of the Scriptures, it has been reserved for modern zeal and piety
to discover a “missing link” in the operations hitherto in use, and
this void has been admirably supplied by the “Bible women” of the
nineteenth century. The appointment of these female colporteurs has
been attended with the most beneficial and encouraging results, for
not only has the sale of Bibles been facilitated among classes almost
inaccessible to such influences, but opportunities have been afforded
of permanently benefiting some of the most wretched and morally debased
of our population. The introductions, gained by means of this traffic,
have been turned to the best account, and a kindly influence has been
established over the families thus visited, which has been often
attended with the most favourable results.
“The lowest strata of society are thus reached by an agency which
takes the Bible as the starting point of its labours, and makes IT
the basis of all the social and religious improvements which are
subsequently attempted. Small in its beginnings, the work, by its
proved adaptation and results, has greatly enlarged its dimensions,
enlisting the sympathy and liberality of the Christian public; and in
almost all the metropolitan districts affording scope for the agency,
the Bible women are to be found prosecuting their arduous labours,
with immense advantage to the poor. At the present time there are
152 of these agents employed. During the past year the Bible women
in London disposed of many thousand copies of the Scriptures amongst
classes, which, to a very great extent, were beyond the reach of
the ordinary means used to effect this work; and this circulation
was attained not by the easy method of gift, but by sale, the very
poorest of the population being willing, when brought under kind and
persuasive influence, to pay for the Bible or Testament by small weekly
instalments.”
Another kindred agency of recent appointment is the “_Institution for
reading aloud the Word of God in the open air_,” in connection with
which are the “_Bible Carriages_,” or locomotive depôts, now employed
for extending the sale of the Scriptures in various parts of London,
and which have succeeded in drawing a large number of purchasers,
attracted, no doubt, by the novelty and singularity of the means
adopted.
While enumerating the religious agencies concerned in the repression
of crime in London, allusion need only be made incidentally to such as
necessarily spring out of an organized, ecclesiastical, or parochial
machinery consisting of clergy, churches, chapels, schools, &c., and
to the various societies and associations designed to extend and give
support to this machinery; the object of this essay being rather to
draw public attention to such auxiliary and supplemental organisations,
as are less generally known, or are of more recent origin.
One of the most remarkable movements of modern times in connection with
preaching, has been the establishment of _Theatre services_, which
owe their existence to the present Earl of Shaftesbury. So irregular
and unconstitutional a proceeding provoked, as might naturally have
been expected, a large amount of censure and unfriendly criticism.
Ecclesiastical dignities were at first somewhat scandalized by such an
innovation of church discipline, and evidently regarded the movement as
one calling rather for reluctant toleration, than as being entitled to
episcopal sanction--a feeling which was probably largely shared by the
more sober and orthodox portion of the community.
There appeared to be, at first sight, it must be confessed, a singular
incongruity, if not an absolute impropriety, in converting the stage
of a playhouse into a temple for the provisional celebration of divine
worship, and using an edifice habitually consecrated to amusement,
for the alternate promulgation of sacred verities and pantomimic
representations. Apart, however, from the repulsive features of the
proceeding arising from local associations, and from the periodical
juxtaposition of objects the most hostile and dissimilar, there
appeared to be no graver objection to the arrangement. The end was
here, at least, supposed not only to justify, but even to sanctify the
means, and the defence of this mal-appropriation was not unfairly said
to consist in the inadequacy of church accommodation, and in the cheap
facilities thus afforded, for bringing under the occasional ministry of
the word of life, classes, who from long habits of neglect, prejudice,
and an utter disrelish of religious ordinances, had become isolated
from the ordinary channels of instruction and improvement. The movement
having now had a fair trial, and the results being found to answer
the expectations of the originators, it may be regarded as no longer
a hazardous experiment, but as a part of the recognised machinery
employed for the evangelisation of the masses.
