Cambridge Benevolent Society

Cambridge Benevolent Society -- The Cambridge Benevolent Society was founded by Eliza Flower, in conjunction with Alderman Edward Ind, in September 1801, after which she served as its first secretary. As one contemporary writer noted, “by her persevering efforts, [Eliza Flower] so greatly extended its usefulness, as to obtain for it the support of all parties, Churchmen and Dissenters.  Its funds consists of donations and subscriptions, and the collection at a sermon annually preached for it; sometimes in a church, and at others in a meeting-house” (“Statistical View of Dissenters in England and Wales,” The London Christian Instructor, or Congregational Magazine, vol. 3 [1819], 373).  Robert Aspland believed charitable work to be Eliza’s primary occupation after her marriage to Benjamin.  She was “indefatigable” in her work as secretary and primary visitor for the Benevolent Society, demonstrating “how much an individual may accomplish by method and perseverance, and how accessible are the hearts of the poor to descreet and affectionate liberality.” “Many are the poor and needy,” he wrote, “who bless her memory, in the recollection of the timely charities and virtuous and pious counsels which constantly and equally made her visits welcome.” As long as the Cambridge Benevolent Society exists, Aspland boasts, it will “serve as a memorial of her virtues” [Robert Aspland, “Mrs. Flower,” Monthly Repository 3 (1810): 203-06,” 204, 205].

       Robert Hall and the congregation at St. Andrew’s Street were active supporters of the Benevolent Society.  Hall’s sermon, Reflections on war, was first preached at St. Andrew’s Street on Tuesday, 1 June 1802, for the benefit of the Benevolent Society.  Hall notes in his “Preface” that “the good which has already arisen from the exertions of that society is more than equal to its most sanguine expectations; and should this publication contribute in the smallest degree to the formation of similar ones in other parts, the author will think himself abundantly compensated for the little trouble it has cost him” [Olinthus Gregory, The Works of Robert Hall, A. M.,  6 vols. (London:  Henry G. Bohn, 1853). 1.84]. To Hall, one of wisest practices of the Benevolent Society was that “no relief is administered without first personally visiting the objects in their own abode” (Gregory, Works, 1.113), ensuring that all imposters would be detected.  He also noted that since its inception, more than three-fourths of the cases brought to the attention of the Benevolent Society concerned destitute women.  “The situation of females without fortune in this country is indeed deeply affecting,” Hall writes.  Expressing sentiments that Eliza, despite her husband’s dislike of his former friend, would nevertheless have heartily welcomed, Hall argues: “Excluded from all the active employments in which they might engage with the utmost propriety, by men, who to the injury of one sex, add the disgrace of making the other effeminate and ridiculous, an indigent female, the object probably of love and tenderness in her youth, at a more advanced age a withered flower! has nothing to do but to retire and die.  Thus it comes to pass, that the most amiable part of our species, by a detestable combination in those who ought to be their protectors, are pushed off the stage, as though they were no longer worthy to live, when they ceased to be the objects of passion.  How strongly on this account this society is entitled to your attention (as words would fail) I leave to the pensive reflection of your own bosoms” (Gregory, Works, 1.116-17).  His closing image is a fitting description of Eliza Flower’s life.  Benevolent persons, Hall writes, know “that the imitation of Christ is the only wisdom.”  They are “convinced it is better to be endeared to the cottage, than admired in the palace,” to wipe “away the tears of the afflicted, and [inherit] the prayers of the widow and the fatherless” than to receive “the favour of princes” (Gregory, Works, 1.121). Flower commented on Hall’s sermon in the Intelligencer on 5 June 1802: “The preacher described in his happiest strain of eloquence, the horrors of war, the blessings of peace, the duties in general incumbent on us on such an occasion, and the duty of benevolence in particular: towards the close of his discourse, he pleaded in language he most impressive, the cause of the Benevolent Society, recently established for the relief of the sick and aged poor of this town.  Such a discourse could scarcely fail of producing suitable effects.  The collection amounted to Thirty Six Pounds.” To that point, the Society had addressed the needs of 210 cases (Cambridge Intelligencer 29 January 1803).

       In 1820 a subscription was £1.1 per year.  According to the author of “Statistical View of Dissenters in England and Wales,” the funds “are improving, although the subscriptions are small, there being at present scarcely any claims upon it.  The annual meetings of this Society are held at Cambridge, on the last Tuesday in May.  Its officers are R. Foster, jun. Esq. Treasure; John Audley, Esq. Secretary (172).