would have withered away long ago as effete and useless.

Having been connected with the parent institution almost from its commencement, and having closely attended to its welfare for twenty years, I think I may do some little service to the cause if I take a general view of its proceedings during that time, and show what its position is at present. The Launditch (hundred) society was established in Norfolk, in 1831, by William Pearce, esq., a country gentleman and extensive land-agent, with the express intention of endeavouring to counteract some of the evils of the old poor law, which were at their worst-to encourage industrious habits among cottagers, and to promote a more kindly feeling between the labourer and his employer. From his extensive connexions, and conciliating manners, he was not only able to engage the greater part of the resident gentry and farmers in his scheme here, but also to assist by his advice and instructions in the rapid formation of similar societies throughout many parts of England.

It is a well-known fact that this hundred has ever since been remarkable for its orderly behaviour. Not to detract from the value of other influences which may have had their weight in this improving age, I cannot doubt but that our annual custom of collecting together from fifty to one hundred of the best-conducted of our labouring classes, treating them to money rewards, kind words, and a good dinner, and sending them home thankful and thoughtful to leaven the great mass of their associates, has greatly contributed to this happy result; while the anxious care with which our wisest heads and warmest hearts have endeavoured year by year to amend and improve the broad sheet of prizes may be received as reasonable evidence that they have not merely sought to attain this public result, but that they have directed their attention privately also to improve the condition of those about them. For the lesson is not only to the poor on these occasions: we (the subscribers) meet in large numbers ourselves: we have great interchange of ideas and opinions: we are excited to godly jealousy by observing what others do better and more successfully than ourselves; and, if we can point fearlessly to the fact that our ploughmen are improved almost to perfection, that their children are taught to knit, clothing-clubs established, cottagers instructed in good methods of gardening, and servants rewarded for good conduct, so we may also speak of gradual improvement in our schools, of greater comfort in our cottages, and a general feeling of kindness between master and man, which was certainly not the case at the time I speak of.

Our principal weakness and difficulty has been to establish proper tests of character. Here more than in any other part of our proceedings we have been obliged to tread most carefully. It would be worse than useless to attempt to obtain definite testimonials of value, whether social or religious, until the cottager was not only awakened to their importance himself, but also certain that you were doing it for his good, and not prying into his condition. Accordingly, we have been winning our way year by year, line by line, precept by precept; and, believing during the last year that we were strong enough in the hearts of all about

us, we determined to take a decided step, which if successful might be the groundwork in future of higher requirements from all who claim our prizes. In March last we put forth extensively throughout the hundred the following paper: "LAUNDITCH SOCIETY.

6

"The members of the Launditch Society for promoting and rewarding good Conduct and industrious Habits among the Cottagers in the Hundred' have for some time felt that their prizes for supporting families are not exactly what they should be. They have, therefore, determined to remodel them entirely, and in doing so have thought it right to send forth certain explanations of their intentions to those whom they wish to befriend.

"The terms of the prize for supporting families are as follows:

"To the cottager receiving weekly wages, who is supporting at Michaelmas, 1854, a family of not less than 4 children, under 13 years of age, all born in wedlock, and who can produce the best testimonials as to the general good conduct of himself and family.

To the first To the second To the third To the fourth To the fifth

£10 0 0

5 0 0

"The form of testimonial necessary to be filled up, and the questions to be answered, will be circulated in due time, by the committee ap pointed to determine this prize, viz.: P. W. Keppel, esq., rev. K. Digby, rev. H. E. Knatchbull, Mr. Hastings, and Mr. Overman.

"The certificate must be properly attested, where possible, by the present employer of the cottager, and by the clergyman of the parish. As it is intended to attach the greatest importance to this prize, the successful candidates will have a framed certificate of their having gained it given to them; and both parents will be required to attend to receive it.

"No person will be allowed as a candidate who occupies more than one acre of land. "The receiver of any one of the first three prizes cannot compete again.'