These special services for the working classes are now regularly
conducted in the various theatres and buildings temporarily
appropriated to divine worship. The attendance has been uniformly
good, and that of a class who habitually absent themselves from
religious ordinances, and could not therefore be reached by any of
the usual instrumentalities. Considering the unpromising materials of
which these singular congregations are composed, and the unfavourable
antecedents of most of the audience, it is something to be able to
state that on such occasions they are, for the most part, orderly and
well conducted, while the continued good attendance at these services
marks the appreciation in which they are held. During the Sabbath,
then, at least, a wonderful outward transformation is effected in the
pursuits and general demeanor of the frequenters, who meet together,
week after week, to hear the Gospel message expounded in the very
edifice, which during the previous six days has resounded with their
oaths, ribaldries, and licentious language. Is there not room for at
least a charitable hope, that when the heralds of salvation carry
their proclamations into the very heart of the enemy’s territory, and
aggressively plant the banner of the cross, where only the cloven foot
is wont to be seen, some victories will be achieved over the world,
the flesh, and the devil, and that some who usually meet to scoff and
jeer, will return home savingly impressed with what they have heard?
In strict conformity with the objects contemplated by this arrangement,
and arising out of the same temporary necessity, is _The Open-Air
Mission_, which was established in 1853 “for the purpose of stirring up
the Church of Christ, especially the lay elements, to go out into the
streets and lanes of the city, the towns and villages of the provinces,
the great gatherings that periodically occur at races, fairs,
executions, &c.; to go into lodging-houses, workhouses, and hospitals,
and in fact wherever persons are to be met with and spoken to about sin
and salvation.” Since the formation of the Society, open-air preaching
has become as it were a standing institution, and is recognized as an
indispensable agency in working densely-populated districts. Ministers
and laymen are to be found on every hand using this divinely-appointed
and apostolic agency to “bring in the poor, the maimed, the halt, and
the blind,” and God has eminently blessed their labours.
From May 1st, 1860, to March 31st, 1861, the London City Missionaries
conducted 4,489 outdoor meetings, at which the average attendance was
103, and the gross attendance 465,070. Numerous associations have
been formed in connection with this Society for Open-Air Preaching,
in various parts of London, and during the summer, eighteen stations
are occupied for this purpose by the students at the Church Missionary
College, under the direction of the Islington Church Home Mission.
A course of Sunday afternoon services is also regularly held by the
appointment of the rector in Covent Garden Market, which are generally
well attended and appear admirably calculated to benefit the classes
whose welfare is designed. The Bishop of London and other dignities of
the Church have been the preachers on such occasions, and have thus
lent their countenance to the proceeding.
In reference to all such agencies as open-air services, prayer
meetings, tract distributions, Bible readings, &c., it may be safely
asserted, that never in the entire history of the Church was there a
period, when such extraordinary efforts have been made to evangelise
the poor and the criminal population of London; or when a similar
activity has been displayed in ministering to the social and spiritual
wants of the community.
One of the oldest and most privileged institutions within the
metropolis, for bringing the influences of religion to bear upon the
dense masses of our population is the _London City Mission_. It was
founded in 1835, and its growth has steadily progressed up to the
present date. The object of the mission is to “extend the knowledge
of the Gospel, among the inhabitants of London and its vicinity
(especially the poor), without any reference to denominational
distinctions, or the peculiarities of Church government. To effect
this object, missionaries of approved character and qualifications
are employed, whose duty it is to visit from house to house in the
respective districts assigned to them, to read the Scriptures, engage
in religious conversation, and urge those who are living in the neglect
of religion to observe the Sabbath and attend public worship. They
are also required to see that all persons possess the Scriptures,
to distribute approved religious tracts, and to aid in obtaining
Scriptural education for the children of the poor. By the approval
of the committee they also hold meetings for reading and expounding
the Scriptures and prayer, and adopt such other means as are deemed
necessary for the accomplishment of the mission.”
