| Abstrakt: |
The article presents information on the modern concept of fund-raising for the care of the poor, disabled, and disadvantaged in the community. Also, the article presents a description of the common chest concept in Germany. This chest or fund was the hallmark of the Protestant poor relief reform. There are several regulations of particular interest in the chest ordinance. Specific provision was made for "hausarmer leute" which could also be equated with the English system of outdoor relief. The physical characteristics of the "common chest" are of interest because the compositions of contents are so varied. Furthermore, the article gives a description of contributions made by different researchers like Harold J. Luther, Carter Lindberg, and Martin Luther to poor relief reform. Luther's contribution to poor relief reform in the sixteenth century is documented most succinctly through his concept of the common chest, which is exemplified by the ordinance established by the Town of Leisnig in 1523, entitled "Gemeinen Kasten." Although measures to localize poor relief had already been initiated before Luther's efforts, much credit is given to Luther and the Reformation Movement for progress in this direction. |
