ries connected with their noble effort to wean our adult masses from their brutal habits and debasing haunts, and to appeal, both through the eye and the ear, to the intellect, the conscience, and the heart. Mr. Blackburn's book has received the approval of Dr. Layard himself, and is specially recommended to those who, purchasing the admirable "Nineveh Diagrams," desire to connect Layard's discoveries with the Scripture History of Assyria and the fulfilment of prophecy. Both the contents and the price of the volume recommend it, and we trust the large demand for it already created is but the beginning of its career-an earnest only of that wide circulation which it richly merits. The Family Bible Newly opened; with Uncle Goodwin's Account of it. By JEFFERYS TAYLER. With frontispiece by John Gilbert. London: Grant & Griffith. Pp. 384. THIS is one of the best books for children we have recently seen. The tale of Uncle Goodwin, by which his teaching of Bible truth is introduced, well prepares the reader for the instructive lessons that follow. The author gives an epitome of the sacred Scriptures in a way that is very attractive to children. The style is simple and pleasing. Well adapted poetry is interspersed throughout the volume. The book is well suited for birth-day presents and new year's gifts. We doubt not it will be a favourite among all well-trained young people. The Sensibility of Separate Souls considered. By C. WEBB. London: Houlston & Stoneman. Pp. 192. THE Condition and state of the soul between death and the resurrection has always been a subject of inquiry; and yet, since the sacred Scriptures have been completed, we have had no additional information The author does not pretend to give any, but rather to collect all the Biblical rays into one focus, and thereby give additional light upon this somewhat dark subject. He has succeeded in collecting nearly one hundred Scripture texts, more or less, bearing upon the question, to each of which he has given a short exposition. All who desire to study this interesting subject will not regret giving this volume a perusal. Ragged Schools, Nurseries of the Tree of Life. A Sermon by the Rev. J. MOULD, M.A. London: J. Whitbread. THIS sermon was preached on behalf of the Brook Street Ragged Schools, and now published, at the special request of the Committee of the schools. We read that the profits will go to the Institution; but are at a loss to know where the profits are to come from, for the sermon is published at one-third the price usually charged. Whether the schools will receive any pecuniary advantage or not we cannot say; but we do say no one can carefully read the preacher's remarks on "the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life," without being much profited. We hope our friends will not only read it, but do what they can to give it a wide circulation; for in that way only will the schools be benefited by its publication. The Ragged and Industrial School. WE noticed in our February number for 1852, the painting of this subject by A. BLAIKLEY, Esq., and stated that in a few months a print of it, in colours, by the new chromatic fac-simile process, would be produced by the Messrs. LEIGHTON. We have been informed that the diffi culties in accomplishing the object have been numerous, and apparently at times almost insurmountable; but in the hands of such gentlemen as Mr. Blaikley and the Messrs. Leighton, time only was required to overcome the obstacles, and produce a work that adds to the triumph of artistic skill. We have had the pleasure of examining a copy, and feel assured that nothing that has yet come under our observation is more deserving a place in the gallery of the wealthy, or more suitable for adorning the walls of the less affluent. No picture is more likely to attract the attention of the visitor, or draw out his sympathy on behalf of efforts for the ameli oration of the condition of the hitherto neglected juvenile poor. We strongly urge our friends to give themselves a treat, by purchasing a copy for their own use, and recommending it to the notice of their friends, thereby affording well-merited encouragement to the production of this new work of art. Editor's Portfolio. EPITAPH ON A MISER. HERE lies one who lived unloved and died unlamented; who denied plenty to himself, assistance to his friends, and relief to the poor; who starved his family, oppressed his neighbours, and plagued himself to gain what he could not enjoy. At last death, more merciful to him than he was to himself, released him from care and his family from want; and here he lies with the muckworm he imitated, and with the dirt he loved, in fear of a resurrection, lest his heirs should have spent the money he left behind; having laid up no treasure where moth and rust do not corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal. THE BEAUTIES OF NATURE. AMONGST the many acts of gratitude we owe to God, it may be accounted one to study and contemplate the perfection and beauties of his works of creation. Every new discovery must necessarily raise in us a fresh sense of the greatness, wisdom, and power of God. He hath so ordered things that almost every part of the creation is for our benefit, either to the support of our being, the delight of our senses, or the agreeable exercise of the rational faculty. If there are some few poisonous animals and plants fatal to man, these may serve to heighten the contrary blessings: since we could have no idea of benefits, were we insensible of their contraries; and seeing God has given us reason, by which we are able to choose the good, and avoid the evil, we suffer very little from the malignant parts of the creation.