THE

ENGLISHMAN'S MAGAZINE.

No. XIX.

Contents.

JULY, 1842.

CHAP. XII.-Useful Knowledge (continued). THERE were others, besides Mr. Primer, who watched with interest the progress made by the boys in the construction of their house. John Ball, the clerk, was mightily taken with their skill, and complimented Mr. Primer on the useful practical knowledge which his pupils shewed. This led to a discussion, in which the schoolmaster laid down some principles which are worth relating.

"It is very pleasant," observed he: "to see the boys so industriously and harmlessly employed; and perhaps the occupation in which they are engaged may one day be of practical use to some of them, especially if it should happen that any are thrown, like Robinson Crusoe, on a desert island, and have to provide themselves with a lodging."

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PRICE 4d.

of is, not the teaching young persons such things, but the calling them emphatically 'useful knowledge;' whereas the real usefulness of much of the information conveyed is very doubtful; and many other branches of information, not hinted at in the book, are infinitely more useful and practical. Look first at the frontispiece-it represents the comparative height of all the principal mountains in the world; and is a very pretty drawing, and gives a tolerable specimen of the contents of the volume. But I would beg to ask, what is the pre-eminent usefulness to children or young persons to know that the mountain Dhawalgeri, in Nepaul, is 27,667 feet above the sea; that Chimporazo, in South America, is 20,900 ; and Cotopaxi 18,880. It is all very well, no doubt, for young persons to know these things, in order that if they are asked, they may give the information; but as to any practical usefulness-that is, any good it may do them-the benefit seems very problematical. Yet this is the character of the information conveyed in books of practical or useful knowledge. Look, here is another book recently published, with rather a long title; it is called Elements of Practical Knowledge, or the young Inquirer answered: explaining, in question and answer, and in familiar language, what most things daily used, seen, and talked of, are; what they are made of, where found, and to what uses applied,including articles of food and aliment; miscellaneous, or in common use; metals, gems, jewellery, and some account of the principal inventions and most interesting manufactures, with illustrations.' The first question is, 'What is cream? Answer: The oily and richest part of milk, which being the lightest portion of it, collects on the top, and which, when skimmed and churned, makes butter.' This is very useful practical knowledge to a young woman who is learning to be a dairy-maid; and very well for all young persons to know, even though it lead to no practical result. Let us take a few more of the questions. What spirits are used in England besides brandy? Answer: Rum, gin, hollands, and whisky. What is musk ? What is opium?

There are, however, no words more vaguely used than practical knowledge,' or useful knowledge. I do not mean that what is commonly called useful knowledge is not really useful; but when you call a thing|| emphatically useful, you imply that it is especially deserving of that name; whereas the information generally given under the head of practical or useful knowledge appears to me not only not the only sort of information which deserves that name, but, in truth, to|| be inferior in practical usefulness to many other sorts of knowledge which might be mentioned. Look at the title-page of this book : it is called Bingley's Useful Know-|| ledge; or, a familiar Account of the various productions of Nature, mineral, vegetable,|| What is Parian marble? In what manner and animal, which are chiefly employed for did King Alfred measure time? When were the use of Man; illustrated with numerous | hackney-coaches invented Does not the figures, and intended as a work both of in- Emperor of Russia possess a very fine diastruction and reference.' What I complain | mond? What kind of stone is the aqua

H

marine? What I want to know is, why all this is emphatically called 'useful or practical knowledge;' when the only apparent use is, to avoid the appearance of ignorance, and, generally speaking, no other useful result can possibly happen. I remember when the Penny Magazine was first put forth by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, one of the first numbers contained an instruction 'how to catch turtles;' and a very amusing wood-engraving was given, representing the process of turning them on their backs. To the crew of a vessel destined for the West Indies this would doubtless be exceedingly useful information, and would enable them to vary their diet of hard biscuits and salt pork very agreeably. But what use such information could possibly be of to the mechanics of Manchester or Leeds, is rather difficult to make out. You will hear persons dilate on the great usefulness of the steamengine, and hence argue, that to give young persons a knowledge of its power and mechanism, to explain to them the mysteries of the high-pressure and low-pressure, the crank, piston, governor, &c., is to give them useful knowledge. But what use will all this be to young people, beyond enabling them to talk about it. For my part, I think the most really useful knowledge about steam-engines is contained in 'Bradshaw's Guide,' in which you may learn where the steam-engine will take you, what time the train sets out, and how much you have to pay. It is of very little importance to ninety-nine persons in a hundred of those who are in the train, to know scientifically the theory of latent heat, or the particular construction of the engine which whirls them along.

