learn d6es 
 not properly apply to our own immediate district, was yet productive 
 of much distrust and imjuietude in other quarters, — namely, that the 
 management of the funds often got into the hands of a few men, who, 
 though doing their utmost to promote the prosperity of the society 
 Committed to their charge, yet, from want of knowledge of the proper 
 principles by which they should have been governed, — unknown 
 either to themselves dr their constituents, — mismanaged the affairs, and 
 ultimately brought on the insolvency of the scheme. 
 
 To these evils an extended association presents a powerful barrier ; 
 for, by uniting together great numbers, a saving will be effected in 
 the expense of management, a fairer average of health and life will 
 be obtained, and neither will so small a number be able to conduct 
 the business, nor can any large proportion of the directors be perma- 
 nently in office. 
 
 As what we contemplate is not a charity, but more pfoperly an 
 antidote against the necessity for such a provision, — as it may be 
 
 # See Report by a Select Committee of the House of Commons on Friendly So- 
 cieties, in 1825. 
 
8 
 
 viewed rather as a Commercial Company, comprising amongst its 
 members, persons from any part of the county, who purchase and pay 
 for the benefit they expect to receive ; and as, consequently, sonic 
 may be at such a distance from Haddington, — which we assume as 
 head-quarters, — as to make it inconvenient for them to attend the 
 meetings, so, to facilitate the business, increase the interest, and 
 fairly represent all the shareholders, as soon as there are ten members 
 in a parish, they shall elect from amongst themselves two delegates 
 to the general committee, who shall act for their district, the one as 
 president, the other as clerk and treasurer; and for each additional 
 twenty members one more shall be added to such sub-committee. 
 And in order still further to interest all classes of the community, it 
 is proposed, that, besides the benefit members of the several schemes, 
 there shall be a list opened for honorary members, whose contribu- 
 tions shall be auxiliary to the general plan, and shall be applied in 
 the first instance to the incident fund ; which, as well as the three 
 benefit funds, shall be kept distinct from each other. 
 
 At present our plan will be restricted to the following departments 
 only; viz. 
 
 1st,— a sickness scheme, 
 For aliment to sick and infirm members, until the completion of 
 the sixtieth year of age. 
 
 2d,— A DEFERRED ANNUITY SCHEME, 
 For granting permanent annuities to those members who survive 
 after sixty, when the first scheme terminates, whatever be their con- 
 dition or state of health at that period. 
 
 3d,— A LIFE ASSURANCE OR FUNERAL SCHEME, 
 For granting payments in money to relations at the death of the 
 member, at whatever period that event may happen, after being one 
 year in the Society. 
 
 Each of the schemes will be divided into an indefinite number of 
 small shares, one, or a restricted number, of which may be taken, ac- 
 cording as subscribers shall incline.* 
 
 Having thus far divulged the plan, and briefly pointed out 
 the important benefits which might reasonably be expected to re- 
 sult from its adoption, it remains to satisfy the public as to the 
 accuracy of the calculations on which the whole fabric is founded. 
 
 * Besides the above, there may be afterwards added, — 
 A Scheme for Children before they are fit for Apprentices, as well as insuring 
 to them a certain small sum during the time of Apprenticeship. 
 
 We have no doubt that if at an after-period it is deemed advisable to try this plan, 
 much benefit would result to the families of mechanics in particular, in providing the 
 means of education, and fitting out the boys as apprentices. 
 
 If a Yearly or Triennial Deposit Scheme can be afterwards appended, it would 
 enable young men, before they become engaged in business, or engrossed with the cares 
 of a family, to appropriate their savings to the redeeming at once their contributions 
 for life. 
 
In the tables for the Sickness Scheme regard has been had to 
 tire data contained in the Report of the Highland Society, where, 
 as already remarked, the rates of sickness and mortality for every 
 ten years of age from 21 to 70 are given, and hence we are enabled 
 td calculate the amount of contributions which, with the accruing 
 interest, will be required to meet a corresponding allowance, during 
 sickness, old age, and at death : And as, in our plan, we propose 
 the Sickness Scheme to terminate with the sixtieth year of age, — 
 thus leaving out the decade of greatest sickness, which, as before 
 remarked, is more than six times greater each year between 60 
 and 70 than between 20 and 50,— so shall we be enabled to grant 
 larger proportionate allowances during sickness than any of the 
 old Friendly Societies could do with safety, from the circumstance, 
 that they promised sick allowance to their members through the 
 whole of life. 
 