The London City Mission maintains a staff of 389 missionaries, who are
employed in the various London and suburban districts; and thus the
entire city is more or less compassed by this effective machinery, and
brought under the saving influences of the Gospel. The very silent and
unobtrusive character of the work thus effected, precludes anything
like an accurate estimate of results, or a showy parade of success.
It works secretly, quietly, and savingly, in districts too vast to
admit of pastoral supervision, and in neighbourhoods too outwardly
unattractive and unpropitious, to win the attention of any who are not
animated with a devoted love of souls. The influence which is thus
exerted in a social and religious point of view is inestimable, and the
benefits conferred by this mission, are of an order that would be best
understood and appreciated by the community, if they were for a time to
be suddenly withdrawn.
In addition to the regular visitation of the poor, the missionaries
are employed in conducting religious services in some of the “worst
spots that can be found in the metropolis, and the audiences have been,
in such cases, ordinarily the most vicious and debased classes of the
population.”
Six missionaries are appointed, whose exclusive duty it is to visit
the various public-houses and coffee-shops in London, and to converse
with the _habitués_ on subjects of vital importance. There are also
three missionaries to the London cabmen, a class greatly needing their
religious offices, and by their occupation almost excluded from any
social or elevating influences.
The following summary of missionary work, and its results for 1861, is
sufficiently encouraging, as pointing in some instances, at least, to a
sensible diminution of crime, and as being suggestive of a vast amount
of good effected by this pervasive evangelistic machinery.
Number of Missionaries employed 381
Visits paid 1,815,332
Of which to the sick and dying 237,599
Scriptures distributed 11,458
Religious Tracts given away 2,721,73
Books lent 54,00
In-door Meetings and Bible Classes held 41,777
Gross attendance at ditto 1,467,006
Out-door Services held 4,489
Gross attendance at ditto 465,070
Readings of Scripture in visitation 584,166
Communicants 1,535
Families induced to commence family prayer 681
Drunkards reclaimed 1,230
Unmarried couples induced to marry 361
Fallen females rescued or reclaimed 681
Shops closed on the Sabbath 212
Children sent to school 10,158
Adults who died having been visited by the Missionary _only_ 1,796
The income of the London City Mission, during the past year, amounted
to 35,018_l._ 6_s._ 10_d._; 5,763_l._ 15_s._ 7_d._ having been
contributed by country associations.
Next to the London City Mission, the _Church of England Scripture
Readers’ Society_ is one of the most extensive and important channels
for disseminating a religious influence among the masses by means of a
parochial lay agency.
It is the special duty of the Scripture readers to visit from house to
house; to read the Scriptures to all with whom they come in contact; to
grapple with vice and crime _where they abound_; and to shrink from no
effort to arrest their career.
“To overtake and overlook the growing multitudes which crowd our large
and densely-peopled parishes,” was a work universally admitted to be
beyond the present limits of clerical effort; and this _desideratum_
has been supplied, at least to some extent, by the appointment of a
lay agency, acting under the direction and control of the parochial
clergy. By this means “cases are brought to light and doors opened
to the pastoral visit, which were either closed against it or not
discovered before; and an amount of information concerning the
religious condition of the parish is obtained, such as the minister,
single-handed, or with the aid of a curate, never had before.” The
following results, which are reported as having attended the labours
of a single Scripture reader, during a period of fourteen years, will
serve as an illustration of the nature of those services rendered by
this instrumentality:--
Visits paid to the poor 23,986
Infants and adults baptized on his recommendation 3,510
Children and adults persuaded to attend school 2,411
Persons led to attend church for the first time 307
Persons confirmed during visitation 429
Communicants obtained by ditto 269
Persons living in sin induced to marry 48
One hundred and twenty-five grants are now made by the Society for the
maintenance of Scripture readers in eighty-seven parishes and districts
in the metropolis, embracing a population of upwards of a million.