"It is to be particularly observed that, for the first time, the society will require special testimonials of character. Hitherto it has been contented to reward those who, with respectable characters,' have been able to struggle successfully against the cares and difficulties of a large family. But it will have laboured twenty-two years to little purpose if it has not assisted to raise the moral feelings of the cottager, and to teach him that the bread earned by honest industry is far sweeter than the relief of the parish. Believing, however, that they have assisted materially in this useful work, the members of the society have now determined to take another step in advance.

"They wish to mark and reward those who, upon a cereful examination, shall be found to have set a good light before their children by their own conduct, and to encourage others to practise those habits, and live in those principles which will lead to happiness here and peace hereafter.

"The committee, in the form of testimonial, which they will circulate, will inquire by a series of questions into

"1. The number, age, and schooling of the
children?

"2. The character of the father as an honest,
sober, and industrious servant?

"3. The mother, whether she be careful,
cleanly, and praiseworthy in her home? and,
lastly,

4. The whole family, whether they are such
careful attendants upon divine worship, as to
prove they are sensible they can do no good thing
without the assistance and direction of God?
"The prizes to be awarded are considerable.
They may help to settle a child in life, or to ad-
vance some other honest wish of the heart; but
they are not too much to reward the best men in
the hundred, or to encourage others to become so.
"The certificate of merit, given in the presence
of their neighbours, will be carried home, and
hang up in the cottage as an heir-loom. Who
shall say how long it will be looked upon with
honest pride-a memorial of success over the dif-
ficulties of the past, an encouragement under the
trials of the future?

"It only remains to add that the committee,
in requesting the co-operation of all classes to
promote the success of this undertaking, pledge
themselves to the most careful consideration of
every claim sent in, and the most entire im-
partiality.

"Circulated by order of the Launditch Asso-
ciation, March 28th, 1854."

It created very considerable attention among
all classes. Some doubted its success, some
its wisdom: some questioned the possibility
of a correct decision: some believed the amount of
the prizes excessive. Among the cottagers, I
know it was carefully studied and much ap-
proved. There was no unusual difficulty in ar-
riving at our decision; and it is satisfactory to
the committee to know that very few murmurs
have been heard against their judgment. We
hear already of rude attempts at improvement.
We are told of persons seen at church who have
been seldom seen before-of children sent to
school who have been usually employed other-
wise or neglected; and we hail them as symptoms
that the good seed has been sown, and is bearing
fruit, although the facts may have been men-
tioned in depreciation rather than in praise. But
we, who have to deal with the inner recesses of the
human heart, know better than to reject such evi-
dences altogether. Our first object is to excite
interest, to point out right things. It is at all
times difficult to determine on motives, but it is
also difficult for any one to carry on a system of
deceit for any long continuance; consequently,
while we have no fear that our prizes should go
to unworthy subjects, we have great hopes that
many may be induced "to set their house in
order," who have hitherto been careless and in-
different.

After the award of the prizes, we thought it
right to circulate another paper, which I annex,
as an epitome of the whole experiment; and, on
the whole, we consider the result so satisfactory,
that we shall henceforth undoubtedly require
specific testimonials in other branches of our prize
lists.

"LAUNDITCH SOCIETY.
The committee, appointed by the Launditch

society to investigate the claims of the candi-
dates for the great prizes for supporting families
with the best testimonials of character, having
now fulfilled their duties, think it desirable, both
for the information of the subscribers and of the
cottagers in the hundred, to publish the follow-
ing statement of the results.

The claims sent in were 42 in number, from
17 parishes; and of these 15 were of the first
order of merit, 15 of the second; while the re-
maining 12 were either completely imperfect in
details, or presented many of those objectionable
features which it is the especial desire of the so-
ciety to guard against and discountenance.

66

"This must be considered a most satisfactory
result. It shows at once the great interest that
has been excited among the cottagers, and the
high qualifications they have been found to possess.
"It was stated in a former paper, which was
circulated in March, 1854, that the society wished
to mark and reward those who upon careful ex-
amination shall be found to have set a good light
before their children by their own conduct, and
to encourage others to practise those habits, and
live in those principles which will lead to hap-
piness here and peace hereafter.'

"The prizes have been awarded to men who
have stood this test: their conduct has been
known in their own parishes for many years, aud
not one of them has been found to possess superior
advantages over others of their class, beyond what
has resulted to them from a due estimation of
their worth and value by their respective em-
ployers.