 Again, in the Annuity and Life or Funeral Schemes, which de- 
 pend entirely on the probabilities of life, the average of the bills 
 of mortality, as recorded in Sweden, Northampton and Carlisle, are 
 taken as the groundwork of our tables for these departments ; and 
 the rates which have been adopted are exact proportional parts of 
 those calculated for the Edinburgh School of Arts Friendly Society 
 by Mr John Lyon of the Leith High School, and well known 
 as an able calculator, from the very numerous rules and tables he 
 has given in the Highland Society's Report. 
 
 It is therefore hoped, that the public will perceive in this 
 Prospectus a plan fitted to work well, the principles on which it 
 is constructed being commensurate with the great improvements 
 lately made in the science of Assurance, — a science every day 
 gaining the confidence, and practically felt to be promoting, in no 
 ordinary degree, the comfort, of a large portion of our countrymen. 
 
 The following Rules, liable of course to be amplified and cor- 
 rected according to the opinion of the members, may be consider- 
 ed as a condensed view of the laws of the proposed institution : — 
 
 SUMBIARY OF RULES. 
 
 1. The Society shall consist of Honorary and Benefit Members ; the Honorary 
 Members contributing either one single payment of L'2, 2s., or an annual Subscription 
 of 5s. ; the Benefit Members paying the sums specified in the Tables — The contribu- 
 tions of the former, if paid annually, shall be in advance ; those of the latter, either an- 
 nually, quarterly, or monthly, per advance. 
 
 2. The contributions of the Honorary Members, with the entry money and fines of 
 the Benefit Members, shall form an Auxiliary Fund to assist in defraying the expenses 
 of management, and in supplying deficiency, from unforeseen causes, in any of the 
 schemes. 
 
 3. All the Funds of the Society, except such a sum as may be considered necessary 
 for current demands, shall be lodged in a Bank, or otherwise invested, as provided for 
 by Act of Parliament, in name of the Office-Be3rers for the time being. 
 
 4. The affairs of each scheme shall be conducted by the Members belonging to it; 
 but, in general questions, and in the disposal of the Fund for Incidental Expense, which 
 shall be kept distinct and by itself, all shall have an equal vote. 
 
 5. The Honorary and Benefit Members shall have regularly transmitted to them' 
 
10 
 
 every year, a Statement of the Society's Income and Expenditure, with any other infor- 
 mation that may be considered desirable ; and shall be at liberty to attend all meetings, 
 and give advice; but in cases of division the Honorary Members shall have no vote. 
 
 6. All the operations of each Scheme shall be kept quite separate — the funds in pos- 
 session and the value of future contributions shall be balanced with the value of the 
 future allowances, and a true state of the Society's affairs satisfactorily ascertained, at 
 least every fifth year. 
 
 7. In each Parish or country district where there are Ten Members at an inconve- 
 nient distance from Haddington to attend Meetings, &c, those Ten may elect for them- 
 selves Two delegates to the General Committee, the one to act for the district as President, 
 the other as Clerk and Treasurer ; they shall collect the Contributions and remit them 
 to the general Treasurer, and pay the allowances within their Parish. 
 
 The projected plan of this Institution will include, 
 
 1st,— A SICKNESS SCHEME. 
 Entry-Money, 2s. 6d. — Males only, under 50, Admissable. 
 
 A weekly allowance of 5s. constitutes one share ; and any member 
 may take one, two, or three shares. — The full allowance to be 
 paid for 52 weeks of sickness; three-fourths for other 52 weeks; 
 and one half, or 2s. 6d. for each share, for the remainder of all* 
 temporary or permanent sickness up to the age of sixty, when the 
 Annuity or permanent provision for old age is to commence. 
 
 TABLE I.-SICKNESS SCHEME. 
 
 ONE SHARE OF SICK ALLOWANCE, 
 
 
 5S. PER WEEK TILL 60. 
 
 
 3C(q 
 
 Contributions and Benefits cease at 60. 
 
 
 ~I or? 
 
 C. a. 
 
 Single 
 
 Annual 
 
 First 
 
 Other 
 
 
 Single 
 
 Annual 
 
 F 
 
 rst 
 
 Other 
 
 * * 
 
 Payment. 
 
 Payment. 
 
 Month 
 
 Months 
 
 
 Payment. 
 
 Payment. 
 
