to the only name given under heaven, whereby mankind can be saved-the name of Jesus; to which all must bow, in mercy or in judgment. The floods of wickedness which inundate the world, have their spring in the malevolent dispositions of mankind. Christianity was intended, by its Divine Author, to counteract and subdue these; to humble the most ferocious dispositions into meekness, causing the lion to lie down with the lamb; and if any man, or body of men, want to do good, this is the most noble principle on which they can act. The professors of the Christian name, are, alas! lamentably out of the Christian spirit. The cause which they are pledged in duty to support, suffers by their divisions, like a besieged city, whose enemies are at its gates, or within its walls, and the citizens at daggers-drawing one with another; whereas, if they would all unite, and follow their Captain, they would turn the battle to the gate, and drive the enemies from their walls. I long to see men, who profess Christianity, contend not for creeds of faith, words, and names, but in the practice of every heavenly virtue. " Let your light so shine before men, as to glorify your Father which is in heaven," is an injunction that commands our endeavours to obey it. How happy will that day be, when men strive to show their faith by their works-that faith which works by love, and which coveteth no man's gold, silver, or apparel; but that all may follow that Holiness, without which none can please God. It is proper the reader should know why I take up so much of his time on this subject. I consider a sectarian spirit as the source of dissension and persecution. I write thus, not only to expose its evil tendency, and caution others, but as a declaration of my own sentiments, which become of a little importance to the reader, as connected with my peculiar plan of education, and the institution in which it Yet I be hath pleased Providence to place me. lieve a man may espouse and defend religious opinions peculiar to himself and his friends, in that charity which is not puffed up, which thinketh no evil, and which vaunteth not itself; but that same charity will teach him to avoid controversy, strife, and all that leads to bitterness. It is on this principle I have hitherto acted, and wish to continue to act. I desire to avoid making the education given to such a large number of children in my institution a means of instilling my own peculiar religious tenets into their minds, and prefer the more noble grounds which I have recommended. I am a member of the society of Friends called Quakers.* I wish to avoid bringing my peculiar religious opinions into public controversy, and do not intend to do so, unless compelled; though I hope I may say, without ostentation, that I shall not be ashamed or afraid to vindicate them. Yet I sincerely hope, the moderation of my Christian brethren in other societies will spare me this trial. I am not vain enough to set up as arbiter of the religious opinions of others, but wish all men would agree, as much as it is in their power, to do good; and, when doing so, cast all their sectarian opinions out of sight. For, whenever the Divine legacy of peace shall prevail on earth, it will be preceded by mutual condescension, love and unity, among men; without which, proper care cannot be taken of their youth in general. As an additional inducement to make the preceding observations, I have at times been involved, much against my will, in more private controversy and argument on religious topics than was at all agreeable to my feelings. * A name originally given to the society in contempt and reproach. CONTENTS. PAGE History of the Free School, Borough Road, George's Fields; and' some Account of its Funds Principles on which the Institution is conducted On the Arrangement of the Institution, as con- nected with Improvements in Education Method of teaching the inferior Classes Reading, &c. 39 Improved Method of teaching Spelling by Writing 45 A Method of teaching to spell and read, whereby One Book will serve instead of Six Hundred On Female Education and Employment Means of employing 50,000 Children; so that they ΤΟ JOHN, DUKE OF BEDFORD, AND JOHN, LORD SOMERVILLE, In Testimony of the cheerful, generous, and important Assistance they have repeatedly given to the Institution and System of Instruction described in the ensuing Pages, this Publication is Most respectfully inscribed, By their obliged and grateful Friend, JOSEPH LANCASTER. FREE SCHOOL, BOROUGH ROAD, 8th of 7th MONTH, 1805. TO THE ENGLISH EDITION. THE following pages contain the result and experience of much personal labour, study, and expence. In one single page is frequently detailed, that which has puzzled me for many months to discover; and which has, ultimately, rendered important services to some hundreds of children. The book is printed on as economical a plan as is consistent with neatness, that more advantage may accrue to the institution, for the benefit of which the profits are to be applied, at my discretion; probably, in uniting some works of industry with education. It is not to the size of the book, but to its contents that I wish to recommend attention: and if the practical part of the work be read with precision, it will be better understood, and afford more satisfaction. If any benevolent persons, conversant with the subject of education, from practice, should be disposed to suggest improvements, which they think may be of advantage, in addition to my present system, I shall esteem it a privilege to receive their hints with deference, and pay them a marked atten. tion. My object is improvement; and I hope I shall always be attentive to promote it. With these observations, returning thanks to my noble and benevolent friends of every rank, among the subscribers, I remain, Their well-wishing friend, JOSEPH LANCASTER. |