RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. LONDON. BRITISH AND FOREIGN SCHOOL SOCIETY. His Most Gracious Majesty H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex. The Duke of Bedford. Vice-Presidents. The Marquises of Lansdown, Hastings, and Tavistock; Earls Darnley, Rosslyn, and Fingall; Bishop of Norwich; Lords Carrington, Clifford, and Eardley; Chief Commissioner Adam; Sir J. Swinburne, Bart. Sir J. Macintosh, M. P. and Sir A. Johnston; H. Brougham, M.P. Charles Barclay, Esq. J. Butterworth, M.P. Tho. F. Buxton, M.P. William Smith, M.P. John Smith, M.P. W. Wilberforce, M.P. and William Williams, M.P. Treasurer-William Allen. SecretaryForeign Secretary-Rev. Dr. Schwabe. Assistant Secretary. Mr. J. Millar, Museum Street, Blooomsbury. Collector. Mr. B. Lepard, Punderson-pl. Bethnal-green. A BRIEF ACCOUNT. THE object of this Society is to promote the education of the children of all the poor, of every class, sect, and country, in moral and religious principles, as the surest means of diminishing crime and misery, and producing general peace and happiness. The system which it acts upon, while eminently calculated to fix in the infant mind the fundamental principles of the Christian religion, does not interfere with the particular opinions or creed of any, being in conformity with that divine precept, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them." The common means of instruction, being far too expensive to be adopted for the education of the poor upon a great scale, Mr. Joseph Lancaster, about the year 1798, devised a method by which a school, however large, might be managed by one master, and one set of lessons, thus diminishing the expense for each individual child to a mere. trifle; while at the same time the plan communicated instruction with astonishing cele rity. In the year 1805, our late venerable Sovereign honoured Mr. Joseph Lancaster; with a private audience, fully informed himself of the nature of the system, and saw its important bearing on the whole mass of the poor population. It was on this occasion that the King uttered those memorable words, which will do honour to the name of George the Third to the latest posterity:-" It is my wish, that every poor child in my kingdom. may be taught to read the Bible." From that period His Majesty not only gave to the Bri tish System his royal sanction and patronage, but subscribed 1001. per annum towards its support and propagation. This liberal subscription has been regularly continued by his present Majesty. The value of the British System of mutual instruction becoming gradually more and more known, schools were established in most of the principal towns of the Kingdom, many of which were organised by masters trained and sent by the Commit tee of the parent Society in the Borough Road: the accounts of the Schools upon this plan, which have been published from time to time in the Reports of the Society, preprosperity, and especially of the extensive sent many interesting particulars of their moral effects produced by their establishment. In the manufacturing districts, where, from the demand for juvenile labour, the children are soon taken into close employment, the system has proved itself pre-eminently useful, from the rapidity with which it conveys instruction. This Institution, though in no manner connected with the British and Foreign Bible Society, has powerfully co-operated in its designs, and acts upon the same liberal principles: while on one hand, by the exertions of the Bible Society in their endeavours to introduce the Holy Scriptures into every house and cottage, the deplorable want of education was discovered; the School Society, on the other hand, became the ready co-adjutors of the Bible Society, by providing the means of instruction, without which the gift of Bibles would have been of little avail. It is a fundamental principle of the British System that nothing should be taught which can in any way tend to prevent conscientious and pious parents, of any religious denomination, from sending their children for instruction;the Bible, in the authorised version, without note or comment, being the only religious book taught in the schools. Care is at the same time taken to secure attention to religious duties, by promoting the attendance of the children at such Sunday Schools as are approved by their parents, and by requiring proofs of their presence at those places of worship which their parents or friends may prefer. The Society has never been unmindful that both its name and its origin pointed to the British Dominions, as the first and principal object of its attention. Hence the support and management of the Central Schools in the Borough Road, and of the establishment for the instruction of masters and mistresses connected with them, have always formed the main object of its attention. The flourishing state of these schools, and the good conduct of the children, have been a source of high gratification. These schools, of which that for Boys admits and now contains 500, and that for Girls 300 pupils, have since their establishment given education, the former to 13,661, the latter to 7,028 children, making a total of 20,689. The endeavours used to adopt such measures as might eventually lead to the establishment of schools sufficient for the population of the metropolis and its vicinity have been unremitting; and the number of these establishments has every year increased. In the me tropolis 43 schools are at present known to the Committee, as being conducted upon the British System, in which not fewer than 5833 boys and 2165 girls receive instruction upon principles, and by methods, best calculated to impress their minds with religious knowledge, and pious and moral habits. Of these schools 22 have been forined within the last five years. It was not long after the establishment of the System in this kingdom, that it began to attract the attention of some benevolent and enlightened individuals in foreign