 Month 
 
 Months 
 
 £ * 
 
 
 L. s. d. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 L. s. d. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 
 19 
 
 5 1 11 
 
 5 9 
 
 8i 
 
 o 54 
 
 
 5 14 4 
 
 8 2 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 8 
 
 35 
 
 20 
 
 5 2 7 
 
 5 10£ 
 
 10 
 
 5\ 
 
 
 5 15 14 
 
 8 a| 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 O 8 
 
 36 
 
 21 
 
 5 S 3 
 
 5 llf 
 
 11 
 
 5 1 
 
 
 5 15 10 | 
 
 8 64 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 84 
 
 37 
 
 22 
 
 5 3 11^ 
 
 6 Of 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 
 5 16 fi% 
 
 8 94 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 84 
 
 3 8 
 
 23 
 
 5 4 8 
 
 6 2 
 
 8 
 
 6 
 
 
 5 17 4 
 
 9 1 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 9 
 
 39 
 
 24 
 
 5 5 5 
 
 6 S| 
 
 9\ 
 
 6 
 
 
 5 18 
 
 9 44 
 
 1 
 
 14 
 
 9 
 
 40 
 
 25 
 
 5 6 ty 
 
 6 4| 
 
 11 
 
 6 
 
 
 5 18 71 
 
 9 84 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 94 
 
 41 
 
 26 
 
 5 7 
 
 6 6 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 
 5 19 0J 
 
 10 04 
 
 
 
 104 
 
 10 
 
 42 
 
 27 
 
 5 7 10 
 
 6 « 
 
 8. 1 , 
 
 64 
 
 
 5 19 34 
 
 10 5 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 43 
 
 28 
 
 5 8 74 
 
 6 9| 
 
 o 104 
 
 6| 
 
 
 5 19 4 
 
 10 94 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 10 A 
 
 44 
 
 29 
 
 5 9 5} 
 
 6 Hi 
 
 1 
 
 6{j 
 
 
 5 18 11 
 
 11 2$ 
 
 1 
 
 l A 
 
 11 
 
 45 
 
 SO 
 
 5 10 S| 
 
 7 ll 
 
 84 
 
 7 
 
 
 5 18 34 
 
 11 7 
 
 ] 
 
 04 
 
 114 
 
 46 
 
 31 
 
 5 11 01 
 
 7 Z\ 
 
 o io| 
 
 7 
 
 
 5 17 04 
 
 12 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 47 
 
 32 
 
 5 11 10 
 
 7 5i 
 
 l 04 
 
 7 
 
 
 5 15 2 
 
 12 54 
 
 I 
 
 54 
 
 1 
 
 48 
 
 33 
 
 5 12 ' 8 
 
 7 8 
 
 94 
 
 o 74 
 
 
 5 12 74 
 
 12 104 
 
 1 
 
 5 1 04 
 
 49 
 
 34 
 
 5 13 6 
 
 7 10 
 
 o 114 
 
 74 
 
 
 5 9 3 
 
 13 34 
 
 1 
 
 44] 1 1 
 
 50 
 
 Example. By this table it will be perceived, that a person entering this Scheme 
 
 in his 20th year, will, for the small sum of L.5 : 2 : 7. paid at once, 
 yearly, which is little more than l}d. a-week, be entitled to the ben 
 A person at 26 will be required to pay L5 : 7s. at once to secure the 
 
 or for 5s. 10^d. 
 
 efit of one share. 
 
 same advantage, 
 
 or 6s. 6d. yearly, which is Is. 7^d. a quarter, or l£d. per week. 
 
 
11 
 
 2nd,-A DEFERRED ANNUITY SCHEME. 
 
 ENTRY-MONEY 2s. 6d, BOTH MALES AND FEMALES ADM ISS ABLE. 
 
 One share in this scheme entitles to L.8 a-year, or L.2 a-quarter, 
 which is rather more than Three Shillings a-week. The first 
 payment commences with the first quarter in the 6 1st year of age, 
 and is continued, whether the member be in health or sickness, 
 till the end of life. Members of other societies will be allowed to 
 take a half-share in this scheme if they desire. 
 
 Females will be required to pay one-fourth more, in consequence 
 of their greater probabilities of long life. 
 
 TABLE II.-ANNUITY SCHEME. 
 
 FOR ONE SHARE OF ANNUITY OF L.8 ANNUALLY, 
 
 TO COMMENCE WITH THE 6lST YEAR. 
 
 g-S 
 
 All Contributions to cease with the Sixtieth year. 
 
 a. 3 
 
 Single 
 
 Annual 
 
 First 
 
 Other 
 
 
 Single 
 
 Annual 
 
 First 
 
 Other 
 
 .< «* 
 
 Payment. 
 
 Payment. 
 