"I do not in the least desire," continued the schoolmaster, "to discourage my pupils in obtaining the sort of information which is generally comprised under the head of useful or practical knowledge: on the contrary, I am always anxious to assist them in such pursuits. Only I wish that they should know the real value of these things, and not, like too many people, despise other knowledge which is infinitely more useful and practical. It is really quite surprising to see the undue importance which is attached by many persons to this sort of knowledge. I met with the following extracts the other day from a book called The Moral Reformer'' One of || the most useful and interesting modes of communicating knowledge'[meaning, knowledge about arts and sciences] is by means of public lectures. ... If there should be a difficulty in obtaining suitable places, I see no reason why useful lectures may not be given in any church or chapel. .... Do we complain of the scarcity of persons qualified to take a part in thus instructing the people? I cannot understand why so much need

be spent upon the education of ministers, if some small portion of their time may not be devoted to popular and useful instruction in the arts and sciences. Calling sinners to repentance, and teaching mankind the plain and practical truths of Christianity, do not, in my opinion, require an university education; if employed in gratuitous lectures, whilst imparting information to others, they, [the clergy] would be improving themselves; and thus, by securing the esteem of the people, would doubtless be preparing their minds for the more cordial reception of religious truths.'.

"Now that a clergyman, or any one else who may happen to have a knowledge of any art or science, should afford the benefit of his information in the shape of a lecture at any well-conducted institution, is very reasonable. But the idea of converting our clergy into lecturers on arts and sciences, when we know, from sad experience, that the numbers which we have are not half sufficient for the duties of the ministry, and that many of them every year are worn out by fatigue in ministering amidst our dense populations, and pass away from the scenes of their labour little heeded by the busy world,-to think of removing God's ministers from their pastoral labours, or the study of God's word—to take them from the bedside of the sick or dying, and require of them to amuse the people with telling them which is the highest mountain or the longest river, and that all this should be done in those ancient, venerable structures which were raised by our forefathers for the solemn worship of Almighty God,-really argues a confusion of ideas, a want of reverence, and utter disregard of all that is solemn and sacred, which one would scarcely have expected even in the nineteenth century.”

The worthy schoolmaster grew quite warm while he expatiated on the subject; and as his companion listened very attentively, he thus proceeded :

"The undue exaltation of what is called practical or useful knowledge is not only pernicious in thus confusing people's ideas, and giving wrong impressions, but it is also found that the same habit of mind is apt to decry the great truths of religion, as if they were not practical and useful, but mere unprofitable speculations, and matters of controversy. We live in a world so absorbed in sense, and the value of things is so habitually measured by their visible advantages, and most of our newspapers and periodical writings are so imbued with these opinions, that to maintain contrary views savours almost of paradox. I dare say you will think it very strange when I assert, that the most useful and practical knowledge we can possibly give to young persons is what some would call mere controversial doctrines. What is the object of education?

saved at the last great day,-surely this is more really practical and useful than knowledge about animals, vegetables, and minerals, and which is the tallest mountain or the longest river. At the same time, I would not have it supposed that, because I grudge the name of useful knowledge being applied to objects the use and value of which are comto disparage the real value of what the world calls useful. On the contrary, as you see, I take great pains that my boys should have the benefit of it. I would say to them, 'Avail yourselves of all opportunities of increasing your stock of knowledge; be very thankful for the means afforded you; deem it a disgrace, in the present day, to be behind others in knowledge of arts, sciences, and all the wonders of the natural or artificial world;-in short, get all the knowledge you can. But in your generous pursuit after knowledge, do not forget the every-day practical value of God's eternal truth. Do not fall into the error, now so common in the world around you, of neglecting or disparaging that most truly useful and practical knowledge, the grand system of revealed truth taught you by the Church of God, whereby alone you will be enabled rightly to shape your daily course of life, and live to the glory of Him who made you.'"

