reserve.
vant,

but I now find that it has suggest- had in this attempt at civilization. ed to the parents, that the little I can only say, shew wherein I can progress we make on the Sunday be useful, and command without might be improved; and that they Your most obedient serhave, therefore, engaged to give R. Raikes. the teacher a penny a week to admit the children once or twice a day, during the recess from work, at dinner time, or evening, to take a lesson every day in the week. To one of my teachers, who lives in the worst part of our suburbs, I allow 2s. a week extra (besides the shilling I give her for Sunday's employ,) to let all that are willing

come and read in this manner. I see admirable effects from this addition to my scheme. I find mothers of the children, and grown up young women, have begged to be admitted to partake of this benefit. Sorry I am to say that none of the other sex have shown the same desire.

The second meeting at the King's Head Tavern was very respectably attended. Mr. Thomas Hunt was in the chair; but neither he nor any of the gentlemen present being disposed to speak, Mr. Fox was under the necessity of again stating the object he had in view; which, having met with general approbation, he was reletter to various individuals, with quested to dispatch a circular meeting. a view of obtaining a more general

This letter had Mr. Fox's signature, and the meeting was announced for the 30th of August, when the celebrated Jonas HanA clergyman from Painswick Nothing decisive, however, passed way, Esq. was called to the chair. called upon me this afternoon, and at this time; but at a subsequent expressed his surprise at the pro-meeting, the plan proposed by gress made there. Many boys Mr. Fox was unanimously adoptnow can read, who certainly have ed, and the Sunday School Society no other opportunity than what formed. they derive from their Sunday instruction. This, he assured me was the fact. I hear the people in the forest of Dean have begun to set this machine in motion.

A person from Mitchel Dean called upon me a few days ago, to report their progress. "Sir" says he, we have now many children, who, three months ago, knew not a letter from a cart. wheel, (that was his expression) who can now repeat hymns in a manner that would astonish you."

I have been out of town, or I should have answered your polite letter sooner. I now have only time to give you these facts. When you have seen my letter to Mr. Hanway, you will be able to judge whether further use can be made of the little experience I have

Many interesting letters relative to this Society, are now entirely lost; amongst which were some from the dean of Lincoln, who very warmly advocated it, and preached a sermon on the occasion. We shall give only one more letter from Mr. Raikes, written about two years after the business was brought forward.

Mr. Raikes to Mr. Fox.
DEAR SIR,

the glory of the creator, and the good of their fellow creatures.

that the day is approaching when "the knowledge of the Lord shall I consider you, too, with the cover the earth as the waters cover greater respect, as I believe you the sea. The number of children were one of the first encouragers at admitted into a state of culture in the outset of the little plan I this short period, seems to me little was the humble instrument of sug-less miraculous than the draught gesting to the world. of fishes, and would incline us

Some French gentlemen, members of the Royal Academy at Paris, were with me last week; and were so thoroughly impressed with the probable effects of this scheme of civilization, that they have taken all the pieces I have written on the subject, and intend proposing establishments of a similar nature in some of their parishes in the provinces, by way of experiment. We have seen the rapid progress of Christianity. Dr. Adam Smith, who has so ably written on the Wealth of Nations says, "No plan has promised to effect a change of manners with equal ease and simplicity, since the days of the Apostles."

I thank you my good friend for to think that the prophecy above communicating the pleasing recital quoted is advancing to its complefrom Colchester. What a wide tion. and extensive field of rational enjoyment opens to our view, could we allow the improvement of human nature to become the source of pleasure. Instead of training horses to the course, and viewing with delight their exertions at Newmarket, let our men of fortune turn their eyes to an exhibition like that at Colchester. It will impart to them a small portion of that solid enjoyment which a mind like yours must receive from the glorious sight. Children more neglected than the beasts of the field, are now taught to relish the comfort of decency and good order, and to know that their own happiness greatly depends on their promoting the happiness of others. When the community begins to reap the benefit of these principles, let us hope that this nation will manifest to the world the blessed effects of a general diffusion of Christianity. The great reformers of past times have been only removing obstructions in our way. Let us hope

* An account of the first Anniversary of the Sunday School at that place, at which Mr. Fox was present. After describing the scene, he adds- -"Not a single occurrence interposed to embitter, or in the least to interrupt the pleasures of the day; all was harmony, peace and love: for, however divided in political sentiment, or separated from each other by diversity of religious opinion; in this important undertaking, wherein the glory of God and the good of mankind are so intimately concerned, the most perfect unanimity has, from its commencement, constantly prevailed."