 Month. 
 
 months 
 
 
 Payment. 
 
 Payment. 
 
 Month. 
 
 months 
 
 va x 
 
 L. s. d. 
 
 L. s. d. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 L. s. d. 
 
 L. s. d. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 
 19 
 
 7 15 
 
 8 4 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 
 17 8 4|jl 4 71 
 
 a 2 
 
 2 04 
 
 35 
 
 20 
 
 8 3 84 
 
 9 3h 
 
 i 04 
 
 9 
 
 
 18 7 Oa'l 6 51 
 
 2 74 
 
 2 2 
 
 36 
 
 21 
 
 8 12 5 
 
 O 9 11 
 
 l 24 
 
 94 
 
 
 19 6 8 
 
 1 8 6 
 
 2 44 
 
 2 44 
 
 37 
 
 22 
 
 9 1 \\ 
 
 O 10 6l z 
 
 O 11 
 
 104 
 
 
 20 7 7\ 
 
 1 10 9\ 
 
 2 10 
 
 2 64 
 
 38 
 
 23 
 
 9 10 34 
 
 11 2i 
 
 i n 
 
 11 
 
 
 21 10 24 
 
 1 13 S\ 
 
 3 04 
 
 2 9 
 
 39 
 
 24 
 
 9 19 \\\ 
 
 o li 104 
 
 1 4 
 
 114 
 
 
 22 14 1 
 
 1 16 1 
 
 3 1 
 
 3 
 
 40 
 
 25 
 
 10 10 \\ 
 
 12 8 
 
 l 24 
 
 1 04 
 
 
 23 19 5\ 
 
 1 19 24 
 
 3 54 
 
 3 3 
 
 41 
 
 26 
 
 11 9| 
 
 13 54 
 
 1 64 
 
 1 1 
 
 
 25 6 3| 
 
 2 2 8~ 
 
 3 84 
 
 3 64 
 
 42 
 
 27 
 
 11 12 l| 
 
 14 4 
 
 1 6 
 
 1 2 
 
 
 26 14 10 
 
 2 6 74 
 
 4 
 
 3 104 
 
 43 
 
 28 
 
 12 3 llj 
 
 15 3.i 
 
 1 64 
 
 1 3 
 
 
 28 5 M 
 
 2 11 1 
 
 4 4 
 
 4 3 
 
 44 
 
 29 
 
 12 16 6 
 
 16 3| 
 
 1 7A 
 
 1 4 
 
 
 29 17 3 
 
 2 16 If 
 
 4 10 
 
 4 8 
 
 45 
 
 30 
 
 13 9 81 
 
 17 4% 
 
 1 10 
 
 1 5 
 
 
 31 12 5 
 
 3 2 
 
 5 2 
 
 5 2 
 
 46 
 
 31 
 
 14 3 7 
 
 18 1\ 
 
 1 8 
 
 1 64 
 
 
 33 9 6|3 8 84 
 
 5 11 
 
 5 84 
 
 47 
 
 32 
 
 14 18 3 
 
 19 10| 
 
 2 04 
 
 1 74 
 
 
 35 9 24 3 16 6| 
 
 6 5h 
 
 6 44 
 
 48 
 
 33 
 
 15 14 01 
 
 1 1 SJ 
 
 2 1 . 
 
 1 9 
 
 
 27 11 6^4 5 10 
 
 7 54 
 
 7 l| 
 
 49 
 
 34 
 
 16 10 9 
 
 1 2 10.1 
 
 2 3 
 
 1 104 
 
 
 39 16 744 16 10| 
 
 8 54 
 
 8 04 
 
 50 
 
 EXAMPLE. 
 
 A person entering this scheme in his or her 20th year of age, will, by a single pay- 
 
 ment of L.8 : 3 : 84 ; or an annual payment of 9s. 3|d., or a monthly payment of 9d., 
 
 which is not quite 2^d. a-week, be entitled to the benefit of one share. The allowance 
 
 or annuity becomes due after the first quarter of the 61st year of age, and continues till 
 
 end of life. 
 
12 
 3d,-A LIFE ASSURANCE SCHEME. 
 
 ENTIiY-MONEY 2s. 6d. MALES AND FEMALES BOTH ADMISSABLE. 
 
 A member holding one share in this scheme ensures to his or her 
 relations at his or her death, the sum of Five Pounds. One, or 
 any number of shares under ten may be taken. To accommodate 
 the members of other societies, whose Funeral allowance is small, 
 they shall be allowed to take a half share, but need not restrict 
 themselves to that amount unless it is their own choice. 
 