Its true end and object surely is, to train up a young man to do his duty to God and man. But we know the temptations to which youth is liable-temptations to seek pleasure rather than duty-to fall off into the seducing snares of sin. Well, then, surely whatsoever knowledge shall save him from sin, and enable him to pursue a fair, honest, and virtuous course, is the most practical and useful know-paratively insignificant, I by any means wish ledge he can possess. And what is this knowledge? Why the knowledge where to go for aid in time of need-the knowledge that he must pray to his heavenly Father for aid, in the name and for the sake of His divine Son, and supplicate for the aid of the Holy Spirit, the third person in the ever-blessed Trinity. This, I confidently say, the knowledge of divine truth is the most practical and useful knowledge which he can possess. But I need not remind you that all this doctrine is controverted by the Socinian. The Socinian, or Unitarian, does not worship the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord over all; he does not acknowledge the atonement made for sin, and the needful aid of the Holy Spirit. All this is to him matter of dispute and controversy. And yet, to know and believe these great truths, as they have been revealed by God, and received by the Church, is the very foundation of the faith, and every-day practice of each true Christian-it is the practical source of all true Christian principle.

CHAP. XIII.-A Mis-adventure. THERE is great difficulty in deciding what is the exact amount of liberty or restraint which is good for boys during their play-hours. To coop them up in a narrow playground, which barely affords room for the more manly games, is sadly dull and irksome. On the other hand, to let them run wild all over town or country is equally objectionable, as leading them into a variety of scrapes. Mr. Primer's establishment being small, the playground was rather contracted but, fortunately for him, there was a piece of open common ground at a short distance, to which the boys were able to resort for cricket, and other amusements. This certainly took them from under his immediate eye generally speaking, however, the tone of the school was so good, that they were safely trusted at this short distance from home.

"Take another instance of the same sort. Is it not a most important branch of practical and useful knowledge, to know how to obtain that spiritual strengthening and refreshment which the soul so much requires in the wear and tear of this troublesome world? Well, we have been taught, from our youth up, that this strengthening and refreshment is to be obtained by the worthy participation in the holy sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Is it not, then, a most important practical question, whence we may have the precious sacrament? who are authorised to administer it to us? Here, then, come in the deeply controverted questions between the Churchman and Dissenter. The truth is, that what flippant persons of the present day are accustomed to stigmatise as controversial divinity, is, in reality, often the most vital Christian truth, and essential to every man, to enable him to Mr. Primer had a pole and other apparatus live daily as he ought to live. And, there- set up in his small school-yard, for gymnastic fore, those persons who desire to banish from exercises. For a short time this was very our schools and other institutions the funda-popular-but the boys soon got tired of itmental doctrines of the Church are, to say the least, very much to be suspected. For surely the knowledge of God's eternal truth, whether Jesus Christ is very God of very God, the object of our devout worship, or merely a divine teacher, if so much the knowledge of the means of grace, how we are to seek refreshment for our wearied spirit, and aid against the power of sin, so as to be

with the exception of two or three who were the most expert; these still took delight in shewing off their activity. Boys, and grownup people too, are naturally fond of that in which they excel. The generality, however, greatly preferred their old games at prisonbars and foot-ball; and, on the whole, Mr. Primer was quite inclined to think that a good earnest game, in which a personal competition

you

In the first place, it is a direct violation of the law of God, who has expressly said 'Thou shalt not steal.' Whether you have taken any of his fish, I know not; but the intention and the attempt is just as much an act of theft as if had succeeded. In the next place, the act is one of great ingratitude: there is not a more generous or kind man in the country than Mr. Wilmot, and I did think, that after the many acts of kindness which he has done, particularly I might mention his lending his horses, when we made our excursion to Kenilworth, I did think that his property would have been safe from depredation. It is a wicked deed to covet any one's property; but to be guilty of this crime towards so kind a benefactor is doubly bad, because it shews ingratitude."