parts; and in consequence of the happy restoration of peace in 1814, the intercourse between England and the Continent being resumed, numerous applications were made for information respecting the System. The establishment was visited by many distinguished foreigners, and numerous applications were made for information respecting the plan. In the year 1817, the present buildings in the Borough Road were erected, in which Model Schools for Boys and Girls are kept for the inspection of visitors. In the year 1816, the plan of the schools for children of both sexes, and directions for organising them, was printed under the name of "The Manual of the British System;" a second edition of which is just published, and will be found extremely useful to those who wish to establish schools for the poor. The work has been translated, and published in the different languages of the Continent. The Committee endeavour to embrace every opportunity for extending the System abroad as well as at home. They correspond with persons friendly to education in all parts of the world. They receive and communicate information - train masters and mistresses at the Central School-supply teachers, and afford every facility to foreigners to study the plan, and propagate it abroad.-They keep a stock of slates, les sons, and school apparatus for the schools formed upon the System. A small number of persons are boarded and trained in the Central School, and are more immediately under the patronage and controul of the Committee. Others are trained and boarded at their own charge.* In IRELAND the System has been widely and very favourably received; and from the liberality of its principle, it has been declared by the Commission appointed by Parliament (consisting of the Lord Primate, several Bishops, and other distinguished characters) to be peculiarly adapted for that country, as "keeping clear of all interference with the particular religious tenets of any, inducing the whole population to receive its benefits as one undivided body, under one and the same system, and in the same establishment." In SCOTLAND, the British System is still making progress. The school in Edin burgh is flourishing; while in the other large cities, where schools have been esta blished on this System, it continues to produce its beneficial effects. The Committee have also had the satisfaction of affording an opportunity of acquiring a perfect knowledge. of the British System to Mr. Cameron, whom the Highland Society has appointed to take charge of a Model School, which they are about to establish at Inverness, and which is intended to supply masters for schools in the Highlands. [In our next Number will be given an ac count of the Proceedings of the Society in Fo reign Countries.] Inquiries or applications (post paid) street, Bloomsbury; or Mr. Pickton, at the may be addressed to Mr. Millar, MuseumRoyal British School, Borough-road. BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. Extract from a Letter of the Rev. Peter Treschow, while engaged on a Tour through Denmark and part of Norway. Christiania, Aug. 6, 1821. I SHOULD now proceed to relate what has been done in promoting the chief object of my journey with regard to the Norwegian Bible Society; but His Majesty the King arriving here a few days after me, has so much engaged the time and attention of all classes, that I must wait a short time until a meeting of the Committee can be convened. The day after the King's arrival, he gave a grand audience to the Members of the different departments of the Norwegian government, after which I had the honour to be presented to His Majesty. He recollected having seen me at Christiansfeld in 1807, when he, at that time Prince of Pontecorvo, was at the head of a French corps d'armée in Holstein. I told him, that now I lived in London, and was connected with some of the well known religious Societies in England, especially with the British and Foreign Bible Society, which, I added, had the honour of numbering His Majesty among its crowned patrons. He, in the most favourable terms, expressed the high regard he felt for that Institution, and closed a pretty long conversation with these words, "You see therefore, Sir, that as a Christian and a King, I feel myself bound in duty to support the circulation of the Bible." SIR, CONTINENTAL SOCIETY. To the Editor, IN common with many of your readers, I have been greatly interested by the perusal of "the letter from France" in your last month's Magazine, signed by M. Wilks, now resident in Paris. While we are concerned for the spiritual illumination of the heathen nations, we cannot be unmindful of the gross darkness of our neighbours; and when we contemplate the gloomy history of the countries of the Continent, where they have killed God's prophets and thrown down his altars, the mind is relieved with the assurance, that even there are multitudes who have never " bowed the knee to the image of Baal, and whose mouths have not kissed him." The travels of Mr. Wilks's friends-their passing the mountains, and their going through the hamlet to which he alludestheir rescuing the child from danger, and their conversation with the widow, are events not to be viewed as contingencies: surely they were directed by Him who counts the sparrows and who numbers the stars-who searches his sheep and seeks them out-and who can sanctify circumstances, apparently the most trifling, for bringing salvation to thousands. In this instance, surely, the Scripture is fulfilled: "There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains: the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon, and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth." Psalm Ixii. 16. You are aware, Sir, that a Society has been formed in London, denominated the Continental Society, for the specific purpose of diffusing religious knowledge over the Continent of Europe by the aid of native ministers, of whom there is a large and increasing number in Germany