Moral and Social Reform. POPULAR AMUSEMENTS. THERE is perhaps, no more important subject connected with Social Reform than that of Popular Amusements. In an age so distinguished by its glitter and gaiety as that in which we live; and when the goddess of pleasure is displayed in her most enticing and seductive charms, it becomes the duty of all those who have the care, or are engaged in the education, of the young, to give to this subject their earnest and patient consideration. We purpose therefore doing this in a series of articles, to which this may be deemed introductory; and, whilst endeavouring to treat it in all its bearings, we shall point out the dangers which threaten us as individuals and as a people, owing to our laxity in the selection of our recreations. It has been said by one who well knew that the amusements of a community might be taken as true indicators of its moral and social condition," Show me a nation's amusements, and I will tell you the national character." And why may this be deemed a sure criterion? Because, in Public Amusements, we are most likely to observe those extravagances and excesses which have been, and are ever certain to be, the precursors of national decline and decay. If we turn to ancient countries, we shall perceive that, so long as they maintained simplicity in their manners and their amusements, they were prosperous; and travelling on the road to national greatness and glory: but no sooner (as in the case of Rome) do they accustom themselves to the conflicts of wild beasts in the arena, or the still more horrible exhibition of gladiatorial encounters, than we witness the symptoms of that decay which, slowly but surely, must sap the foundations of the state, and destroy the fabric of government altogether. If we come down to modern times, we find that those countries which are least particular in the selection and practice of their amusements are fast tending to social disorder and political confusion, Spain, where the first ladies and gentlemen in the land do not scruple to witness and applaud the bloody combats of infuriated bulls, may be cited as illustrating the truth, that gross and degrading amusements are ever accompanied by the decay of national power. We do not say that this is the sole cause of the degeneracy of which we speak; but we do believe that it is the principal one. It will be evident that it is in our recreations that we have need of the utmost prudence and circumspection; but sad to say, it is here that those qualities are wanting. Now, to disarm the hostility of those persons who see, in every endeavour to produce a healthy moral tone among the masses, an overt attempt to curtail innocent recreations, let us premise that so long as our amusements are pure and untainted by vice, they are not to be condemned, but rather merit our approbation. Thus regarded, they are our most efficient aids in the work of social and moral elevation. We have no sympathy with that VOL. XV. E mistaken morality or Christianity which deprecates all amusements of whatever kind. A code so austere has no foundation either in Scripture or reason. We think, however, it is not at all a prevalent one. On the contrary, our chief danger consists in a too ample liberalism. It is when our amusements are associated with loose manners and vitiated tastes that we must brand them as a bane to those by whom they are indulged, and as disgracing the government by which they are countenanced or tolerated. We are aware that the people will have amusements: and, indeed, when we reflect upon the highly artificial state of society-the wear and tear both of the physical and mental faculties-we admit them to be necessary Further, just in proportion to the strain and tension which our powers undergo, will be the recoil we shall witness in the extravagance of our recreations. The rude untutored Indian, skimming in his light canoe the waters of his native stream, or, as he is prompted either by pleasure or necessity, engaging in the excitement of the chase, knows no other amusement and cares for no better employment. His occupation is alike his business and his pleasure. But the merchant, whose mind is for several consecutive hours absorbed in the acquisition of wealth-or the clerk, who is doomed to the dull monotony of the counting house, is in the one case prone to still anxiety in the brilliant scenes of the theatre, and, in the other, to seek variety in the music-hall. Hence the newest and most startling sensation has the greatest number of followers. A man plunging courageously into an imaginary stream of water-walking from pole to pole on a tight rope-such are for a time the popular heroes, who only sink into oblivion to give place to others more intrepid or fool-hardy than themselves. In proportion to the risk of life incurred by the exhibitors will be their popularity; and according to the excitement of the entertainment will be its unparalleled success. It must also be considered that the laudable exertions of the Early Closing Association, together with the Volunteer movement, have given opportunities to the employed which they did not formerly possess, and which must be used either for their injury or their benefit. Hence the expediency of using every possible means of warning our young men and young women against the temptations to which they are continually exposed. It is a significant fact that even our athletic sports, tending as they do in themselves to physical development, and therefore to mental and moral benefit, are associated with customs and influences which neutralise their usefulness. Rowing, cricketing, and kindred amusements are, we fear, too closely allied with the public house. Whilst we are establishing literary institutions, public libraries, and reading rooms, to inform and elevate the minds of the young,—the theatre, the music-hall, the casino, and the public house are putting forth their blandishments to entice and destroy. The rapidity with which these haunts of vice are starting into existence on every side, and the support which