THE YOUNG PHILOSOPHER. WHY do you weep, poor ragged boy? Why sigh so sadly? say; Poetry. I thought your heart would leap with joy, I love their games to see; But there be things on this fair earth I heard a good man yesterday, As brothers they should be, That they have bread, and I have none, From whence all knowledge streams. Rich lace doth trim their jackets fine, These boys both trim and neat. As brothers they should be, That they have shoes, and I have none, Seems rather strange to me, lady, Seems rather strange to me. I heard one say, "Come, brother, come, To where the shady walks are sweet, That he should ride and I should run, And as the sun was sinking low, Come, thoughtful boy, come let us view Bad men, we know, spread want and woe, Yes, He who marks the sparrow's fall, Hath said that all men brothers are Ragged School Rhymes. THE CITY ARABS. ARE all your matches sold, Tom P To warm us in the sweet, sweet sun- For his kind looks are the only looks, Of kindness that we know. We'll call the sun our father, Tom, He thinks no shame to kiss us, For his kind looks are the only looks We'll rest us on the grass, Tom, We'll lock his heat within our arms, For his kind looks are the only looks Literary Notices. Ibid. Ragged School Rhymes. By ALEXANDER | productions, from the late Lord Jeffrey We regard this elegant little volume as an interesting addition to our Ragged School literature. The author has already re ceived high praise for some of his former and others, and we do not think he will injure his merited popularity by these fresh effusions on behalf of the outcast poor. They contain many sweet, touching images, and often delineate with beauty and effect the idiosyncrasies of LITERARY NOTICES. that hapless race, for whom, until lately, no one seemed to care. Appended to the little work are several affecting narratives of real cases, which came under the author's own observation, and on which he founds some of the best pieces in the volume; one or two of these pieces we have given as specimens in another part of the present number. Roger Miller; or, Heroism in Humble Life. A Narrative. By GEORGE Orme. London: C. Gilpin, Bishopsgate Street. The writer of this excellent little volume has not been happy in the selection of a title; we fear it may be mistaken by many for a work of fiction, whereas it is crowded with facts, valuable and interesting, from beginning to end. Mr. Miller laboured in the service of the London City Mission until he met with an untimely death by a railway accident in 1847. Through the vices of a worthless parent he was thrown when a child into a position very similar to many of our ragged children, and until he reached manhood exhibited the bad effects of early misfortune. Made "a new creature in Christ Jesus," he entered the Mission in 1840, and prosecuted his labours with untiring perseverance and exemplary zeal. Few men ever proved a greater blessing to a neighbourhood than did Mr. Miller to his dark and benighted district in Broadwall. Not only does the Ragged School stand as a noble monument to his memory, but many a "living epistle" may yet be found, whom he was the means of raising from the lowest level of human depravity. The narrative abounds with cases of this description, full of encouragement and interest to every active Christian, and especially to those who labour among our neglected poor. We believe, with the Rev. Mr. Waddington, that "it will prove a treasure to every practical philanthropist," and that "wherever it goes a blessing must follow." To every visitor and Ragged School worker we sayPurchase this volume, it is cheap, and lose no time in giving it an attentive perusal. We envy not the man who can read it, and not sincerely wish to follow so bright and blessed an example. We had copied several extracts for insertion, but want of space compels us to reserve them for a future number. The Orphan's Friend. By JOHN CHAPMAN. Edwin Nye, Theobalds Road. Four pleasing, simple narratives in verse, written and published for the benefit of 163 the Huntsworth Mews Ragged Schools. They might be usefully distributed among the children of the poor. We fear the profits arising from its sale will be small; but if it be the means of purchasing one Bible, and the reading of that Bible be blessed to one godless family, the effort will not be lost. The Band of Hope Review, and Sunday Scholars' Friend. Half-yearly part, 1851. London: Partridge and Oakey. This is the most useful temperance publication with which we are acquainted, and does great credit to the generous heart of the indefatigable originator. We rejoice to see it so free from that species of intemperance into which so many of the advocates of total abstinence fall—a spirit of intolerance, from which few good objects have suffered more than the one in question-and also from that commingling of the results of temperance and Divine grace, which neither we nor any enlightened Christian can ever sanction. numbers improve as they increase; its numerous and striking illustrations, its endless variety of interesting subjectsa portion of everything-must render it a useful favourite with the young of every class and every grade.. The The Christian Visitor's Handbook to London Comprising a Guide to Churches and Chapels, Religious and Benevolent Societies, Ragged Schools, Suburban Cemeteries, with a Select List of Public Amusements, and other useful information, specially adapted to Strangers in London at the present time of the World's Exhibition. To which is added, Spare Moments with Christian Authors. London: Partridge and Oakey. The copious title page, which we have purposely given in full, renders a lengthened explanation unnecessary of the objects and utility of this little work. Many of those who live in London are strangers to half its wonders, and we are therefore sure that