look what is wrong; for that would be feeding mischief, and countenancing evil. But, at the same time, it avoids a punishment greater than the offence, and that kind of punishment too, which, while it exacts the penalty, fails to reclaim the offender. Its object is to call forth all the best and noblest energies of the mind, to work upon the conscious and honourable feeling of the heart, to reanimate and restore the fallen, and to avoid every inflictive measure, that is likely to give a wrong impulse to the disposition, or awaken any bad passion of the soul.

If we view this system only as a proposition, as a subject offered to the consideration, it must be allowed, not only to hold out much promise of good, but to contain so many wise regulations and beneficial suggestions, that it may fairly Iay claim to the indulgence of an experiment. A theory so simple in its principle, yet so comprehensive in its views, so promising in its aspect, so innocent in its application, and so productive of good to individuals, to society, and to the Holy Church of Christ, if founded upon true and reasonable grounds, deserves at least to be tried, whether or not it can be reduced to practice. As a proposition it was at one time considered, and, as is the case with all theories, it has met with objections; but the claim of indulgence which it preferred has been granted, and its triumph is complete. Practice has proved the excellence of the theory; and benefits, abundant beyond the most san guine expectation, have established the wisdom of having given it the experiment.

Let those, who doubt, examine and enquire. Let those, who think the friends of the New System paint its beauties with too high a colouring, or exalt its merits to an unreasonable height, come and witness, whether we are glowing above what is just, or ardent above what is true. How fair and beautiful soever the tree may be to the eye, we ask none to decide upon its value, till they behold its fruits. Let them come to our schools, and judge for themselves. Let them come, and we will show them thousands of children occupied in useful industry and beneficial tasks, vying with each other in the attainment of moral and religious knowledge, exhibiting in their countenances animation, content, delight, and endeavouring with eager, but friendly, competition, to obtain the meed of praise, and the reward of doing well.

If they still doubt the excellence of the New System, let them enquire into the effects produced, when the hours of employment are over. It is gratifying to be able to record from observation and testimony, that the children educated in our School, and indeed in all the Schools under the same System, are the best children in the Parish. The lessons of good conduct which they are taught while under restraint, are not forgotten when that restraint is taken off. They are orderly, well-behaved, and industrious at home. Brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, they are averse from entering into the society of the idle, and anxious to appear on the Sabbathday in the house of prayer to confess their faith, and worship the Lord their God. It is also gratifying to record, (a circumstance that enhances still more the value

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of the System,) that there is an evident amendment in the manners, the conduct, and the language of the Parents themselves, who not only express their gratitude for the education bestowed upon their children, but actually derive from it benefit to themselves often, perhaps, without knowing it.

In another point of view the advantages of this System are most conspicuous. The community at large is benefited by it. A greater number of its poorer members are drawn away from the contamination of evil, and not only so, but trained to the knowledge and practice of what is good. They are taught what is useful and proper for their situation in life, and nothing more; what is calculated to guard them from bad example in others, and from setting a bad example themselves; what is necessary to render them a treasure to their employers, an ornament to their station, and a blessing to their country. If the morals of the poor are improved by the inculcation of religious knowledge, and by a correcter view and deeper impression of incumbent duties, the benefits will be felt by every rank of society, and the aggregate of public usefulness and national virtue be abundantly increased. It is an opinion founded in error, that to instil right principles into the minds of the poor, and to open their understandings to a sense of religious responsibility and virtuous obligation, is prejudicial to individuals, or dangerous to the welfare of society; for it is impossible, that the knowledge and feeling of what is true and good should have any other effect, than to promote private happiness and public benefit. Every spot of ground, upon which a proper cultivation is bestowed, amply repays the cultivator for his toil. And I scarcely need remark what all know so well, that the field which is suffered to lie waste, produces only unprofitable thistles and noxious weeds.

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But the great advantage of all resulting from this New System is, that it gives increased circulation to the word of Truth, and adds daily unto the Holy Church of Christ. Viewing it in this light, the Christian believer cannot but rejoice at its adoption, and offer up a fervent prayer to God that it may succeed and prosper.