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and intention, and considered it as matter of very little importance; but you will, I hope, endeavour to convince them that it is in reality a very serious offence against the Majesty of Heaven, and the decorum and solemnity of divine worship. It is evidently inconsistent with that profound reverence which is due to the great Creator of the universe, and that deep humility and contrition which become such wretched sinners as we all are (in a greater or less degree) in the sight of God. It strikes, in short, in my apprehension, at the very root of all true devotion; and ought therefore to be vigorously resisted before it has gained too much strength to be subdued. If it is not, if it is suffered to go on without controul, there is too much reason to apprehend, from the progress it has made within these few years, that it will in a few years more become a universal practice, and that you will see the whole of your congregation sitting during every part of divine service.

I must therefore request, that you will use your best endeavours both in private conversation and in your public discourses, to repress in time the further prevalence of so indecorous a custom. And I must particularly direct your attention to the schools in your parish for the youth of either sex, in some of which this practice has, I fear, been not only connived at, but permiitted, if not encouraged.

The considerations here suggested, with many others of a similar nature, which will, I doubt not, occur to your own mind, can hardly fail, if urged with proper force, to make a deep impression on the minds of your hearers. But that impression may be greatly aided at this moment, by recalling to their thoughts the present awful situation of this country, and the tremendous dangers with which we are now surrounded. To repel these dangers, the noblest and most vigorous exertions have been made by our gallant countrymen, and those exertions will, I trust, be attended with success. But after all that human power can effect, our chief dependence" must at last be on the defence of the Most High. That defence can only be obtained by the effectual reformation of our hearts and lives, and by earnest and frequent prayer. And if any one can at such a time betray any symptoms of lukewarmness and indifference in his exte rior deportment, when he ought to be imploring the pro-" ection of Heaven for every thing that is dear to him with

every external mark as well as every internal sentimient of the sincerest devotion, it must argue such a want of feeling for his country, as well as reverence towards his Maker, as I hope will very seldom, occur either in your congregation, or in aury other in this united kingdom.

Tam,

Rev. Sir,

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Knowing well your desire to meliorate the condition of the unfortu nate part of society, whether occasioned by vicious propensity, or treacherous dissembling intrigue, I send you a short account of the Magdalen Hospital, which you will, I hope, insert in your valuable Miscellany. It will, I doubt not, be peculiarly acceptable to many of your readers, because the nature of the Institution is very imperfectly under stood, and may, it is probable, induce some of the wealthier of them, to contribute to its support, either by annual subscriptions, or by a bę nefaction. Should the account be, as I am persuaded it will, well received, you shall very soon hear again on the same subject, from Mr. Editor,

THE

Yours truly,

M. A.

HE Governors of this charity are concerned to find how much the design of this most humane and benevolent Institution, and the mode of admission into the house, are misunderstood; and how much its existence is unknown to a great number of those unfortunate persons, for whose relief and welfare it was established. They are desirous of diffusing, as widely as possible, the knowledge of the benefits proceeding from it, and are convinced that some explanation of its nature, and a short account of its proceedings, must tend to recommend it to the public. Its object is the relief and reformation of wretched outcasts from society; and the principle on which it is founded gives it, surely, some title to the

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countenance and favour of the public, and particularly of the female sex; and her most gracious Majesty has set the example, by taking this hospital under her more immediate patronage. And what can possibly be an object more worthy of their care, than the rescuing from the deepest woe and distress the most miserable of their fellow-creatures, leading them back from vice to virtue and happiness, reconciling the deluded and betrayed daughter to her offended mother, and restoring hundreds of unfortunate young women to industry, again to become useful members of that community in which Providence has placed them?

The Magdalen Hospital was opened in the year 1758. During the period that it has subsisted, more than twothirds of the women, who have been admitted, have been reconciled to their friends, or placed in honest employments or reputable services. Of this number, some undoubtedly have relapsed into their former errors; but many, who left the house at their own request, have since behaved well; and several of those discharged for improper behaviour have, to the certain knowledge of the committee, never returned to evil courses. A very considerable number are since married, and are, at this moment, respectable members of society; and, could their names and situations be disclosed, (which, for the most obvious reasons, would be highly improper) the very great utility of this charity would appear in the strongest light.