both residents and visitors will find this an invaluable companion, even after the wonders of the Exhibition are over. Little Servant Maids. In Three Parts. By CHARLOTTE ADAMS. Ben Saunders: a Tale for Mothers. By LUCY ADAMS. London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. If these tales for "Little Servant Maids" are not too long, they will be found pleasant and useful reading for the juvenile class whose interests the writer seeks to promote. Integrity, prudence, and industry, are the prominent lessons inculcated, which may render them profitable reading for servant girls at home, or for those who emigrate to the colonies. The "Tale for Mothers" is well written, beautifully illustrated, and contains some useful lessons and solemn warnings to those mothers who are too careless or too wise to learn from the wisdom of Solomon. The Child's Book on the Soul. By the Among the numerous books for children into a series of pleasing dialogues, and rendered them so simple, clear, and convincing, that if used by an intelligent parent or teacher, they will expand the reasoning powers of the child, strengthen his judgment, and greatly increase his knowledge respecting the great subject of his own nature and destiny. Wells of Baca; or, Solaces of the Christian Mourner, and other Thoughts on Bereavement. By the author of the "Faithful Promiser," etc. London: W. F. Ramsay, Brompton Row. Next to the incomparable "Night of Weeping," this little epic poem is the sweetest "solace" for bereaved Christians that we have lately seen. None but one who has himself been "in the furnace of affliction," could have written it. It is inscribed to Christians who are "Mourning the loss of those who have fallen 'asleep in Jesus ;' and for such it is especially adapted. They who "refuse to be comforted" will find it just the faithful, loving friend they need-breathing a spirit of tenderness, resignation, and gratitude. Although not evincing great originality of thought, yet many of the truths of the gospel are decked with a poetic beauty, which brings them home to the heart with freshness and power. Correspondence. A PRACTICAL HINT. MR. EDITOR,-Being in the habit of looking forward monthly to the treat of perusing your Magazine, you will perhaps excuse my suggesting what appears to me to be a want of matter from those who are daily and hourly engaged in nothing else than taming the "Arabs of the City." The Ragged School System has passed its experimental state, and has become "a great fact;" hundreds of our Christian friends are giving up their lives to make it efficient, and I believe, Sir, you will fully concur with me, that it is one of the first duties of Christian men and women to "bear each other's burdens," and in order that we may do so effectually, it is necessary that we know them. Then where, I would ask, is there a better medium than your Magazine for superintendents or teachers to make known their difficulties, that others more experienced may point out a remedy; and, on the other hand, that those who have been enabled to overcome the many difficulties connected with so onerous and important a work, may from time to time give to others the benefit of their experience? Believing that incalculable service would thus be rendered to the cause, I would, therefore, with great earnestness, entreat you to invite the labourers in this vineyard to open up such a correspondence as shall have for its end the lasting benefit of all Ragged Schools, namely, the salvation of the souls of poor ragged sinners, or as I fear, in too many cases, sinned against. Liverpool. Yours respectfully, J. B. O. [We have repeatedly, but ineffectually, invited correspondence on all practical questions connected with the schools; and as some of our distant friends are now beginning to complain, we trust the local secretaries and superintendents will see to a SQUIRE D AND THE TEACHER. 165 matter which reflects in some small degree upon their intelligence or activity, and which they only have power to remedy.-ED.] To the Editor of the Ragged School Union Magazine. Deptford Ragged Schools. Dear Sir,-It may perhaps be interesting to some of your readers to know, that what is termed a parents' meeting, but which I think should more properly be called a mothers' meeting, was held in the boys' school-room on Monday evening, April 28th, 1851. The Committee on the occasion made a rich provision for both body and soul. After tea, Mr. Anderson, from the London Ragged School Union, in his kind and simple, but impressive manner, conveyed in a few words to the parents the object for which they had been brought together, and a more telling, heart-searching address has, perhaps, seldom been delivered. We speak not only of the marked attention, but of the deep feeling that was evinced. The tender cord of many a parent's bosom was touched, and the silent tears that were shed gave indications of a sorrowful, and it may be hoped, penitent heart. The Rev. J. Pulling followed up the remarks of Mr. Anderson, and impressed upon the mothers the necessity of practising what had been pointed out to them that evening. The nature, situation, character, and conduct of the humbler classes in Deptford have, alas! been too truly pictured and presented to our minds in a recent number of your valuable Magazine; therefore, anything to amend or entirely remove such a pitiable state of things as now exists, ought to be hailed with gratitude and delight. I know of nothing that is more likely to work a moral and religious improvement amongst the poor, than the efforts put forth by the Ragged School Committee to bring together the parents of those for whom our souls mourn with intense anxiety, and to impress them with a sense of their position, responsibility, and duty to their offspring. The necessity of such meetings cannot be questioned, for in proportion as the parent becomes interested, so does co-operation begin, and the efforts of the teacher are seconded, and good results will surely follow. I hope that all Ragged Schools, where it is convenient, will hold similar meetings, and a blessing, I am persuaded, will rest upon their labours. J., a Teacher. P.S.