and France The proceedings of that Society, which is yet in its infancy, are before the public. Much has been already accomplished by its operations, and very extensive prospects are opening before it, the whole of which might be occupied, did the Society possess the adequate funds. The attention of the Committee of the Continental Society has been drawn to the subject of the above letter; and measures are now in operation to supply the hamlet with a suitable preacher, whose only object will be to exhibit the truth of eternal life to the view of the people, hoping that the Lord the Spirit will work with him, " and confirm the word with signs following." The Continental Society has no design to establish any distinct sect or party; and seeing that there are connected with it Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Independents, and Baptists, it is trusted that this fact will afford a sufficient pledge to the public, that its aim is simply preaching of the Gospel of Christ. The fact of the travellers making the discoveries adverted to through the medium of a personal visit and private conversation, may serve to shew the great utility of one branch of this society:-it is that of sending persons about the country in France and other places, with cases of New Testaments on their heads, which they offer for sale, and at the same time take occasion to speak of the contents of the books which they are selling. From the mode cf carrying their books, they are called Colporteurs. Three are now employed by the Continental Society. They transmit their journals from time to time to the Committee, which are very interesting, as the following quotations from one of them will fully testify:- "1820. By. Oct. 28.-Returning to -y. A young N--n, I passed through Bman, to whom I had sold a New Testament, told me that the Curé and clerk were requesting to see me. The Curé received me very well. He bought a New Testament and se◄ veral tracts. The clerk also wished to have a New Testament; but my chest was empty: I promised to take him one on the Monday following. On Monday I took a New Testament to the clerk. Going through the village, a woman to whom I sold one, called me, to tell me that she was very much pleased with it, and that her neighbour also wished for one. A man who was there, asked me what book I was selling: the woman immediately replied, "It is the Saviour's book;" and then began to explain to him what I had before explained to her. I shewed this man, John v. 39, and 1 John ii. 4. He immediately bought a New Testament, and he paid me and went away. I again exhorted the woman on several passages, shewing her the way of salvation through Jesus Christ. I went to lodge with a Protes tant of B- X. We passed the evening in speaking of the Saviour. "W e. 31st. I entered a house where I found a family of eighteen children. I asked the mother if she had taken care to speak to her children of the Saviour: she told me that she had taught them to go to mass and obey the Curé, and that was enough to obtain eternal life. I pointed out to her several passages, to make her understand that we must not trust in man, but in the word of God. She told me, if she was not in the way of salvation it was not her fault but that of the Curé. As I told her we must be judged by the word of God, she asked me if I would sell it for 25 sous, &c. "S―n. August 8.—I arrived at this village in the evening. I found a large farm where they received me very kindly. The master of the house admired my books, as did also his wife. When I told them at what price I sold them, they were astonished at the cheapness. I then explained to them how I was enabled to sell them so cheap. In doing this I was led to speak of the Missionaries, whom the Lord was sending to preach the Gospel. At these words he said to me, I should very much like that he would come to our house; as to our Curé, he never speaks of the Holy Scriptures.' He told me also that he very much wished to have the Bible: I promised to procure him one. Supper time being come, he made me sit down to talk with them, and during this repast we did not cease to speak of the Saviour. None of the servants spoke, they all listened to us. He often wished to engage me in controversy, but I always avoided it. We spoke of justification by faith without the works of the law. He had much difficulty in understanding, and continually.. relapsed into his errors, saying, that without doing some good thing we could not enter : into eternal life. I pointed out to him seve ral passages of Scripture. He again spoke of the Missionaries, and asked if any of them would ever come to S-—————n. I replied, that if he wished to see one, I could tell him where he must go. Immediately his wife said, she should like it much better if he would go to their house (without doubt she wished to hear him also)- He shall not want any thing to eat and drink here,' she said, and since these people are so charita ble as to wish to preach the Gospel to all the world, they ought to put us among the number; for I should very much like, and my husband also, to hear them speak of Jesus Christ.' Well,' said I to them, I shall see one of them in a few days, and I will tell him what you say; and if he thinks it right to come this way, he will.' This gave them great pleasure. They several times repeated to me, Do not forget.' The next morning I spake again to them of the Holy Scriptures; and from time to time they repeated, Do not forget to send that gentleman to come and see us.' I left this house much pleased. On going through the village, as I was offering a New Testament at one of the houses, a man who was riding by heard me, and asked me for one. Giving him one, I said the price was 30 sous; he quickly gave me 30 sous, saying, If you had asked me 40 francs, I should have bought it; I have a long time wished for it and he rode away quickly." I will only add the hope, that whilst the necessities of these desert places excite the sympathies of Christians, they will call forth their liberal aid; and that that Missionary spirit, which so peculiarly marks the present period, will inducé Christians of all demominations in all places, to do something in the way of co-operating with the Continental Society, for the dissipation of the moral darkness, which, through superstition and infidelity, have overspread that portion of the world. All applications for information, reports, &c. shall be immediately attended to, if addressed to me. I remain, Sir,&c. ISAAC SAUNDERS, Secretary. Blackfriars Rectory. P.S. I beg to subjoin the names of the officers of the Society : Patron. Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. M.P. Vice-Presidents. Gen. Carey; Major-Gen. Neville; Rev. Lewis Way; H. Drummond, A. Smith, J. B. Wilson, and S. V. Wilder, Esqs. Treasurer.-John Scott, Esq. Secretary. Rev. Isaac Saunders. Foreign Ditto.-Mr. E. De Coligny. Assistant Secretary and Collector.-Mr. S Stennett, 6, Bache's Row, City Road, BRITISH AND FOREIGN SEAMEN'S FRIEND SOCIETY, AND BETHEL UNION. THE Anniversary of this valuable Institution was held in the Metropolis, the 2d week in October. On Monday, Oct. 8th, a sermon was preached in Great Queen-street Chapel, by the Rev. G. C. Smith. On Tuesday, the 9th, the Rev. R. Marks, Vicar of Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, preached for the Society at St. Bride's Church in the morning; and on the evening of the same day, the Rev. T. Roberts, of Bristol, preached at Zion Chapel. The Congregations were uniformly large, attentive, and deeply interested in the subjects discussed by the respective preachers. Nearly 100l. were collected at the different services. The Annual Public Meeting was held at the City of London Tavern, on Wed. the 10th, in the evening. Soon after five P. M. the great room was crowded to excess with respectable persons of both sexes, and the Orchestra and Committee Room were quite filled. It was now absolutely necessary that another room should be engaged, and orders were given to this effect. This room was also soon filled, and several persons went away. Capt. Sir G. Keith, Bart. of the R.N. condescended to take the chair in the lower room. The Report was handed down as soon as possible, and the different speakers hastened from one room to another, that the whole of this large and respectable assemblage might be gratified with the very interesting information they had to communi cate. Over the raised platform in the principal room the Royal standard was displayed, and on each the blue Bethel flag, with the word "Bethel" inscribed. Several beautiful models of naval ingenuity were exhibited in the course of the evening. At half past six o'clock the Rt. Hon. Lord Gambier, K.C.B., took the chair amidst warm applause. He was supported by several reverend and naval gentlemen. The noble Chairman briefly addressed the Meeting by congratulating them on the commencing of the Institution, and on its progress. The Report was then read by the Secretary, and presented a gratifying detail of the labours of this Society, which appears to have effected great and lasting good for seamen. Many instances, some of an affect ing nature, were read to the Meeting in Support of the utility of the Institution. The Report reviewed the various exertions that had been made, both in the Royal Navy and in the Merchant service, for the religious benefit of seamen. Under the patronage of the North London Auxiliary Society, prayer meetings are held every Sunday evening after public service, and also on the Monday and Thursday evenings on board different vessels in the river, and seve ral masters of the Essex corn barges have lately joined them. The like services have been commenced on board the smacks in the Scotch wharfs. In the neighbourhood of Stepney and the lower pool, pious persons are occupied every Sabbath in conducting sailors on shore, and other poor persons, to places of worship appointed for their accommodation; the same is done by the Poplar, Millwall, and Blackwall Seamen's Friend Society. At Barking, Harwich, Yarmouth, Gainsboro', Hull, Bridlington, Blyth, Whitby, Stockton, Sunderland, South and North Shields, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Dundee, Greenock, Liverpool, Swansea, Bristol, &c. the Bethel Flag has been also raised, Societies have been formed, Prayer Meetings have been established, and sailors have been brought under the sound of the Gospel with the happiest effect. The Missionary flame has also spread to Ireland and even to America with the like success: and He who is converting the ends of the earth to himself, hasset his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers." Ps. lxxxix. 25. After the Report had been read, the Meeting was addressed by ministers of different denominations (several of whom in early life were in the sea service,) by several naval officers, by the Treasurer of the Port of London Society (Mr. Marten,) and by the noble President, Lord Gambier. Mr. Brandt, an Indian Chief from North America, was also present, and (in good English) expressed his high satisfaction with the object of the Meeting. AWFUL STORM ON THE COAST. THE following extract of a letter from a benevolent and pious friend at Bideford, dated Oct. 13th, connected with "The Seamen's Friend Society," may be fully relied on, and will, we hope, interest the feelings of such of our readers as are able to contribute to the relief of the distressed:* "Have you heard of the awful effects of the storm that we had last Thursday week? Clovelly and its vicinity will not, cannot cease to shed the tear of real distress for a long season. I can give you but a very imperfect sketch of the dismal catastrophe. I have no recollection of a circumstance ever happening upon the coast, that will at all bear a comparison with the wreck that was then made. * Any donations in aid of the distressed survivors will be thankfully received by Mr. C. M. Sparkes, No. 14, Water Street, Blackfriars. |