SW_WH1793_Page_224

crude, indigested, and whimsical, as to be productive ofmore injury than benefit. Hence, the injuries arisingfrom these excellent institutions, the Friendly Socie-ties, as now constituted in this country. We haveresources within our grasp, capable of compassingany thing, and every thing, that is good, praiseworthy,and benevolent, if we could be made to see how we should avail ourselves of our powers. I trust thatperiod is fast approaching, and that new and betterprospects will enliven our declining years. I rejoice exceedingly, to find that the schools you have benevolently established through the mediumof a society in New York, assisted by my publicationon the education of the poor, according to DoctorBell's excellent plan, has succeeded to an extent equalto your most sanguine expectations. I will be verythankful to you for a copy of the report, which thetrustees proposed to publish, as soon as it is printed.It occurs to me that an account of the origin, use, andprogress of these schools, with the advantages whichhave resulted from them, accompanied by some usefulreflections, would form an excellent article in theperiodical reports of our society for bettering the con-dition of the poor: and if you will have the goodnessto draw up a paper on the subject, with that particu-lar view, I will take care to get it inserted. It mayinduce many in this country to follow your laudable example. The bill brought in to the Commons' House of Par-liament, for the establishment of parochial schools inEngland and Wales, was lost in the house of lords.The system proposed had by no means the approba-tion of many respectable persons, who had bestowedmuch time in considering the subject; but whenpeace is restored, the question will no doubt be againagitated—or perhaps sooner. On the twenty-sixth July, I wrote you a short letter,with the reports of the society for bettering the con-dition of the poor which have been published since