Here Harry Scamper, who had stood hitherto unmoved except by shame, burst out into

a flood of tears.

day, of great difficulty and perplexity, and which I have resolved, therefore, as I am sure that you will willingly give me every information in your power, to lay before you. It relates to the Church of Christ. In the Scriptures we read of one body or Church (Ephes. iv. 4.), no less than of one Lord, and one Faith, which seems to imply, that the unity in one case must resemble, in some degree at least, that in the other. And yet there are many "denominations" of Christians differing from each other alike in government and doctrine, and who cannot, therefore, as is clear from these differences, though each professing to be the true Church, substantiate their claim to be considered such. Now by what criterion can I discover the true Church amidst these discordant pretenders to the

title?

Minister. Your question is a most important one, and requires for its complete answer an investigation into the true nature and constitution of the faction, enter upon the subject at length. Ere Church of Christ. I shall therefore, for your satis

our Saviour left the world, He commissioned His

"There is, however, some difference in the apostles to found a Church (Matt. xxviii. 19, 20), degree of your guilt," said Mr. Primer, ad- through which the saving blessings of His atonedressing the two culprits. "You, Scamper, ment might be communicated, and man be both being the elder of the two, were, I make no brought into a state of reconciliation with his ofdoubt, the chief instigator to this crime, and, fended Maker, and also preserved in His favour. on that account, are the most to be blamed: Our Saviour did not merely enjoin the apostles to there are, however, some circumstances of preach faith or repentance to the world as the conpalliation-first, that when Wilkins fell into ditions of pardon, through Christ's atonement, but the pool, you did all you could, even risked to make their disciples members of a Church, or your own life, to save him; and, secondly, that divinely appointed body, through which these blessyou did not attempt to cover your misde-ings were to be communicated, with no intimation that they could elsewhere be obtained. Thus, Saul meanor by a lie.-You, Wilkins, on the conthe persecutor, after his miraculous conversion, and trary, I regret to say, were base enough to repentance for the sins of his past life, is not spoken attempt to conceal your fault by a wicked of as forgiven until he was baptised or made a memfalsehood. There is no worse crime of which ber of the Christian Church: "And now, why tara boy can be guilty than lying. It is a crime riest thou?" (says Ananias to him ;)" arise, and be which I never pass over, but am determined baptised, and wash away thy sins" (Acts xxii. 16). always to punish with the greatest severity." His repentance availed not, till holy baptism washed So saying, Mr. Primer inflicted, in the pre-away his sins, and made him a member of Christ's sence of the whole school, a very severe fla-body, the Church. And in like manner in regard to gellation on the unfortunate Jack Wilkins; the other conversions narrated in the New Testawhich being concluded, he summoned Harry ment, an admission into the Church by baptism is Scamper. "I shall not flog you," said he; always spoken of as the only means of obtaining the "I do not wish to disgrace you, as you did thousand, for example, converted by St. Peter on covenanted blessings of the Gospel. The three not attempt to deceive me. It is my wish to the day of Pentecost (Acts ii. 38), are exhorted by make a marked distinction between the conthe apostle to be baptised, with the express product of one who attempted to cover his fault mise that in this holy sacrament the gospel-blessby a lie, and one who scorned to do so. Your ings of forgiveness of sins and the renewal of divine punishment, and Wilkins' additional punish-grace would be afforded. Thus in the apostolic ment, will be to be confined for the next three weeks to the walls of the school-yard.-I do hope," said Mr. Primer, addressing the rest of the school," that you will take warning from these boys, and that God will give you all grace to resist whatever temptations may assail you, to do what your consciences tell you is wrong."

NOTES OF THE CHURCH.

"I believe in one catholic and apostolic Church.” Parishioner. A subject has often been brought before me in the controversial publications of the

age; and our Lord's dealings then clearly intimated His will at every succeeding period; He "added to the Church daily such as should be saved."

divinely appointed institution, to communicate, Parish. I perceive now that the Church is a through her ordinances, the blessings of Christianity; and also, that we can alone as members of her communion be made partakers of these blessings; but you have not informed me which is the true Church, or how it may be discovered.

Minist. I will proceed to other characteristics of the Church. It is, we may next remark, a visible body, which is indeed implied in what has been already said, since certainly the early converts of whom we have spoken were not joined by baptism