they receive from the public, have become characteristics of our age. At no period of our national history were greater efforts made by the clergy and the laity to raise the masses and ameliorate their condition; and never were those efforts so thwarted by opposite agencies as they are at the present time. These considerations may well excite our alarm, and wake the inquiry, What means can we devise for the purpose of remedying the evil? To expose is in some instances to cure; and this is the vocation of the press. Whilst too many of our contemporaries are applauding or passive, be it our task, taking our stand upon the broad basis of the Bible, to lift our voice against those customs and practices which are a mockery of our boasted civilisation, and a libel upon the Christianity which we nationally profess. Biography. MEMOIR OF THE LATE MR. WM. WILSHERE, OF BATH, WHO DIED NOV. 22, 1864, AGED 84. WILLIAM WILSHERE was born at Winsley, near Bradford, Wilts, 1780. His parents were godly and consistent persons, whose memory he cherished with fond respect. His mother was the daughter of the late Mr. Pearce, of Bradford, of whom Mr. Wesley makes mention in his journals, and at whose house Mr. Wesley usually lodged when at that town. He kept an inn, but conducted his business in such a manner as to secure the esteem of all who knew him; never suffering any excess in his house, always closing on the Lord's day, and holding religious meetings therein. He had several children, one of whom was, as before stated, the pious mother of Mr. Wilshere ; another daughter was the wife of the late Mr. David Jenkins, who departed this life a few years since, in the house adjoining the residence of Mr. Wilshere. They were all members of the Wesleyan Connexion. Mr. Wilshere was early trained in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord," as were his brothers and sisters, all of whom died happy in the faith and hope of the gospel; with the exception of his elder sister, who still survives, and is waiting patiently her appointed time, until she too shall meet her dear departed parents and family in heaven. Mr. W. was thus in early life re strained from many of the follies incident to youth, and was a moral and dutiful son, although beset by many who tried to seduce him from the paths of virtue; yet he was enabled, by the preventing grace of God, to resist and finally to prevail. This was partly effected by his removal from Winsley to Twinney, in the parish of Wellow, where he was located for above fifty years. Here he entered upon a farm, and was prosperous, living comfortably with his late meek and excellent wife; but, as yet, without an interest in Christ. He took great delight in the sports of the field, especially in shooting, which, as he has often told the writer, was a great snare to him; as it brought him into connection with other sportsmen, one of whom was the incumbent of the parish. Yet during this period he had sharp struggles within, on account of the misemployment of his time. And being now under strong conviction of sin, he could find no rest, until he was enabled to resolve, in the strength of divine grace, to discontinue this practice, which was to him a sin. Hence he determined to dispose of his two favourite and valuable pointers, give up his accustomed sport at once, and yield to the dictates of conscience. This he did to the great surprise of his former friends, some of whom pitied him for his weakness, as it appeared to them; but which, in our view, was an evident proof of great strength of mind. Having thus taken up the cross, he was resolved in the strength of the Lord "to go forward." With this intent he associated himself with the despised people of God at Wellow, joined the class, and after witnessing a good confession, was appointed its leader, which office he punctually filled for many years, although the time of meeting was 7 A.M. on the Lord's day, and he had a long wearisome walk from his house. The Lord owned his labour of love, and made him useful to the souls of many who are now the crown of his rejoicing. Added to this he invited the preachers to come to Twinney, where, in a humble yet commodious cottage, the gospel preached for about forty years, many being brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. A society was formed, and our dear friend led the class and prayer-meetings there also. was He opened his house for the accommodation of the preachers under the following interesting circumstances :That holy and devoted servant of Christ, the late Dr. Dermott, came in his round, as it was called, to preach at Wellow, on a dark and rainy winter evening. It happened that the friend who usually lodged the preachers, Mr. R. Francis, could not accommodate the doctor that night; which was a source of great perplexity, in the midst of which it was resolved to take him to Mr. W.'s, although it was a long and dreary walk. Having arrived there, Mr. W. cheerfully received the doctor; but his dear wife was sadly perplexed, as they had some friends staying with them, and there was not a spare bed-room. In this dilemma, she called the doctor aside, and told him she would most willingly give him a room to himself, but she could not; there was a room with two beds, one of which was unoccupied, if he would put up with that he was heartily welcome. "O, my dear friend," cried he, "that will do; that will do!" The next morning, at breakfast, the doctor expressed his sense of the kindness shown him, and reminded them that they had indeed done that which he believed would be recorded in that day, when the Lord shall say, "I was a stranger, and ye took me in." From that time until Mr. W. left Twinney, this was the preacher's home, and often, in con verse with the writer, has he referred to those faithful labourers in the Lord's vineyard, who in that period of the Wesleyan Church were "in labours more abundant, the circuit extending for many miles in length and breadth. He used to mention with fond respect the late Dr. Dermott, Mr. Horner, Walter