The Society’s income for the past year amounted to 9,850_l._ 2_s._
10_d._
Second only in importance to personal evangelistic effort is the
influence of a _Religious Press_. Public opinion being often
fluctuating, and its general estimates of morality being, to a
considerable extent, formed by the current literature of the age, it is
essential that this mighty and controlling power should be exerted on
the side of religion and virtue.
Works of a high moral tone, inculcating correct principles and
instilling lessons of practical piety, conduce, therefore, in
the highest degree, to a wholesome state of society, and to the
preservation of public morals.
The two great emporiums of religious literature, most directly
concerned in producing these results, are the _Religious Tract Society_
and the _Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge_. The latter
has already been referred to, as one of the main channels for the
diffusion of the Scriptures.
None of the works issued by the _Religious Tract Society_ can compete
in point of interest or usefulness with those widely-circulated and
deservedly-popular serials the Leisure Hour, the Sunday at Home, and
the Cottager, a periodical lately published, and admirably adapted for
the homes of the working classes.
The publications issued by the Society during the past year amounted
to 41,883,921; half of which number were English tracts and handbills;
537,729 were foreign tracts; and 13,194,155 fall under the head of
periodicals.
The entire number of both English and foreign publications issued by
the Society, since its foundation in 1799, amount to 912,000,000.
Grants of books and tracts are annually made by the Society for schools
and village libraries, prisons, workhouses, and hospitals, for the
use of soldiers, sailors, emigrants, and for circulation at fairs and
races, by city missionaries and colporteurs.
The total number of such grants during the past year amounted to
5,762,241; and were of the value of £6,116 14_s._ 4_d._
The entire receipts of the Society from all sources for the past year
amounted to £103,127 16_s._ 11_d._; the benevolent contributions being
£9,642 9_s._ 2_d._
Other channels for the supply and extension of religious literature are
the _Weekly Tract Society_, the _English Monthly Tract Society_, and
the _Book Society_, which latter aims especially at promoting religious
knowledge among the poor.
As a supplemental agency for the collection and dissemination of a
wholesome literature, the _Pure Literature Society_, established 1854,
is deserving of especial commendatory notice.
The following is a list of the periodicals recommended by the Society;
and the circulation of which it seeks to facilitate:--
For Adults:--Leisure Hour, British Workman, Good Words, Old Jonathan,
Youth’s Magazine, Appeal, Bible-Class Magazine, Christian Treasury,
Churchman’s Penny Magazine, Evening Hour, Family Treasury, Family
Paper, Friendly Visitor, Mother’s Friend, Servant’s Magazine, Sunday at
Home, The Cottager, Tract Magazine.
For Children:--Young England, Band of Hope Review, Child’s Own
Magazine, Child’s Companion, Child’s Paper, Children’s Friend,
Children’s Paper, Our Children’s Magazine, Sabbath School Messenger,
Sunday Scholar’s Companion.
Upwards of 140,000 periodicals are sent out annually by the Society in
monthly parcels.
The Society’s income during the past year amounted to £2,783 12_s._
2_d._
2. _Preventive Agencies._
Under this division are not included those measures which have
for their object the forcible suppression of crime, which will be
considered under a separate head, nor yet such as are calculated
to extinguish those criminal propensities, which are ever lying
dormant in the human heart, for these, as has been already shown,
can only be effectually subdued, or eradicated by the influences of
religion. By preventive agencies are rather to be understood, those
instrumentalities best adapted to effect the removal of peculiar forms
of temptation, or to abridge the power of special producing causes of
vice; whatever means, in fact, are efficacious in removing hindrances
to the development of virtue, and in fostering principles of morality.
Human nature, owing to the force of adverse circumstances, being often
placed at a disadvantage, it is the peculiar province of preventive
agencies to give it a fair chance of escape, by extricating it from
its perilous position, and surrounding it with virtuous influences and
humanizing appliances. Under this head, moreover, are included all
such measures as conduce to the social and moral improvement of the
community, either by presenting an indirect barrier to the progress of
crime, or by the employment of counteracting agencies.