—EDWARDS. WHO IS THE GREATEST MAN? IF I am asked who is the greatest man, I answer, the best; and if I am required to say who is the best, I reply, he that has deserved most of his fellow-creatures. Whether we deserve better of mankind by the cultivation of letters, by obscure and inglorious attainments, by intellectual pursuits calculated rather to anuse than inform, than by strenuous exertions in speaking and acting, let those consider who bury themselves in studies unproductive of any benefit to their country or fellow-citizens. I think not.-SIR WILLIAM JONES. Notices of Meetings, etc. NORTH STREET SCHOOLS, WHITECHAPEL. THE Third Annual Meeting of these schools was held at the Hall of Commerce, Threadneedle Street, on February 22, H. E. Gurney, Esq., presided on the occasion. The Meeting was addressed by Rev. Messrs. W. Tyler, J. D. Williams, E. F. Woodman, Joseph Payne, Esq., Mr. W. Ferry, A. Anderson, Esq., T. G. Williams, Esq., and Thomas Locke, Esq. The Report stated that the different rooms occupied as schools, were filled to overflowing with children anxious to obtain instruction, so much so as to induce the Committee to take the adjoining house in Pleasant Place, and throw the two into one. A penny bank had been established during the year, in connection with which there were 230 depositors, and the amount depo sited had amounted to £5. The mothers' meetings had been found to be a means of great good, several can now read and write, who, when they first attended, were not able to do either. It is gratifying to observe the privations they will sometime undergo, rather than omit the opportunity of instruction. Three of the senior scholars had recently given credible evidence of a change of heart and life. The Committee had held a fancy sale during the year, the proceeds of which amounted to £36 78. 2d. The Report then alluded to the intention of the Committee to erect a new building, towards which they had raised already the sum of £350. The receipts towards the current expenses for the year had amounted to £278 118. 11d. Expenditure, £305 148. 4d., leaving a balance due to the treasurer £27 28, 5d. UNION MEWS, WELL STREET, OXFORD THE Ninth Annual Meeting of this school was held on the 28th of February. H. Harwood Penny, Esq., in the chair. The Report stated that the wishes of the Committee expressed in their Report last year, have been realised, and that they can now announce the formation of a Ladies' Committee, and the establishment of an infant day school. With thankfulness to God they trace the continual progress of the Institution from the period when their efforts were confined solely to a Sunday evening school, as year by year some additional means of instruction have been afforded to the poor children. They have witnessed a week evening school for boys, opened in 1846, and one for girls in the following year; a tailor's class in 1849, and a shoemaker's in 1850; and now, in addition to these, they have commenced an infant day school. 128 children have subscribed to the clothing fund, during the year, £10 28. 3 d. 77 articles of clothing have been sold, the value of which amounted to £12 28. 2d.: of this sum the Committee have contributed £3 178. 2d. There are 101 children whose accounts are open at the present time. The debt due to the treasurer is, £43. 78. 111⁄2d. DOLPHIN COURT SCHOOLS AND REFUGE. THE Annual Meeting of the above Institution was held at the Manor Rooms, Hackney, on March the 15th, 1853. The Meeting, which was numerously attended, was presided over by the Rev. Hugh Allen, and was addressed by several influential clergymen and gentlemen. The Report, which was exceedingly interesting, stated, that the Committee have ever sought to confine their efforts strictly to the class for whose benefit institutions of this character were originally designed; and it is therefore with satisfaction that they are enabled to state, that a personal visitation of the abodes of all their children has proved them to be proper objects for the bounty. They are truly of the most destitute class. The operations consist of a Sabbath School, with an average attendance of 176. A Day School; the attendance being, in the morning, 150, and in the afternoon, 130. An Evening School, for lads and girls, who are variously employed during the day. Some of the boys are taught tailoring and shoemaking, and some of the girls needlework. At the same time clothing