(_To the Editor._)
At Sturminster Newton, in Dorsetshire, there is an Infant and Sunday
School, founded by the Rev. T.L. Fox. A handsome bronzed gateway forms
the entrance, which is surmounted by an escutcheon, containing what may
be termed the Christian's armorial bearings, (see Ephesians vi. 14, &c.)
The shield itself denotes "the _shield_ of faith;" on the four divisions
are emblazoned "the _girdle_ of truth;" "the _breast-plate_ of
righteousness;" "_feet_, shod with the gospel of peace," and "the
_sword_ of the spirit;" the crest is "the _helmet_ of salvation," over
which is a crown of glory; the motto "THE FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDETH
SURE." The benevolence of the reverend founder of this establishment
should not pass unnoticed. Pope has described his character to a tittle,
in his _Man of Ross_--
"Who bade the heaven directed spire to rise,"
&c.
Not only has he rebuilt the church in handsome style--presented it with
a noble organ, &c., and founded the above school, but the whole business
of his life appears to be to provide by his munificence for the present
comfort, and by his pastoral labours, for the future happiness, of all
around him.
A humble slab of white marble over the south door of the church, bears
the following inscription:
TO RECORD THEIR GRATITUDE
FOR MUNIFICENCE, DIRECTED TO THE INCREASE
OF CHARITY AND RELIGION,
THIS STONE IS DEDICATED BY THE INHABITANTS
OF STURMINSTER NEWTON,
TO THE REVD. THOMAS LANE FOX,
OF HINTON,[5] ST. MARY, IN THIS COUNTY,
A. D. 1827.