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ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION OF THE

CHURCH CONNECTED WITH THE ASY-
LUM FOR THE BLIND, IN LIVERPOOL.

(Accompanied with a Plate.) PERHAPS no style of Architecture is more difficult in its application to our ecclesiastical buildings, than the Greek, in all its purity. The form of the ancient Greek temples is such, as scarcely admits any of the accommodations necessary to modern customs. The Hypætheal temples are the only examples which would admit of any arrangement, consistent with our Churches; but the expense of such buildings, would far exceed what would suffice for an edifice equally spacious, in another, though less pure style.

The architect of this Church, after a long residence in Greece, was desirous of exhibiting a specimen of Grecian architecture, as far as its application was consistent with the convenience and funds of the building; and in consequence proposed the design of the portico at the west end, which we have been given to understand is an exact copy of the portico of the temple of Jupiter Panhellenius in the island of Egina, where it is well known that the architect, Mr. J. Foster, jun. in company with Mr. Cockerell of London, made, in 1811, some very important discoveries.

As a specimen of architecture, the portico cannot fail to attract the attention of the connoisseur, and the classical antiquary. It is of a peculiar species of the Doric order; and the example from which it is taken, is one of the earliest specimens of Grecian architecture, and the only remains of that æra now extant.

The exterior of the remaining parts of this building, appears to us perfectly in unison with the character of of the portico; and evidently seems to have been selected with singular propriety for the present object and occasion. The Church is capable of accommodating one thousand persons. The town of Liverpool is certainly rich in the possession of this example of classic taste, which has made such a splendid addition to its architectural beauties. It is to the genius, talents, and attachment, of Mr. J. Foster, jun. that his native town is indebted for this permanent mark of distinguished pre-eminence, as we are not aware

that a similar specimen of ancient Grecian architecture exists in any part of the kingdom.

SCHOOL FOR THE INDIGENT BLIND.

(Communicated by a Gentleman of Liverpool.) IN our last number, col. 773, we had the satisfaction to record the opening of the CHURCH, to be attached to this increasing establishment; and at the same time, we promised on a future occasion, to present some further particulars of this interesting charity; which promise we have particular pleasure in fulfilling, because we feel assured, that reciprocal gratification will be felt by our readers.

The INSTITUTION to which this CHURCH has been attached, is one that has acquired peculiar interest, from the consideration, that, amongst all the calamities incident to humanity, one of the most severe is that of Blindness combined with Poverty. The latter affliction has ever urged in itself a powerful call on our commiseration; but when that distress is aggravated by the total deprivation of sight, what man is there, possessing the feelings of our common nature, who could be an unmoved spectator of such helpless misery? Helpless however, altogether, happily their condition is not;-for through the fostering care provided by this noble INSTITUTION, the means are efficaciously supplied for rendering these hitherto destitute objects capable, not only of finding relief in their forlorn state by useful occupations ; but of raising themselves to comparative independence, by means of the perfect knowledge they may acquire of those trades which are best adapted to their several capacities, and in the future prosecution of which the prospect of permanent support is presented.

This CHARITY took its rise about 30 years ago, in the laudable attentions of a few individuals to the condition of the Blind, and to their capability of being instructed in any trade by which the vacuum in their days might be relieved, and in the pursuit of which they might be enabled to gain something towards their livelihood. These experimental proceedings were first carried on in a house in Commutationrow, rented for the purpose; the necessary expenses of which, were defrayed by subscription. The result proved so satisfactory, that an adjoini

house was added to this infant undertaking; and upon a still further augmentation, the present INSTITUTION was founded in 1791, to which, in 1800, an extensive range of buildings was annexed for the purpose of providing work-rooms, suitable for conducting the several branches of manufacture carried on by the pupils. The number of the Blind who have been admitted within the walls is 513; of which, only 96 have belonged to the parish of Liverpool, and 417 to other parts of the united kingdom. The means however of their support have been principally supplied by Liverpool and its immediate vicinity, although it might naturally have been expected, from the unlimited indulgence granted with regard to their admission, that those means would have been alike expansive. Still, however, it is to be noticed, that considerable sums have been liberally subscribed by benevolent individuals throughout the empire.

The principal occupations of the pupils are, spinning, hamper and basket making, the plaiting of sash-line ; weaving of worsted rugs for hearths, carriages, and doors; of linen, and of floor-cloth and sacking; the making of sacks and list shoes; manufacturing of twine, packthread, log-cloth, and fish-lines; of stair carpeting; and of foot bears, points and gaskets, from old ropes; together with the acquirement of knowledge in music. The application of this last description of learning, is directed to their qualification for the situation of organists, 45 of them having been thus satisfactorily placed.