 
 TABLE III 
 
 ..-LIFE ASSURANCE SCHEME 
 
 
 
 
 ONE SHARE OF LIFE ASSURANCE, 
 
 
 
 L.5 AT DEATH. 
 
 
 
 E > 
 
 Contributions cease at 60. 
 
 2".> 
 
 Single 
 
 Annual First 
 
 Other 
 
 
 Single 
 
 Annual 
 
 First 
 
 Other 
 
 SB 2 
 
 Payment. 
 
 Payment. 
 
 Month. 
 
 months 
 
 
 Payment. 
 
 Payment. 
 
 Month. 
 
 months 
 
 
 
 L. s. d. 
 
 L. s. d. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 L. s. d. 
 
 L. s. d. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 
 19 
 
 1 9 5 
 
 1 s 
 
 %\ 
 
 H 
 
 
 1 18 7| 
 
 2 8f 
 
 O 5% 
 
 
 
 2' 
 
 35 
 
 20 
 
 1 9 10 
 
 1 8| 
 
 4 
 
 l| 
 
 
 1 19 4 
 
 2 10 
 
 3| 
 
 
 
 n 
 
 36 
 
 21 
 
 1 10 "34 
 
 O 1 9 
 
 o 'l ! ! 
 
 o if 
 
 
 2 Of 
 
 2 11| 
 
 5f 
 
 
 
 n 
 
 37 
 
 22 
 
 1 10 9i 
 
 o 1 94 
 
 2{ 
 
 If 
 
 
 2 10 
 
 3 1 
 
 O 4 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 38 
 
 23 
 
 1 11 si 
 
 1 101 
 
 3 
 
 o if 
 
 
 2 1 6| 
 
 3 2| 
 
 5f 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 39 
 
 24 
 
 1 11 9\ 
 
 1 lOf 
 
 3} 2 
 
 1| 
 
 
 2 2 3f 
 
 3 Ah 
 
 4f 
 
 
 
 3:1 
 
 40 
 
 25 
 
 1 12 3| 
 
 l 11| 
 
 4| 
 
 If 
 
 
 2 3 lj 
 
 0. 3 6\ 
 
 Sf 
 
 
 
 34 
 
 41 
 
 26 
 
 1 12 10| 
 
 2 
 
 o 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 3 10| 
 
 3 8| 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 34 
 
 42 
 
 27 
 
 1 13 S\ 
 
 2 Of 
 
 o 2^: 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 4 9 
 
 3 lOf 
 
 54 
 
 
 
 3!1 
 
 43 
 
 28 
 
 1 14 Of 
 
 2 H 
 
 3-i 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 5 7A 
 
 4 1-4 
 
 5h 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 44 
 
 29 
 
 1 14 7| 
 
 2 2\ 
 
 o 44 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 6 61 
 
 4 44 
 
 5| 
 
 
 
 *\ 
 
 45 
 
 30 
 
 1 15 8J 
 
 2 31 
 
 o 2| 
 
 2| 
 
 
 2 7 4| 
 
 Q 4 7^ 
 
 6i 
 
 
 
 H 
 
 46 
 
 31 
 
 1 15 111 
 
 2 l\ 
 
 3% 
 
 2l 
 
 
 a a ol 
 a J 2 
 
 4 1H 
 
 7| 
 
 
 
 n 
 
 47 
 
 32 
 
 1 16 '7J 
 
 2 5i 
 
 4| 
 
 O 2} 
 
 
 2 9 2| 
 
 5 s| 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 5\ 
 
 48 
 
 33 
 
 1 17 3|0 2 6^ 
 
 3 
 
 2| 
 
 
 2 10 2| 
 
 O 5 8f 
 
 8£ 
 
 
 
 54 
 
 49 
 
 34 
 
 1 17 11|0 2 ft 
 
 4 
 
 2| 
 
 
 2 11 240 6 2f 
 
 8| 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 50 
 
 Example A person at the age of 21 may insure one share in this schem 
 
 ebj 
 
 a single 
 
 payment of L.l, 10s. 3id., or by an annual one of Is. 9d., or a monthly 
 
 one 
 
 of l|d. 
 
 till the age of 60. 
 
 
 
 Having thus far unfolded the proposed plan, very little farther, it is conceived, will 
 be necessary to make it fully understood. 
 