-The special prayer meetings, suggested by the Ragged School Union, were held here; the Spirit, with His softening and sanctifying influences, seemed to rest upon every heart, the Divine power was felt, and all declared in retiring that it was good to be there. Editor's Portfolio. SQUIRE D- AND THE TEACHER. I TRAVELLING in a mountainous region at night-fall of a tempestuous day, and having lost my road, I was directed for a lodging to "Squire D's, who keeps the ferry." After supper, I had a pleasant talk with the father of Squire D- on whose head the snows of eighty winters had fallen, and soon the family were gathered round us, engaged in delightful converse. had heard of the high-handed wickedness of a neighbourhood not far off, with which my host was well acquainted; where, when a young man, who had wandered to a city, was to be hung for murder, his father and other relatives celebrated the day with a fine supper and a dance. No school could be kept; for the boys drove off every teacher who came among them; and meetings were frequently held in mockery of religious worship. "Yes, yes," said the squire, with just enough of the Welsh accent to betray his origin," and our neighbourhood here was just as bad ten years ago; we were all alike, no church, no preacher, no Sunday School, no Day School. One evening a minister and a young woman stopped at my house for the night. I thought them very inquisitive people. They asked if we had any preaching? 'No.' Any schools? No; we have had several teachers, but no one will stay more than a quarter with us.' The young woman said she would come and take a school among us if we would employ her. After some further conversation, I told her I would see what could be done, and write her the result. Next morning they left for the minister's home at M-, some fifty miles distant. "In a short time I had a school made up, and board engaged for the new teacher, and wrote her to that effect. She came, and commenced her school at the time appointed. But soon there was a complaint that the new teacher read the Bible, and prayed in her school. And her troubles did not stop here. The man at whose house she boarded insisted that she should leave, because she prayed, sung hymns, and would keep talking about religion all the time. Miss H then set out to look for another home for herself; she applied to most of her employers, but met with the same reply from all; 'We cannot receive you, unless you leave off praying and singing.' 66 When she applied to me, I objected on the same grounds. Finally, I told her if she would come on my own terms I would take her into my family. She inquired what those terms were. Why,' said I, 'you shall have such a room to yourself; there you are to stay from the time you return from school until you start to go back, only when you come to your meals. You must not sing hymns; you may pray as much as you please, but mind you don't let us hear you at it; and, remember, the first time you infringe this contract you leave the premises.' To all this she agreed, with as much meekness as if my terms had been reasonable and right. That evening she took up her abode under my roof; and little did I think what a blessing God was sending me in that frail, delicate girl. 66 'The children all loved the new teacher very much. So one day she told them to ask their parents' permission, and if they were agreed, she would teach them on Sunday too. This proposal pleased us all. If she taught on Sunday, that was so much clear gain to us. And to school the children went every Sunday, with clean clothes and clean faces. 6 "I soon observed that my children took to staying in the teacher's room much of their time. At length, one Sunday morning, they came down with some tracts. I looked over them, and found they were on the subject of religion. Ah,' said I, my lady I've caught you now.' I called her down, told her she had violated her contract, and must be off. The poor girl began to weep; I felt ashamed. 'Dear sir,' said she, will you read those tracts? If you do, and still continue in your present mind, I will leave your house immediately.' "Here was a pretty fix; the children were all crying, and begging me not to send Miss H- away; and the books, oh, they could not part with the books! I was mightily perplexed; at last I gave in. Said I, Miss H-, you may go back to your room; I will consider the matter.' I shall never forget the smile that passed over her face as she thanked me, and went back to her room. Thanked me, indeed! I deserved a sound basting instead of thanks. Well, I set to work, read one of the tracts, felt self-condemned; read it again, felt dreadfully troubled. Then I read them all, felt that I was a great sinner. I said nothing more to Miss H about leaving my house. Each day my convictions became deeper. At last, I could bear it no longer. Thought I, this wont do; I must talk with Miss H. So I invited her to come and sit with us in the family room. She cheerfully complied. I asked her a great many questions about the doctrines of the Bible, not meaning to let her know anything about my concern. But all would not do; my distress continued, or rather my agony, for I thought I was the greatest sinner on earth. 6 "At last, I sent one evening for Miss H to come down, and I told her troubles; my for my proud heart was well-nigh broken. Said Í, Miss HI feel so and so ever since I read those tracts of yours:' and I related 'all that was passing in my mind; and, said I, 'Do you think there is any mercy or |