A Probationary Ward has been instituted for the young women on their first admission; a separation of those of different descriptions and qualifications has been esta blished; and apartments have been fitted up in the lodge for the residence of the Chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Prince, and his family; that he may with the greater facility continue to devote his time and attention to the instruction of the women, in the same most satisfactory manner in which he has hitherto performed all the duties of his situation.

Each class is entrusted to its particular assistant, and the whole is under the inspection of the Matron. This separation, useful on many accounts, is peculiarly so to a numerous class of women, who are much to be pitied, and to whom this charity has been very beneficial, viz. young women, who have been seduced from their friends, under promise of marriage, and have been deserted by their Vol. VIII, Churchm. Mag. Feb. 1805. T seducers,

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seducers. They have never been in public prostitution, but fly to the Magdalen to avoid it. Their relations, in the first moments of resentment, refuse to receive, protect, or acknowledge them; they are abandoned by the world, without character, without friends, without money, without resource; and wretched indeed is their situation! To such especially this house of refuge opens wide its doors; and, instead of being driven by despair to lay violent hands on themselves, and to superadd the crime of self-murder to that guilt which is the cause of their distress, or of being forced by the strong call of hunger into prostitution, they find a safe and quiet retreat in this abode of peace and reflection. To rescue from the threatening horrors of prostitution such victims of the most base and ungenerous arts, whose ruin has frequently been more owing to their unsuspecting innocence than to any other cause, to restore them to virtue. and industry, after one false step, and to reconcile their friends to them, are considerations of the greatest magnitude. The committee generally give these young women the preference, because they are almost certain of the best consequences; for it scarcely ever happens but their relations relent, when, by taking shelter in this house, they have given so strong a proof of their determination to quit a vicious way of life.

The method of proceeding for the admission of women into this Hospital is as follows: The First Thursday in every Month is an admission day; when, sometimes, from twenty to thirty petitioners appear, who, without any recommendation whatever, on applying at the door, to the clerk, receive a printed form of a petition gratis, which is properly filled up. Each petition is numbered, and a corresponding number is given to the petitioner herself. They are called in singly before the Board, and such questions are put to them, as 'may enable the committee to judge of the sincerity of their professions, and to ascertain the truth of their assertions. If a parent, relation, or friend, has accompanied them, (which, though not necessary is very desirable, and is very frequently the case) these are also called in separately and examined, with a view to confirm and strengthen, if true, or to disprove, if false, the account given by the women themselves. The committee take particular pains to select for admission the most deserving; as it often happens that there are but few vacancies. In the next place, they endeavour,

endeavour, to the best of their ability, to assist such other petitioners, as appear thoroughly resolved to amend their lives. Many are reconciled to their friends, by the inte: position of the Committee, even without being admitted into the house; and others are supported until a vacancy takes place, that they may not be compelled by want to return to their evil ways. Women, whilst diseased, or pregnant, are not admissible, being objects for other Hospitals.

The treatment of the women is of the gentlest kind.They are instructed in the principles of the Christian Religion, in reading, and in several kinds of work, and the various branches of household employment, to qualify them for service, or other situations, wherein they may honestly earn their bread. The Chaplain attends them daily, to promote and encourage their good resolutions, and to exhort them to religion and virtue. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is administered on the great festivals, and at other stated times; when many of the young women, who have been some time in the house, and who, after having themselves expressed their wish to be instructed in this duty, have been considered by the Chaplain as sufficiently informed and prepared for it, receive it with the most serious attention.

The time they remain in the house varies according to circumstances. The greatest pains are taken to find out their relations and friends, to bring about a reconciliation with them, and, if they be people of character, to put them under their protection: if, however, the young women are destitute of such friends, they are retained in the house till an opportunity offers of placing them in a reputable service, or of procuring them the means of obtaining an honest livelihood. No young woman, who has behaved well during her stay in the house, is discharged unprovided for.

REVIEW OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

A Help to the unlearned in the Study of the Holy Scriptures; being an Attempt to explain the Bible in a familiar Way: adapted to common Apprehensions and according to the Opinions of approved Commentators. By MRS. TRIMMER, Author of "Sacred History, selected from

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