Griffith, Lessey, Reece, Edmondson, and very many others who had a warm place in his affections. Mr. Wilshere's habits were studious and observant. He read much, especially the Scriptures, Wesley's works, Methodist magazines, of which he had a rare collection, besides other authors of known repute. As an instance of his conscientiousness, we may state the following fact: -He had a team of four fine grey horses, which were much admired by the neighbouring farmers and others. It happened one day, whilst they were at work in the field, one of them was seized with a kind of fit and died; the veterinary surgeon was sent for to examine the animal. He advised Mr. W. to dispose of the other three as soon as he could, stating it as his opinion that they would all die in a similar manner; to which Mr. W. directly replied, "I shall do no such thing; for if I sell them to a dealer as you propose, they may severally come into the hands of some poor honest men, who cannot afford the loss, and it may be ruinous to them. No, no: I'll keep them, use them well, and let them live as long as they may.' They all died in a similar manner when about nine years old. He could not countenance sin in any one about him. On one occasion he overheard one of his men swearing at the horses; upon which he said to him, "You must leave off swearing, or leave my employ; I will never allow a swearer to be on my farm, if I know it." The poor fellow promised to amend; he kept his word, and some time after was induced to attend the prayermeeting, became concerned for the salvation of his soul, sought and found "the pearl of great price," was made happy in the love of God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, lived a consistent life for some years, when he met with an "accidental death," and went to his reward. Brother Wilshere's piety was ardent, sincere, and cheerful. He feared God and enjoyed a sense of his love in Christ Jesus. This was the theme of his song “in the house of his pilgrimage." Favoured with a truly meek and pious wife, his house and family were a pattern to all who knew them; for his religion was practical, he brought it to bear on every relation in life. As a master, he exercised towards his servants justice and benevolence, "knowing that he had also a Master in heaven." And he received from his servants respect and esteem. He was a lover of nature, adoring the wisdom and goodness of God in the rich variety of His works, as exhibited in "the heavens above and the earth beneath." In his business he was diligent, without anxious care; in his dealings, a man of few words; in his desires moderate; and having obtained, by an upright and honest course, a competence, he retired from his farm, and, with his dear wife, resided at Beechen Cliff, Bath; where, after a few years, it pleased the Lord to take his loved partner from him. She died happy in Jesus. He held on the even tenor of his way, favoured now with a careful and kind attendant who ministered to his wants and wishes. In this brief memoir the writer cannot do justice to the many points of interest in his character; yet he will enumerate some. And first, he was, most interesting in conversation, abounding in seasonable anecdote, quotation, or description, always profitable; so that his conversation was with grace, and afforded pleasure to those who heard him. He was faithful, yet prudent, in reproving sin. Let one instance serve for illustration. Going to meet his class one Lord's-day morning, he observed a man whom he knew to be a godless character, digging potatoes in a field through which he had to pass. He bethought himself, "How shall I get hold of this man ?" So, addressing him kindly, he said, "Well,-how is your poor old father?". "Thank ye, sir, he is very poor, and very ill.". "Well, give him this, with my Christian regards for him. But how is it I see you digging potatoes on the Sabbath-day?""Why, sir, I was late at work last night, and could not dig them then." "Well, what d'ye think I would have done ?"-"I can't tell, sir."-" Why, I would have done with. out them, rather than break the command of God, 'Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy ?"" The poor fellow took the reproof, as it was given, in good part, and went home. On another occasion, as he was proceeding to his class, he observed some sheep rushing through the hedge into his wheat, which was then green in the ear. He hesitated for a moment whether he should go and drive them off. "No," said he; 66 I'll leave it, and go on my way to class." He had not proceeded far before he saw a man driving the sheep out. Thus he aimed to honour God and to keep a clear conscience. In his business he was successful; the Lord blessed the labour of his hands. When the writer lived in the neighbourhood of Twinney, it was a matter of remark that Mr. W. had usually favourable weather for haymaking, reaping, &c. It happened one season, when the wheat crops around were affected with mildew, and the farmers were much concerned about it, some two or three asked Mr. W. if his wheat was affected. He replied, "No, I have not discovered any marks of it." They, wondering, said, "Well, however is this?"-Mr. W. replied, "I cannot tell; only this I know, I water my wheat twice a day."-"What!" said they.-"Yes," said he; "I make this, as well as all my affairs, a subject of prayer to God, and he protects me and mine." Being a man of sober and experienced judgment, his opinion was often sought by men of all grades, both rich and poor, to whom he ever lent a willing ear and gave prudent counsel. In his disposition he was truly benevolent and humble; extending the hand of charity to the poor, the widow, and the fatherless; and many are there who survive that will feel their loss in this respect. Yet these and similar acts were done so privately, that even the members of his family knew not of them. Thus lived Mr. Wilshere, being a living evidence that " godliness is profitable for all things." This brief memoir might be much enlarged, did time permit: yet we cannot close it without giving an account |