 The superior advantages and extent of the benefits in the sickness scheme, beyond 
 what were afforded by the old institutions, will at once appear evident; for the amount 
 of aliment can be proportioned to the wishes and circumstances of each individual ; the 
 period during which the full and reduced rates are allowed are much longer than those 
 of the old societies ; and the permanent or superannuation allowance is far beyond 
 what they ever thought of. — Thus, a person who has two shares in the sickness scheme, 
 after the expiry of one year, has a right, in the event of continued sickness, to one year's 
 or 52 weeks full allowance, which is L.26 ; to three-fourths of that sum for another 
 vear, which is L. 19, 10s. ; and to L.13 a-year during the remainder of sickness, up to 
 the sixtieth year of age, when the first scheme terminates. 
 
 By the annuity scheme a permanent provision is secured, to commence precisely where 
 the first scheme ends. The second may indeed be considered an extension of the first 
 scheme, with this striking difference, however, that while, in the first scheme, the allow- 
 ances are paid during sickness alone, and that only to the age of sixty, the second 
 scheme provides a permanent annuity to the member, whatever be the state of his health, 
 from that time to the end of life ; and our reasons for separating the two funds are 
 these,— the degree of sickness, infirmity or inability for labour, is so much increased after 
 
13 
 
 fhe sixtieth year of age, as before observed, when compared with that between th*. 
 twentieth and sixtieth years, that, were the insurance extended over the whole of life, or 
 even to the seventieth year, the contributions would require to be almost doubled, and 
 this would deter many from taking the number of shares they may otherwise do ; be- 
 sides, in how many cases do people after reaching sixty become enfeebled though not 
 diseased or disabled — the vigour of life abates and the infirmity of old age approaches — 
 yet, if able to work at all, however small be his income, in most Societies such a mem- 
 ber, though he may have contributed for 40 years successively, receives no benefit until 
 he is actually sick, while, by our second scheme, if he but reach the first quarter of his 
 hixty-first year his annuity commences. 
 
 Again, this scheme may be open to both males and females, without any regard being 
 paid to the health of the member at entry, which must be strictly attended to in the 
 other two schemes. 
 
 The funeral allowance of the old Friendly Societies may be recognised in the third 
 or Life Assurance Scheme. To this mode of providing a sum of money at death par- 
 ticular attention is requested. As this benefit may be obtained independently of any of 
 the others, and at a very easy rate, it might be of great advantage to members of other 
 societies, who can only receive a limited sum from them, as they might hereby increase 
 that sum to a considerable amount, without violating their rules. It is likewise conceiv- 
 ed that this and the Annuity Scheme possess all the advantages of a widows' fund, 
 without risk of Joss from the predecease of wives, or the almost uniform failure of these 
 institutions, which is inevitable, if the rates of contribution are taken from the North- 
 ampton tables alone, or, what is worse, and is more frequently the case, from no tables 
 whatever. 
 
 " It has long been matter of regret, that, while the higher classes appreciate and eagerly 
 avail themselves of the benefit of Life Assurance, those classes who depend upon their 
 own industry for support have never had an opportunity of taking advantage of it, on 
 account of the schemes generally adopted being above their reach, as no policies are 
 issued below L.100, nor any monthly contributions received. To the rich, life Assur- 
 ance is expedient, as affording the means of securing ample provision for their younger 
 children and other dependents ; but to the other classes it may be said to be indispensa- 
 ble, as affording a provision for a widow or children against absolute want, or at least 
 enabling the children to obtain proper education and facilitate their setting-up in busi- 
 ness. The easy rate at which these invaluable benefits may be purchased must strike 
 every person with astonishment. Many are not able to save L.50 out of the labours of 
 a whole hfe of industry, whilst a person aged 21, may, by an annual contribution of 
 17s. 6d., or 4d. a-week, and only payable till the age of sixty, (should he live so long,) 
 secure that sum to his family, even should his death happen thirteen months after his 
 admission into the society." 
 
 From what has been stated in the foregoing pages, it is hoped that 
 the principles of the projected scheme will have been sufficiently 
 illustrated. It may, however, be repeated, as it ought to be dis- 
 tinctly borne in mind, that the proposed institution, as it has 
 nothing in the name, so neither does it in the slightest degree 
 partake of the nature, of public charity. It is simply a copart- 
 nery or association of persons contributing a part of their savings, 
 according to fixed rules, to a common fund, and hence providing 
 against wants yet future, — wants, some of which may never arrive, 
 but against \he occurrence of which it is only common prudence 
 to provide. Such are the contingencies upon which human life 
 and health depend, that he who has not in accumulated wealth a 
 sufficient guarantee for himself and family, and yet neglects joining 
 such a society as that now contemplated, is, if possible, more 
 blameable than the proprietor of a house or other property, who, 
 through negligence or other cause, omits having that property in- 
 sured against loss by fire, now that full security can be obtained 
 at so low a rate. 
 