is provided for 60 children, 30 boys and 30 girls, to enable them to go decently clad to the house of God on the Sabbath. And a Monthly Prayer Meeting has been established for parents and elder scholars. The proceedings of the past year, in connection with the Refuge, have been such as to render the Committee truly grateful that they were led to commence this important undertaking, though they exceedingly regret being compelled, through want of funds, to conduct it on so small a scale, the most distressing cases being in consequence daily refused admission. It is the object of this effort to save poor girls, unfortunately cast upon their own resources, from falling into the abyss of shame and degradation, on the borders of which they stand, by providing home for the homeless, or those who in their "homes" are surrounded with the most evil and contaminating influences. During the past year 21 have been admitted; of these 13 have been placed as servants in res spectable families, 1 has been restored to her friends, 2 left of their own accord, and 5 are still in the establishment. PECKHAM BOYS' SCHOOL. On the evening of Easter Monday, the Annual Meeting of this school was held; previous to which the scholars, consisting of about 100 boys and 25 adults, were regaled with a plentiful sup ply of cake and tea. The chair was taken by the Rev. Dr. Collyer; and the scholars and friends were addressed by the Rev. J. G. Moyle, Mr. W. Ferry, Rev. J. G. Pigg, and Mr. Waugh. The Secretary stated that the operations of the school continued to progress very encouragingly. The evening school has an average attendance of 45 boys, the Sunday evening 55. The scholars are very migratory. During the past year 100 had been admitted. Many of the lads had been provided with situations through the exertions of teachers and friends. The superintendent kept a list of boys able and willing to work, and who had merited a recommendation by good conduct and improvement in learning. This was made known in the neighbourhood, and the result is, applications are being constantly made for lads for various kinds of employment. EDWARDS MEWS SCHOOL. THE Fifth Annual Meeting of this Institution was held at the Literary Institution, Edwards Street, Portman Square, on Tuesday, April the 19th. J. Sheppard, Esq., in the chair. The Report stated that the Committee having obtained information that there were about 200 lads in the immediate neighbourhood not attend. ing any school whatever, they had opened a day school to meet the necessity. The operations of the school now consisted of a day school for boys from 6 to 14, a day school for infants and juveniles, an evening school for girls and young women, a mothers' meeting, a male adult evening school, a Bible class for male adults on Wednesday evenings, a Sabbath school; and the total number receiving instruction in the various branches is about 120. The Meeting was addressed by Sir E. N. Bux. ton, Bart., Rev. J. Nolan, M.A., Rev. F. Rogers, and Mr. W. Ferry, who attended as a deputa tion from the Union. ABSTRACT OF THE NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE RAGGED SCHOOL UNION. In the goodness of God, by whose kind providence it is that his people can do unto him any lively and acceptable service, the Committee have been spared through another year's labours, and brought in safety, happiness, and peace, to another joyful Anniversary of the Ragged School Union. With an humbling sense of their own shortcomings-with many recollections of imperfect service, but with deep gratitude to the Giver of all good for his continuing to smile upon their efforts, the Committee desire now to submit to their Subscribers and Friends their Report for the year just closed. When they look around and perceive how many institutions for doing good now claim the attention of the benevolent, and then consider how this Society has gained, and continues to advance, in public favour, the Committee cannot help to recognise in a peculiar manner the blessing of God resting upon their efforts; for not only does the Union continue to prosper-its funds and also its friends being on the increase-but so many offshoots continue to spring up from it, (thus showing the beautiful fertility of one good idea,) and the influence of its operations seems to extend in so many ways, and to open up so many new streams of active Christian benevolence, that they are equally astonished and delighted to observe, how through God's goodness so humble an instrumentality is made capable of producing so large an amount of real substantial blessing. The Committee particularly refer to the auxiliary operations of the Society -things not originally contemplated by the early friends of the Union. They may mention among these, Emigration for elder lads and young women; Industrial Classes for elder scholars; Refuges and Dormitories for the destitute and homeless; placing out the well-behaved in situations to gain an honest livelihood (of which the Shoe-black Society is one gratifying example ;) Mothers' Meetings, for