I have sent you my paper of this week, that you may see we are extending towards Wales, with the improvement of a School of Industry. I have only room to add that I am, Dear Sir, your sincere friend and servant July 12, 1787.

R. RAIKES. P. S.-Send me "the World,” in which the Colchester letter appeared. *

In the summer of this year, 1787, he left London as a residence, and removed to a favourite spot near Colchester; but the situation not agreeing with Mrs. Fox's health, he returned in a little more than two years, and took a house

* It was published in the paper called "the World," June 1787.

with him as in years that were past, yet he had a supporting hope which enabled him to meet the last enemy with composure; and a short time previous to his departure, he was heard to exclaim, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.'

at Islington, where he remained | scene, such a reflection would have till 1799. been painful in the extreme: but, Having purchased the manor though he regretted that it was not and estate at Clapton, his native village, where two of his brothers were still living, and also a sister not many miles distant; he felt an earnest desire to pass the remainder of his days amongst them. The house, however, not offering a comfortable residence, he rented a He expired on the 1st of April, seat of Mr. Waller's about four 1826, and his remains were, by his miles off. This was a place to own desire, removed from Cirenwhich he was greatly attached; cester to Leachlade, where a few but Mr. Waller's brother wishing years before, he had buried his to take possession of it, after liv-wife and a beloved daughter. ing there little more than a year, he removed to Leachlade, and there he continued to reside till within two years and a half of his death.

At Cirencester where he was destined to terminate his earthly career, the loss of hearing greatly distressed him, as it prevented his attending with any comfort on the ministry of Mr. White, though it did not deprive him of his society. Living as he did to the advanced age of ninety, his memory as may be supposed, failed him with regard to recent occurrences, but he would frequently dwell with the most minute exactness on the events of his childhood, as though they had occurred but yesterday. Being of a remarkably active turn, the privations and infirmities of age were peculiarly distressing to him, and he would sometimes say, "Never wish to be old. I am now in the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes, and the grasshopper is a burden to me."

Speaking to his daughter one day respecting her departed mother, he gave a striking and very affecting idea of the vanity of life, by saying, "But it is all nothing to me now, it is like a dream !"

Had not the hope of a better state of existence brightened the

Thus far the memoir was written by a very near relation of Mr. Fox; for the remaining part we are indebted to a friend to whom many interesting documents have been committed to his use for a work which is now in progress.

Mr. Fox never wished to be considered the originator of Sunday Schools; he considered this honour as belonging to Mr. Raikes. As a proof of this, the following extract from a letter to the late Rev. Dr. Duncan is given: - It is dated "Donnyland, July 20, 1787; Rev. Sir, Though since my retirement to this delightful situation, I have been much taken up by its native beauties, I have not forgotten my promise to correct an error in the preface to your excellent little catechism for the benefit of Sunday Schools. Permit me to say, Sir, in justice to Mr. Raikes, that instead of his early adopting the Sunday Schools established by the London Society, you will find by the enclosed extract that that Society took the hint from him."

But the idea of a plan of Universal Education originated with Mr. Fox, and the honour of the project of uniting Episcopalian Christians with all sects of Protestant Dissenters to carry the design into