"Surely this will be an encouragement to the
young parents among us, who are just commenc-
ing the great struggle of life-the care of a young
family. They may learn from this that there is
no difficulty that they may not get over, as these
others have done before them, if they will take
the words of the wise man as the guide of their
lives. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
knowledge.'

"It is the more important that this should be
especially noticed; for several in the first class
and many in the second have failed here. Steady,
honest, sober, careful, industrious, well-wishers
to their children,' are the high qualifications
mentioned over and over again; but the man
(more especially) careless in his attendance upon
divine worship,' is the sentence that has marred
his hopes. Fulfilling every duty towards man,
they have neglected their duty towards themselves
and towards God. How would such stand up
against trial, temptation, judgment?

"May these words of affectionate advice and
remonstrance go forth in every cottage in the
hundred; and may this society, which prides
itself on being the oldest in England, be the
means of circulating the result of this successful
attempt to reward the best of our cottagers, and
through them to encourage others: then will the
objects of the society and the hopes of our venera-
ble founder, Mr. Pearce, be accomplished, and a
blessing may return to ourselves.

"The prizes were allotted as follows:-

"First, William and Sarah Barrett, of Tit-
tleshall, farming labourers; second, Joseph and
Sarah Brooks, of North Elmham, ditto; third,
William and Maria Carr, ef Weasenham St.

Peter, ditto; fourth, Robert and Susan Bartaby,
of Colkirk, ditto; fifth, John and Frances
Howard, of Great Dunham, ditto-and were
distributed, together with a framed certificate of
merit, to the first three candidates, in the na-
tional school-room, Litcham, Norfolk, on Thurs-
day, October 5th, 1854, by the right hon. lord
Sondes, the president of the association.

"Circulated by order of the Launditch Society
for the Promoting and Rewarding Good Con-
duct and Industrious Habits among Cottagers in
the Hundred."

Sir, I do not write this letter from any idle
vaunt that our society is better or more successful
than others: I do not say that our experiment has
been without its faults, whether in its conception
or execution we know of several, and shall try
to correct them; but I send it forth as a matter
of individual experience, to be read by many who
are engaged in the same work, and to whom it
may be interesting. We are open to any advice
or hints that may be offered; and I shall be happy
to send any further explanations in detail to any
gentleman who may wish to pursue the subject.
I say nothing more to those who cavil at our plans
or sneer at our results, than to entreat their Chris-
tian forbearance; and, if they have an opportu-
nity of attending some of the meetings they de
ride, I am sure they will find, in the happy and
thankful countenances of the assembled cottagers,
a full refutation to their pre-conceived notions that
our societies are useless and our endeavours vain.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,

H. E. KNATCHBULL,
Vicar of N. Elmham, Thetford, Norfolk.
Dec. 1, 1854.

The Cabinet.

Miscellaneous.

THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH.-Mr. Weitbrecht's
views on a very important subject are thus expressed
in a letter from Burdwan to a brother in Germany:
"The Christian Sabbath is an unspeakable privilege,
and a day of blessed refreshment from the presence
of the Lord for those who are journeying to Zion.
I would say kindly, but freely, to those who allow
themselves to be robbed of it, You deprive yourself of
the most precious jewel the mercy of God has bestowed
upon those who have to eat their bread in the
sweat of their brow. The sabbath is a connecting link
between earth and heaven, and helps us to realize our
heavenly right to citizenship, if we can enter into its
holy employments with zest. Tell your friends that
a dinner of herbs and a quiet sabbath is better than a
stalled ox with worldly occupation and disturbance.
In this heathen land it is the only outward distinction
of our faith. May the power of the Lord be your daily
support, and his presence your comfort!"-Memoir
of Rev J. J. Weitbrecht.

London: Published for the Proprietors, by JOHN
HUGHES, 11, Stationers' Hall Court, St. Paul's; and to be
procured, by order, of all Booksellers in Town and Country.

PRINTED BY ROGERSON AND TUXFORD,
246, STRAND, LONDON.