 But the principles of the projected Scheme are still more fair 
 and liberal; the first great principle is, that the contributions of 
 
14 
 
 the members, one with another, Jet their age at entry be \vh;U it 
 may? shall, with the accruing interest, just be equal, and no more 
 than equal, to defray all the allowances, without any extraneous 
 aid whatever. And again, any member on leaving the country, 
 or becoming unable to continue his contributions, from want of 
 employment or other necessary cause, may, if it be his desire 
 to do so, withdraw from the society, and have threc-foirths of 
 his individual stock in the funds at the time returned to him ; 
 and should a member die before becoming free, that is, before 
 the expiry of one year from the date of entry, his friends will re- 
 ceive back all his contributions, the entry- money only being kept 
 as his share of the general expense. 
 
 As there will be no extra charge for non-attendance at funerals 
 or meetings, or for non-acceptance of office, and no clerk's fees, 
 the only additional expense being a contribution to the incident 
 fund of a penny-a month on the first share in each scheme, and 
 the fines required by the laws in case of irregular payments, &c. ; 
 so a person becoming a member knows at once what is to be re- 
 quired of him, and what he becomes entitled to. As security 
 against want, the object of his pursuit, and so very essential to his 
 happiness, is thus fully guaranteed to him, without any chance of 
 the box being shut when he comes to require aid ; it is presumed 
 that many will perceive the advantages to be derived from the 
 proposed copartnery, and frankly and at once join themselves as 
 members ; for, let it be understood, that much of the principles of 
 Health and Life Assurance depends upon sufficient scope being- 
 given for the obtaining a correct average, as it is not upon one in- 
 dividual life that the scheme depends, but upon the average de- 
 rived from great numbers. 
 
 In closing these remarks particularly applicable to benefit 
 members, it may not be improper to solicit attention to a maxim 
 w T orthy of a place in every memory ; viz., " that he who meets 
 want when it arrives does well ; but he who, through judicious 
 foresight, provides against its approach while it is yet distant, 
 does better." If these views are entertained by the public, it may 
 be safely left to their common sense to determine whether the 
 proposed scheme be worthy of support; and if it does obtain their 
 approbation and confidence, it is submitted whether an early 
 adoption of the measure be advisable. 
 
 If any argument be necessary to interest the higher classes, a 
 single reflection may suffice for it. 
 
 The body-politic is composed of the peasant and the wealthy pro- 
 prietor-of the industrious tradesman and the enterprizing merchant 
 — all linked together by reciprocal ties, to disunite one of which, 
 would be to weaken the whole and ruin each individual part. What^ 
 ever tends to consolidate the base of a building adds strength and 
 security to the entire fabric; whatever tends to promote the comfort 
 and respectability of the bulk of the people has the eftect of making 
 better citizens, and serves to foster and cement the bond of union 
 
15 
 
 betwixt all parties. That societies of the description now propos- 
 ed, has the tendency to diminish pauperism — improve the condi- 
 tion of the people — and increase the security of the state — is a 
 position, in support of which, the opinion of Mr Siuior of Oxford 
 University, may be quoted. That distinguished author has re- 
 marked, " That the pursuit of wealth, that is, the endeavour to 
 44 accumulate the means of future subsistence and enjoyment, is, 
 " to the mass of the people, the great source of moral improve- 
 " merit." " When (he asks,) does a labourer become sober and 
 " industrious, attentive to his health and to his character ? So sooii 
 tc as he begins to save." " No institution (he adds,) could be 
 « more beneficial to the morals of the lower classes, than one 
 " which would increase their power and their wish to accumulate.", 
 The projected scheme, it is submitted, is quite of this nature, and 
 would, if carried into universal operation, prove an effectual anti- 
 dote against extreme poverty and wretchedness; while, at the 
 same time, it might better the condition of all within its reach. 
 But it is conceived, that in proportion as a peasantry are comfort- 
 able they may be expected to be moral; and as improved cir- 
 cumstances are favourable to the progress of education, so it is 
 not unreasonable to expect them to become more intellectual: 
 And none surely will contend that the development of mind is un- 
 favourable to a nation's security, or that high-toned morality can 
 weaken the social compact. But this truth may appear in a still 
 stronger light, by observing the result of an opposite conduct. 
 The same learned Professor observes, " A state in which the mass 
 " of the people is continually confined to a bare subsistence, and 
 " consequently, exposed from time to time, from the accidents of 
 '.' trade or of the seasons, to absolute want, is too painful to be 
 u steadfastly contemplated ; though it forms only a small part of the 
 " evil. The great evil is the general feeling of insecurity , the fear 
 " that must beset every man whose labour produces him only a 
 " subsistence, and who has no resource against contingencies; 
 " that at some period, how near he cannot tell, the want under 
 " which he sees others sink may reach himself." Now, the object 
 of the proposed institution is to implant that very sense of 'security , 
 which seems to be not merely conducive, but essential, both to 
 morals and happiness. 
 