mending clothes, and for giving instruction in domestic economy and family duties; Juvenile Libraries and Penny Banks; Reading Rooms, and similar auxiliaries in helping forward the great work of spreading the Gospel leaven through the mass of iniquity that abounds in the midst of us. These, it will be seen, ere this Report concludes, are all doing a measure of good; and when to this is added the large amount of Christian philanthropy that is kept at work, by means of the Local Committees, Teachers, and Superintendents, and the Public Meetings of the Local Schools; and also by the monthly issue of the large and small Magazines-it is difficult to realise the amount of sympathy and interest thus excited and kept alive towards the poor, the forlorn, and the outcast of this vast city. Certain it is that such good can never be put in a tabular form, or embodied in any Report, however long, or however minute it may be. The Committee can only, in some measure, shadow it forth by giving a few particulars, under various heads, which they will now do as briefly as possible. FIRST AS TO THE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS, TEACHERS, and Children. The number of Schools is now 116, a small increase on last year. Thirteen new Schools have been opened, but several of those on the list last year have been closed, for various reasons. One has been removed from the list in consequence of the children now being of the class that can pay a trifle for their schooling. The Camden Town Female Dormitory, being more an Institution for reforming adult females than a Ragged School, has also been erased from the list; and two or three others are closed, from the leases of the buildings having expired. NO. LIV.-VOL. V. M The Pye Street School of Industry having, from various causes, become a refuge and dormitory for destitute boys, rather than an Industrial School, (the day scholars having been drawn away by other Ragged Schools opened in the locality,) the premises having become thoroughly dilapidated, unhealthy, and unfit for such an Institution, large sums being constantly drawn from the funds of the Union for its support in consequence of its own income being so small, and the term of agreement for the premises having expired, the Committee resolved to close it at Christmas last. By degrees they reduced the number of inmates, and at that time transferred all those that remained to similar Institutions in other localities, except four, who were restored to their friends. Six of the lads were received into a Refuge for the Homeless and Destitute, lately begun in Kentish Town-an establishment wholly supported by one benevolent lady, whose noble liberality and kindness to ragged children has more than once been acknowledged in former Reports, and the Committee are thus consoled for the closing of one Institution by the opening of another, which they trust will be equally useful and more permanent. Five of them were sent to an Institution of a somewhat similar character, an account of which appears in the May number of this Magazine, called the Home in the East;" four were received into St. Giles's Refuge, who have since gone to Canada, and six became Shoe-blacks. 66 The Committee have been more intent upon improving the organization and internal condition of the Schools already in existence than in opening new ones. This may account for the small increase in the number of Schools, as well as the small decrease in the number of children. But many cases now occur of children's parents becoming able or willing to pay, and these children are removed to a higher school accordingly; and thus it is that by children being drafted off, by others being placed out in situations to gain an honest living, by emigration, by increased employment among the poor, and also by the care exercised in admitting only the right class as above referred to, the number of scholars, though rather more in Day and Infant Schools, will, on the whole, be found to be somewhat less than last year. The number of Paid Teachers is 221; of Voluntary Teachers, 1,787. The last item is particularly gratifying to the Committee. That amid all the varied and alluring occupations of a great city like London, such a large number of persons can continue to devote themselves to the self-denying and laborious work of teaching the ragged and the destitute, the careless and the depraved, is a matter for which the Committee would especially thank God; though they cannot withhold their heartfelt thanks from the Teachers themselves, by whose zeal, energy, and discretion, it is that this Society mainly can continue to prosper. * The subject of EMIGRATION calls next for some remarks. The accounts that continue to be received from the lads (the sweepings of London streets, as some call them) are almost without exception gratifying. They are mostly in situations in trade or farm * The Committee must add here, that the number of Voluntary Teachers is not yet sufficient, and that many children are still kept out of school for want of Teachers inside. |