In this connexion the _Temperance Associations_ are deserving of
especial prominence. Drunkenness being the most fruitful source of all
crime, and the primary cause of want and wretchedness, it follows that
whatever instrumentalities are capable of arresting its progress, or
curtailing its influence, are in every way worthy the consideration
of the philanthropist and the statesman. The utility of temperance
societies has often been called in question; but it must be admitted,
that as an instrumental agency for the suppression of drunkenness,
and consequently for the diminution of crime, the influence of such
associations is unlimited. Whether or not the entire-abstinence
system is based on philosophical arguments, or is deducible from
Scripture teaching, is little to the point, provided the fruits it has
yielded are unquestionably salutary in their effects upon society,
and conducive to the present and eternal happiness of millions of
individuals, who, but for this timely interference would have continued
in their mad career of dissipation, without the power to break off the
thraldom, or to dispel the infatuation in which they were held.
_The National Temperance Society_, formed in 1842, is now in active
operation, and seeks by means of meetings, lectures, and publications,
to disseminate its principles, and to draw attention to the objects it
is endeavouring to promote.
_The United Kingdom Alliance_, for the legislative suppression of
the liquor traffic, is a step in advance of the ordinary temperance
movement, and aims at nothing short of the entire extinction of a
commerce in intoxicating drinks. This body has already secured a large
number of influential adherents, and appears to be rapidly gaining
ground. A monster meeting has lately been held in Manchester in
furtherance of the Society’s proximate aims, which are to introduce a
permissive Bill into Parliament, to delegate to local authorities the
power to prohibit such traffic within their respective neighbourhoods.
The passing of this Act will in effect resolve the question of
abolition or toleration into one of public opinion; and districts, if
so inclined, will possess the power of deciding whether or no the sale
of intoxicating drinks shall be carried on within their own parochial
boundaries.
As a counteracting agency to the beer-shop and the gin-palace, _The
Metropolitan Free Drinking Fountain Association_, formed two years ago,
is deserving of special notice. It has for its objects the erection and
maintenance of drinking fountains in the various crowded thoroughfares
of the metropolis, thus humanely furnishing the means of alleviating
that feverish thirst, which during the hot season impels so many to an
excessive use of intoxicating drinks.
_The Ragged Schools_ hold a prominent place among the indirectly
preventive agencies for the suppression of crime in the metropolis; for
since ignorance is generally the parent of vice, any means of securing
the benefits of education to those who are hopelessly deprived of it,
must operate in favour of the well-being of society.
_The Ragged School Union_ has been formed with a view to develope and
give consistency to this movement, which it does by collecting and
diffusing information respecting schools now in existence, and by
pecuniary grants towards their foundation and support.
The number of buildings now in existence in London, appropriated to
these educational purposes, is 176. The day-schools are 151 in number,
and are attended by 17,230 scholars. The evening-schools number 215,
and the scholars 9,840; Sunday-schools 207, and scholars 25,260. The
number of scholars placed in situations last year amounted to 1,800.
Penny Banks, Clothing Clubs, Reading Rooms, Mother’s Meetings, and
Shoe-Black Brigades have been established in connexion with this
movement, and contribute their influence to the general well-being of
those attending the schools, as well as to that of society at large.
In connexion with the Union are 16 refuges for the homeless and
destitute, accommodating 700 inmates.
The receipts of the Union amounted last year to £5,739 7_s._ 8_d._;
and probably no money was ever laid out at better interest, than that
contributed by the benevolent public towards the rescue and moral
training of these embryo criminals. Difficult as the principle of
Government intervention no doubt is, that would be a wise, politic,
humane, and economical course which should sever this Gordian knot, by
constituting the State the lawful guardian of such as are deprived of
all that is understood by the terms home influence, and moral training.