 If these views be correct, the deduction is ea'jy ; if there exist 
 that reciprocity of interest between the rich and the poor, it is 
 manifestly a matter of expediency, not to say of duty, on the part 
 of the more wealthy, to join in the promotion of the proposed 
 measure. And let it not be contended, that they can be of no 
 service, because the proposed institution is not one of charity- 
 
 In all the great Insurance Companies throughout the Kingdom, 
 some small capital is required to defray the expences at the com- 
 mencement, and to the surplus of which the assured may look as 
 a kind of security for the benefits. The formation of a similar 
 fund would confer an equal advantage upon the proposed plan — the 
 
16 
 
 contributions of the wealthy ought thus to be applied —to assist the 
 institution in its infancy, and to give it that character for stability 
 which is both essential to its commencement and ultimate success. 
 And that both the donor who may be induced to patronize, and the 
 member who anticipates benefit, may be satisfied that they are not 
 Called upon to espouse a merely fanciful or Utopian scheme, which, 
 like some points in Political Economy, may be right in principle, 
 but, owing to the present artificial state of society, will not work 
 in practice, it may be remarked, that the fact of its applicability 
 is already demonstrated in the experience of several large societies 
 in England, amongst which may be mentioned, the Southwell 
 Friendly Society, established in J 823, at the suggestion of the 
 Rev. J. T. Becher; the Duke of Newcastle, patron. In the 
 city of London there have been societies instituted with the Dukes 
 of Gloucester and Bedford; Lord John Russel, m.p.; Sir Robert 
 Wilson, m.p. ; Thomas Peregrine Courteriay, Esq. m.p.; Joseph 
 Hume, Esq. m.p.; William Wilberforce, Esq. m.p. ; and other 
 noblemen and gentlemen as patrons and honorary members. In 
 Hampshire there is the General Friendly Society for the whole 
 county; — there is also the North Devon Friendly Society; the 
 East Devon Friendly Institution; the South Gloucester Friendly 
 Society, under the Duke of Beaufort, which incorporates five Pro- 
 vincial Branches : to these may be added, the Eskdale Ward, and 
 the Pakefield Friendly Societies ; that for the city and county of 
 Worcester ; that for Derby, and another for the county of Wilts. 
 But there is an institution nearer home which promises well to re- 
 ward the 2eal of its founders, and to which the scheme now sub- 
 mitted is very similar, and that is, the Edinburgh School of Arts 
 Friendly Society ; which, while it has the names of many highly 
 respectable citizens on its list of honorary members — who have 
 contributed much to its respectability and success— is yet managed 
 in its details by the benefit members themselves. 
 
 When it is reflected how much good has been done by Friendly 
 Societies formerly, and how much more may reasonably be ex- 
 pected to result from their improved principles and extended 
 operation in time to come, and when it is perceived how much 
 they are encouraged in other places, it is trusted that nothing 
 further will be necessary to bespeak for the projected institution a 
 favourable reception from all classes in East- Lothian. 
 
 The substance of the foregoing pages was some time ago communicated to the mem- 
 bers of the Haddington School of Arts; and as several of them, and a few persons to 
 whom the scheme was explained, have expressed themselves highly satisfied with it, and 
 signified their desire to have it carried into effect, a Public Meeting for constituting a 
 Society, will be held in the Assembly-lioom, Haddington, so soon as a sufficient num- 
 ber have intimated their intention of becoming members, — which, to ensure despatch, 
 they are requested to do, as early as possible, to any of the following persons ; vizr. — 
 
 Messrs It. J. Davie, Haddington; G. and A. Bayne, Dunbar; John Porteous, 
 fladdler, East-Linton ; James Porteous, Saddler, Gifford; T. Howatson, Humbie; 
 "\V. Foggo, Garvald. 
 
 Haddington, June 1829. 
 
 John Wood, Printer, Haddington. 
 

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