effect belongs also to him. Speak-ple with regard to our own chiling of Mr. Raikes's Sunday Schools dren. Consider the children of the at Gloucester, he says, "Long poor as looking up to us and askbefore this establishment, I had ing not for the supply of their formed the design of universal natural wants, but for the means schools, though by a different mode. of instruction only. And shall This design I had year after year Christians refuse to their own chilmentioned to most of my friends, dren, that which the heathen grantboth clergy and laity, but with little ed to the children of strangers. success, as they were alarmed at There is not, Sir, a more acceptthe magnitude of the undertaking." able service rendered to our DiAt the first meeting before men-vine Lord, that that of bringing up tioned, held in May 1785, Mr. children in the way in which they Fox introduced his favourite topic. should go. Let us appropriate a After some descriptive remarks on little of that money which the the state of the poor he added-Jews expended in travelling to Jeru"Great, however, as the temporal salem to worship, and a little of evils of the poor are, and numerous the time which the primitive Chrisas their wants appear, for these I tians spent in wandering from city ask no relief; but I do ask, nay to city, and from country to counI entreat your aid for the support try, and let us devote it to the chilof Schools; that while the poor re- dren of the poor." main destitute of the comforts of For the purpose of urging his this life, they may not be alto-object forwards he says, "Who is gether unacquainted with that which amongst us but knows that some is to come. Could it have been of the most important events imagined that in a Christian coun- have taken their rise from very try, a Protestant country too, no trifling beginnings? Witness the provision should be made for the society for promoting religious education of poor children, about knowledge among the poor. Two whom the heathen took so much friends I have understood said one pains? So, however, it is, and it to the other, What shall we do to is a disgrace to the Christian name. promote the glory of God, and the Without a bible in their houses, good of mankind?' The reply was, and if they had one, without abilityLet us purchase a few books and to read it, too much neglected by the clergy, as well as deserted by others, the poor live as the beasts that perish. What an opportunity there is here of displaying that generosity for which the heathen were so renowned!" He then reminded them of the circumstance that when the Athenians could not resist Xerxes, they sent off their old men, women and children to Troezene, where they were received by the citizens, who established a fund for these strangers, and schools for the education of their children. "Let us," said Mr. Fox, "no longer delay to follow their exam

give to the poor.' A trifle (not more I think than 8s.) was subscribed for that purpose; and it need not be told to this respectable meeting, (many of whom are the worthy supporters of it) by what hasty strides this excellent charity has advanced to its present greatness: suffice it to say, there is but one thing wanting to make it one of the most benevolent institutions that has yet been established: you will easily perceive the one thing to which I allude is that now submitted to your consideration; for of what use are Bibles to those who cannot read? It would ill become

me to dictate to this assembly to engage, it may prove advan

what kind of plan they ought to adopt; but were I asked the question, I should say, fix on a spot where some lively, zealous gospel minister resides, and in his village and those of his neighbourhood establish schools. These he might visit without much inconvenience, and in catechising the children, he might also in a plain and simple way, introduce the gospel among the parents."

The gentlemen addressed being willing to forward the proposed design (one of whom, Mr. Gutteridge, is still living), it was agreed to call a meeting on the 16th of August at the same place, and an address was circulated as mentioned in the memoir, intitled "To the Benevolent and Humane in favour of the illiterate poor."

tageous that their thoughts should have been directed into such a channel. And if it should appear to other readers, that there is some truth in the representations now submitted to them, though they may not approve of every sentiment that is advanced, they may yet be led to unite with increased humility and fervour in the solemn supplications which will doubtless be presented to the source of every good and every perfect gift.

The writer entertains a painful conviction, that there is something in the Christian church which has long grieved the Holy Spirit of God. Comparing these later ages with the days of apostolic purity, it appears to him that the operations of divine mercy have sensibly diminished both in frequency and in power. God seems to have so far withdrawn, as to render it proper to adopt with solemn feelings the language of the prophet, when reverting to the days of Moses; We shall continue this account and to say, "Look down from in our next number; but think it heaven, and behold from the habitproper to add here, that when the ation of thy holiness and of thy Baptist Itinerant Society was form- glory: where is thy zeal and thy ed in London in 1797, Mr. Wil- strength, the sounding of thy bowliam Fox of Colebrook-row Isling-els and of thy mercies towards ton, and 136, Cheapside, became its Treasurer.

Mr. Fox having heard after this meeting of Mr. Raikes's Sunday Schools, addressed the letter dated May 20, 1785, which is given in the memoir.

ON THE PRESENT STATE OF THE
CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

me? Are they restrained? Doubtless thou art our Father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O Lord, art our Father, our ReAs our annual festival approaches, deemer, thy name is from everlastwhen brethren who reside in dis- ing. O Lord, why hast thou made tant places will assemble to en-us to err from thy ways, and hardcourage each other in the service of Christ, and to adopt plans for the further extension of his kingdom, a few remarks on the present Complaints of this nature are condition of the church may fur- frequently made by the most faulty nish matter for seasonable medita- of men, and for the worst of purtion. Should the ideas of the writer poses, but this does not render the commend themselves to the judg-fact less true, or less important. ment of any who will lead the de-Proof, however, may with provotional exercises in which we hope priety, be required, and we will,

ened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance !"