22 This was in a court-yard, into which is to come. He spoke of the dreadful all the prisoners are let loose, from consequences of sin, and the eternal the time they get up, to the time they punishment that awaits the ungodly; go to rest, (if they can rest,) with no of Christ as the friend of sinners, who shelter from cold or rain, excepting is ever willing and ready to receive one large dark cell, (often too small the most vile; of the awful state in for all the criminals,) with a table in which those stand, who neglect Christ the middle, and a fire, to dress their as a Saviour, who live and die without own food. This they call their kitchen; God and without hope. The crimibut the walls, black with smoke and nals remained in mute amazement, filth, no windows, and the room full perhaps never having heard such of dirty, unfortunate wretches, who truths before. Some, who had once stretch themselves the whole day long | known better days and better thoughts, on the table, singing songs, fighting, had remorse visibly depicted in their cursing, and swearing in a most shock- countenances. But suddenly, one of ing manner, ready for every mischief, them, whom they called their captain— and, like wild beasts, ready to spring a robust, short, hardy man, wearing a upon the first prey,-reminded the cockade, and having a huge bludgeon spectator rather of the infernal region.―started up, and said, "The gentleNo wonder, then, that they abused these young men, who were obliged to summon up their whole courage and perseverance, and call out earnestly, that they were come as friends, to do them good. With the interference of the turnkeys, who now came to their aid, the prisoners were quieted. Never did I behold, nor could I conceive, such scenes as I witnessed that day. Upwards of two hundred immortal creatures, lost to every sense of virtue, ignorant of, and blaspheming, their Maker; full of the spirit of Satan! When I entered their kitchen, and saw their deplorable condition, I could not refrain from shedding tears. O sin! what hast thou done? transforming creatures made like to the image of God, into brutes and devils! Never did I so sincerely thank the God of mercy for the measure of grace bestowed upon so unworthy a sinner; without which grace, I should have been as bad, or even worse, than any of these unfortunates. man was right-that we were very kind in coming at all-and that he would come himself every Sunday to read." The rest, of course, gave a shout of applause. Before we parted, another of the young men prayed, (all kneeling,) that God would bless their humble endeavours, and that some poor prodigal in that wretched prison may be induced to return to his Father's house. We attempted to give out a hymn; but it was such a matter of ridicule to them, that we desisted. On the whole, our success was greater than we had anticipated. The following Sunday, we repaired again to the prison, with a greater degree of interest and confidence; and were much pleased and surprised at seeing almost all the men ranged along the wall, with clean faces and hands, and the captain marshalling them, mounted on the shoulders of a poor idiot confined for theft. We were saluted with a cheer, and we then proceeded to our room. What inward joy, mixed with horror, did we feel, when we contemplated ourselves, locked up in a gloomy room with so many wretched persons, whose desperate and depraved hearts had caused them to commit actions for which they were excluded society, and confined in a prison! We were unarmed and unattended, and were entirely at their mercy; yet we trusted in God and the rectitude of our intentions, and we commenced our work like men who had to encounter a strong and fierce To vary their sport, and from mere curiosity, and the novelty of the thing, most of them came up to the school, others remained at the door, and others said that they did not want to become Methodists-all were of the Popish persuasion, (if they made any profession at all.) When quiet and seated, one of the young men, who possessed peculiar talents for the undertaking, began to address them. He told them, that the sole object these young men had in coming to them, and giv-enemy. ing up their time to their instruction, was most disinterestedly for their benefit, both in this life, and that which Those who were able to read were put into one class, and those who were not, into another. Our books were, the Bible or Testament, and the Sunday-school Spelling-book, which we obtained from the Society, in order to teach them to spell and read; but this we found impracticable, as our scholars were ever varying, owing to their different periods of confinement; so that we used nothing but the Bible, which we made those who could, read; and explained, to the best of our ability, to those who could not, who generally listened with attention. | prison, where some indeed were almost naked. I promised him an old coat, and a pair of shoes, if he would but become more attentive. The bribe was too tempting to refuse; and, after two or three weeks of probation, I sent him the coat and shoes. He continued promising for some time, but there was nothing in his conduct which could induce a person to hope for a total reformation. It is the duty of teachers, when they meet with such It was wonderful, and very encou- a scholar, to present him in fervent raging, to see the alteration which took prayer before the throne of grace; place in some of them, in the course