THE truth stated by the great apostle St. Paul, 1 Cor. i. 26, Not many wise men, after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called," has often been exemplified in the history of the church of Christ.

But, although it is pre-eminently "to the poor that the gospel is preached," it is not always so. The charge which is brought against Jewish converts, that they are generally persons who have been accustomed to move in the lower walks of life, is, indeed, as untrue as it is discreditable to those who make it. As Christianity is the religion of him who was sent to "bind up the brokenhearted," we ought to hope that it will, in very many cases, be found a source of comfort and peace to those whose worldly prospects present but little to cheer and solace them. And we rejoice to know that many a poor Jew has found a friend in the "Man of sorrows," and been made a partaker of that salvation which is to be bought without money and without price. But he, with whom is the residue of the Spirit, has graciously been pleased also to call many of the sons and daughters of Abraham from all classes of society to the knowledge of the truth.

We have recently seen, in the case of Dr. Fränkelt, how the grace of God works in the beart of a learned man-how a person accustomed to the investigation of science, and the pursuits of literature can be brought to see that none of these things, however useful in themselves, can satisfy an immortal soul; and this most interesting memoir tells us of another, who was raised above the ills of poverty, and dependence upon those in whose religion she sought comfort. Maria wes taught, during a long and painful affliction, that solid comfort is only to be found in the faith and hope of the gospel.

The following is the account of the remarkable manner in which she first becaine acquainted with Christianity:

From "Ayerat's Jews of the Nineteenth Century." † A German physician.

No. 1104.

Her Christian friend left

By a fall down a deep staircase Maria seriously injured the spine; and, from that period, the slightest movement occasioned acute pain. A case so deplorable excited general commiseration; and a lady who frequently called had just been told that there was no perceptible amendment, when she heard her cry of anguish. Instantly the mercy of God suggested the desire to tell her of her Saviour, of the God of patience and consolation; and, though the apparent impracticability of gaining admission chilled her hopes, yet the idea was never absent from her mind; and he, from whom all holy desires, good counsels, and just works, do proceed, blessed her endeavours, and opened the way. her pocket-bible, and also some tracts; these were all returned in a few days, with a message Maria afterwards acknowledged that this repulse that Miss --was too ill to receive visitors. arose from the suspicion that Miss P. was anxious to convert ber. Still she was desirous to possess a small bible, and asked her father to procure one; instead of which he sent her some narratives. After reading them, she expressed her disappointment in not receiving a bible, which she could read repeatedly. He had the kindness to send for some of the smaller editions; and one was selected in which the New Testament was interleaved with prints.

....

Maria was thus left to examine into the truth of the doctrines of Christianity; to which, at first, she made many objections."

66

Miss P. repeatedly said to her, "Maria, though you and I hold such different opinions, the one who prays the most earnestly for the teaching of the Holy Spirit will be guided into the truth." "A word in season, how good it is!" In her present perplexity, she did ask to be taught of God; and he failed not, in his own good time, to answer her prayer, though the enmity of the carnal (natural) mind against God prevented her own from being, as yet, subjected to his word and to his Spirit. One day Maria told her friend that Mrs. By had some time before entreated her to read Isaiah liii., and assured her that there, as

well as in all the minor prophets, she would find passages respecting the Messiah, but added, in a tone of disappointment, "I have read them all, and I cannot tell what Mrs. B--y meant. To me Isaiah liii. appears to refer to the state of my nation."

A great variety of passages, taken from the writings of the prophets, were brought before her at different times. At length, we are told

On Miss P.'s next visit Maria was suffering severely from the cramp. As soon as some palliatives had been used, and they were alone, she said, "Now entreat the Lord to afford me some

relief." Miss P. complied, adding a petition that "the entrance of God's word might give light, might give understanding to the simple," and had the satisfaction to hear every prayer offered in the name of Jesus, and for the first time the Lord's prayer audibly and fervently repeated. After a pause, Maria asked if she remarked it. Miss P. replied, "Indeed, dear Maria, I was filled with joy and thankfulness on hearing those words from your lips. May I ask your motive? for you must know who it was that said, 'After this manner pray ye."" "Yes; I know that Jesus gave that prayer to his disciples; therefore I shall always use it; for I do now believe that Jesus is the suffering Messiah." The following circumstance deserves notice, as it shows the feelings of a Jew who was at that time sadly ignorant of that religion which he afterwards learned to esteem.