yet, at the same time, to watch over of a few sabbaths. The captain threw him, and lose no opportunity of comaway his cockade, burnt his cudgel, municating suitable advice. This was and dismissed his horse on which he the method adopted on the occasion, used to come into school for the three and I trust it was not unavailing. or four first Sundays. He became However, the term of his confinement very attentive and thoughtful, and expired, and he was released. Shortly wished much for a Testament, which after, I myself had occasion to leave was readily given him; and I trust, town; and, after my return, having that, by the expiration of his confine- been reading the whole of the day, I ment, his heart was touched by di- went out in the evening to enjoy a vine grace. School was always con- walk. Whether from the effects of cluded with prayer, and a suitable study, or owing to some trial I was exhortation. In the division which then under, my spirits were unusually fell to the lot of the writer of this, low. I proceeded along one of the there were two old men, two younger public roads for some time; but the ones, a lad, and a desperately harden- noise and bustle not suiting my then ed wretch, whose whole employment melancholy temper, I turned up a narwas to mock and ridicule. One of the row private road, shaded by trees on old men, though he read but indiffe- both sides, and interspersed here and rently, appeared particularly atten- there with neat whitewashed cottages. tive, and anxious for divine instruc- On passing one of them, I heard the tion; and was more than once observ- clacking noise of a busy loom, and the ed wiping away the bitter tear which jocund yet innocent song of the lightstarted down his hardy cheek. Think-hearted weaver. When I had passed ing that he would improve better under a more experienced person, I handed him over to one who was well qualified to feed him with spiritual food. In regard to the troublesome youth mentioned above, I gave him up as a hopeless case; he pretended he could not read, but I discovered he read better than any of them. He was about one or two-and-twenty years of age. He endeavoured to pick my pockets, and to pull my coat whenever I happened to turn round, and has stuck me with pins more than once. I bore it all patiently, and, instead of causing him to be punished, (which I might have done,) I expostulated with him on the folly and wickedness of his ways. I also gave him two or three suitable tracts, which he promised to read. Cold weather coming on, he had no coat or shoes,—a common sight in the about fifty paces, the door opened, -?" Taking me most affectionately by the hand, and with tears in his eyes, he said, "Sir, I saw you passing by, and could not refrain from coming out, to ask your pardon for all my unkindness to you; and to thank you for all that you and the other young gentle men have said to me while in jail. It was a sad place; but I thank God that I ever was put into it. I will count that day the happiest in my life. I should have been now, perhaps, living in wickedness, and probably have come to the gallows at last. When I got out, I was friendless, and without a home. But, reflecting on what had often been told me in Newgate, that Christ is the friend of sinners, and ever willing to receive the vilest, I prayed to Him to support and assist nie. I shuddered at the idea of going to rob and pilfer again, and determined to work. I got some work, and got some clothes too; and I have now employment enough at this cottage, with my food and bed, and I pass away my time very happily." The whole circumstance was so surprising and unexpected, that I did not know for some moments how to reply to him. Taking his hand in return, I told him to continue instant in prayer, and be constantly watching against temptation; for his enemy, Satan, was continually going about, seeking whom to devour; and ever to pray to Jesus for faith, and to the holy Spirit for comfort and support. I concluded by asking him, if I could be of any service to him. "I want nothing, thank God," said he, "except a Testament." I promised to bring him one the following day, and returned home rejoicing. It may be gratifying to learn, that schools have since been established in the hospital and transport part of the prison, which are distinct from that mentioned in the narrative. A committee of ladies has also been formed, in order to provide work for the female criminals. Two or three, in rotation, attend on certain week-days, to superintend their work, and read to them; and, on Sundays, all attend, to read and explain the scriptures to those who will hear them. I am aware, that there are many of both sexes, whose whole employment on Sabbath-days is to dress themselves for church, where they remain for two dull hours; after which, they ride or walk till near dinner time, and then loll away their evenings in tedious frivolity. To most of these, the character of a Sunday-school teacher is degrading and contemptible. But if they could experience, for a moment, the inward satisfaction and plea sure which a Sunday-school teacher feels when he views an interesting group around him, ready and eager for that instruction which he feels it his duty to impart, they would soon change their contempt into respect, and perhaps desire to be engaged themselves in so blessed a work. They would not only find employment enough for idle and tedious hours, but would have the important satisfaction of considering that they are benefiting, both morally and spiritually, those who, if neglected, might become a pest and burden to society; whereas, if they were instructed in the principles and doctrines of the Bible, they would probably be faithful subjects, and useful members of society, and, through divine grace, be brought to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, who alone is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life," and be made partakers, through faith, of everlasting glory in the kingdom of our God and Saviour. Communicated by J. SCHOFIEld. Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The holy Gospel is written in the 16th chapter of Saint Mark, beginning at the 14th verse. Jesus appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues, they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay their hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Let us pray. Lord, have mercy upon us. Our Father, &c. &c. Then shall the infirm persons, one by one, be presented to the Queen upon their knees; and as every one is presented, and while the Queen is laying her hands upon them, and putting the gold about their necks, the chaplain that officiates, turning himself to her majesty, shall say these words following: God give a blessing to this work; and grant that these sick persons, on whom the Queen lays her hands, may recover, through Jesus Christ our Lord. After all have been presented, the chaplain shall say, Vers. O Lord, save thy servants. Resp. Who put their trust in thee. Vers. Send them help from thy holy place. Resp. And evermore mightily defend them. Vers. Help us, O God of our salvation. Resp. And, for the glory of thy name, deliver us; and be merciful unto us sinners, for thy name's sake. Vers. O Lord, hear our prayers. Resp. And let our cry come unto thee. [These answers are to be made by them who come to be healed.] Let us pray. O Almighty God, who art the giver of all health, and the aid of them that seek to thee for succour, we call upon thee for thy help and goodness, mercifully to be shewed upon these thy servants, that they, being healed of their infirmities, may give thanks unto thee in thy holy church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then the chaplain, standing with his face towards them that come to be healed, shal Isay, POEM ON AN INDIAN BOY, WHO WAS SENT TO HAVERFORD COLLEGE FOR HIS EDUCATION. (Communicated by Edmund Dyer.) FROM Susquehanna's farthest springs, From council grave the fathers rose, Viewing the hopeful youth with joy; And some in physic thought he'd shine; To wander with his dearer bow. The drowsy lecture haply done, “And why,” he cried, " did I forsake My native woods for gloomy walls; The humble treat he gave before? ..... "Where nature's ancient forests grow, The Indians welcom'd him with joy ; THE VALLEY OF ELAH. 1 Samuel, chap. xvii. VALLEY of Elah! gloomy and deep, Thou liest shrouded in misty sleep, Between two mountains lofty and lone, O'er whose summits are shadows thrown; Who, dimly vast, from their cloudy height, Like giant sentries watch o'er the night. -Now the moon ascends her midnight throne, In solemn splendour reigning alone; She waves her silver sceptre on high, And liquid lastre illumes the sky, Streaming in floods of soften'd light, O'er yon straggling crags of snowy white, Of clouds like rent mountains, rugged and bare, Or marble quarries aloft in the air: The stars fling aside their azure veil, And trembling, disclose their beauty pale. 'Tis a jewell'd floor for the moon's fair feet, When gleams on her brow her rich coronet, When the boundless blue is her royal domain, And reflects afar her resplendent train! -The night-wind waves the tall cedar tree, Whose branches are creaking sullenly; Lo, its sombrous foliage sheds deeper gloom, Like a funeral pall o'er the dusk heath-bloom. -Descend to the valley of Elab, where The quivering moonbeam's fearful glare Flickers o'er many a ghastly face, Upturn'd with fixed unearthly gaze! Here battle its crimson banner hath spread Hurl'd in wild disorder along the field! Who hath yielded his life and arms together, Fierce defiance flash'd from his lion eye, With its champion each army shall stand or fall; If he or I conquer, or bleed, 'tis for all!" And shook his huge spear triumphantly: Shrunk back, and shiver'd with wild affright; Like a tower of steel in the sun's broad blaze. Gloom spread like a mist through the Israelite camp, Each warlike brow with terror was damp: Each tongue with the spell of terror was chain'd, And stillness sepulchral unbroken reign'd. -Then, when warriors' hearts were quaking with fear, Lo! a stripling shepherd undaunted drew near; Health's ruddy glow his young cheek o'erspread, And flaxen hair wav'd free o'er his bead; There was kindling fire in his bright blue eye, Which told that his heart with valour beat [knit, high; His sun-brown'd limbs like a young oak were Yet his strength had a lion and bear o'ercome, -But David, unmov'd by his threats of wo, and sword; But I dare thee to battle in the name of the Lord, The God of our armies, whom thou hast defied, By him shall mine arm with strength be supplied: This day he will give me the victory, To smite thee, and take thy head from thee! To the beasts of the field, and the fowls of the air, I will give each Philistine carcase there!" His falchion flam'd in the hot sunlight, Each strong arm noiselessly grasp'd the shield, Will the giant blench from its puny harm? |