Mr. C., a Jew of superior intelligence and attainments, was accompanied by one of his elder brethren, who took no part in the subsequent conversation. After speaking upon different subjects, Mr. C. mentioned his desire of teaching Hebrew; and stated that, for that purpose, he had called upon some of the clergymen, to one of whom he had said that it was a delusion to believe that a Jew was ever really converted to Christianity; for those who professed it did so from hypocritical motives, either to gain money or an advantageous situation. Maria listened with breathless anxiety, and lifted her heart to the Lord to enable her to refute so unjust an assertion. Soon after, Mr. C. turned towards her, and inquired whether she had long been ill. Her grandmother gave an account of her accident, of her nearly total loss of sight, and of the suffering she had endured. Maria immediately said, "I thank God for all my afflictions; for he has sent them to bring me to the knowledge of himself. I have just heard you say, sir, that no Jew can become a Christian, except from interested motives." Mr. C. interrupted her, "Decidedly so." "Look at me, sir; what could a situation or money do for me in my helpless state? and yet, I tell you, sir, that I firmly believe that Jesus of Nazareth has suffered and died for us, and that there will be no other Messiah."

C. Who told you this?
M. My God taught me.

C. What induced you to believe?

M. Reading the scriptures. And I can say yet more: I dare die this moment in the faith of Jesus.

C. What are you going to turn goia? Are not your father and mother Jews?

Her grandmother here interposed, observing,

"To be sure they are, and so are all her family and relations."

It was not long after this that she expressed a wish to be baptized.

After her interview with Mr. C., her desire for immediate baptism was so much increased that she frequently made it a subject of conversation with her Christian friends. At that time the accomplishment of this duty appeared impracticable, but Maria knew that the "eternal God was her refuge:" to him she made her supplication; and he failed not to send her an answer of peace.

Maria experienced very painfully those difficulties which so often stand in the way of those who are anxious to confess their faith in Jesus.

....

One afternoon, Miss P. was hastily summoned, being told that Maria was apparently dying. She found the poor sufferer (supported by her affectionate mother) in such a state as to admit of no delay in referring to her former earnestly-expressed vived by powerful stimulants, Maria faintly ardesire for baptism. Being somewhat reticulated some words of importunate appeal, entreating that her mother would not refuse her alluded to the disgrace dying request. Mrs. which in the opinion of their nation would be brought upon the family by such an act, asserting that her own learned relatives were far better judges in matters of religion than one so young, and who could have so little knowledge on these subjects. Maria answered every objection by renewed entreaties that she might be baptized in that name in which alone she trusted, and, even in the intensity of her desire, declared that she could not die in peace if refused: her only wish was to obey her Saviour's command, and then to say, "Lord, now let thy servant depart in peace." All present united in her petition; but the mother, deeply affected, was influenced only by the accents of her child, and for some time evidently struggled with contending feelings. At last she said, "The father is the head of the house: if he chooses to allow it, he can do as he pleases." Maria's alarming situation was announced to Mr. and his permission solicited; but this was positively refused. Her medical attendant told him that recovery from this attack was not impossible, but he could not answer for his daughter's life, if the unfavourable symptoms should increase, as instant suffocation might ensue. then solicited her friend to entreat her father to come to her without delay. When Mr. visited his child, she said, "Dear father, I have one request to make: remember! it is my dying request, the last favour I shall ever ask of you, father."

Maria

With much kindness he inquired, "What is it, my dear?"

M. It is, father, that you will consent to my baptism.

F. No, Maria, I cannot do that: you were born a Jewess, and you must die one.

M. Father, that is impossible; for I am a Christian. I believe that Jesus is the Saviour, and that without him we should perish everlastingly.

F. Maria, what have you to do with these opinions? You were brought up a Jewess.

M. No, father: the religion we observed was not that of the bible: it did not cleanse our