Perhaps there is no part of their instruction that more strongly arrests the curiosity of the visitor, than the method pursued in laying the foundation of their musical education, their instructor being like themselves totally blind. The principle of the Madras system of teaching is pursued, and the pupils are made familiar with the mode of tuning and stringing musical instruments, a knowledge which proves of great utility in their future residences. The religious and moral instruction of the Blind is anxiously attended to, and perfect freedom in pursuing their several modes of religious worship is most tenaciously respected. The Medical Committee, (combining the highest talents in Liverpool,) regard with peculiar vigilance the general health of the pupils, and particularly direct their

attention to the state of the eyes, every means for the restoration or relief of sight being adopted; but no operation is performed without the consent of the pupils' friends.

The number at present in the School is One Hundred and Twenty;-and we understand, that additional room will be afforded by the attachment of the Church, for the admission of about thirty more, from those whose names stand at present upon the list of candidates.

The important undertaking of providing so noble and durable a structure as the CHURCH which has just been completed, (of which a correct representation and architectural description are herewith submitted) could not, it is very certain, have been accomplished, without great zeal and liberality. From the last Report of this Charity we notice, that notwithstanding £5000 has been beneficently contributed in little more than one year, still the considerable sum of from £2000 to £3000 is deficient; but it is to be hoped that the munificent regard of a benevolent public, will soon afford the means for its liquidation.

Deprived of the numerous gratifications which their more favoured brethren enjoy, in beholding the works of creative wisdom, may the unfortunate Blind freely experience that consolation and comfort which religious impressions can alone impart, to light their cheerless path! and blessed, thrice blessed is the man, who, commiserating their forlorn condition, their dark and gloomy state, stretches out the hand of charity to alleviate their lamentable wretchedness. He may repose upon his pillow under the soothing conviction, that, whilst offering up at that sacred shrine the perishable riches of this world, he lays up for himself those substantial treasures in the next, which, when the joys and sorrows, the vanities and cares, of this fleeting state of things shall have passed away, and be no more; will prove the surest passport to a glorious inheritance amongst the saints in light, to the abode of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

In advocating charity like that of providing for the temporal and eternal welfare of our suffering fellow creatures, few arguments, we conceive, can here be requisite. The time will come, perhaps in the revolution of a single year,

or even in an hour, when prostrate upon the bed of sickness, busy memory will search and examine into the inmost recesses of the heart; accompanied with pleasing recollections, or torturing the afflicted soul with compunctious visitations, and fruitless regrets. At such an hour, and in such a season of need, with what soothing consolation must the remembrance of deeds of beneficence come home to the agitated bosom? No language can convey the impression, no tongue can describe the effect! -by those alone who can indulge in the retrospection of deeds of exalted charity, especially such as that of administering to the temporal wants and everlasting happiness of the Poor and the Blind, can these unutterable delights be adequately conceived.

PERSECUTION OF IRISH METHODIST MISSIONARIES.

THE diversity in the civilization of Ireland, has, in many of the wilder parts of the country, hitherto prevented the settlement of regular stations of Methodist Preachers; these districts have for many years been traversed by Methodist Missionaries, who, finding that the interdiction of the priests prevented the people from going to hear at such convenient places as the preachers might prefer, were induced to visit the people in those assemblages, which, after the business of the fair, or market, might otherwise be employed in drinking and quarrelling. To gain the attention of such a moving mass of people, and to be heard by all the hundreds who frequently listen with deep interest to the speaker, it was necessary to preach on horseback! and as the exposure to wind and rain did not admit of uncovering the head, while the solemnity of the subject pleaded for taking off the hat, the preachers wear, on these occasions, a black leather cap, exactly fitting the head.

That these labourers, in the gospel of Christ, partake of the apostolic dangers attending their heavenly message, will appear from the following authentic account.

Gideon Ouseley, Arthur Noble, and William Keys, at three o'clock on Friday the 21st May, 1819; which was the fair-day of Killeter, a village near Stranorlar, in the county of Tyrone; drew up on horseback before a wall,

and the first-mentioned Missionary preached in the Irish language, which is chiefly understood by the Roman Catholic inhabitants. In a little time, stones were rolled down to the horses' feet from the people who sat behind on the wall, and a considerable noise was made, to drown the voice of the preacher; and this noise was kept up by a fictitious quarrel among the people in front. Mr. Noble being struck with a stone in the head, a friend took his horse by the bridle, and led him out of the crowd; both his horse, and Mr. Ouseley's horse, were then beaten with sticks, and pelted with stones, so that they ran violently through the people. Mr. Keys, who followed slowly, was surrounded and stopped, and his horse beaten till it became ungovernable. The girth broke; Mr. Keys fell to the ground; when the horse rushed through the mob, and escaped. A Romanist, who had been previously impressed by divine truth, at a funeral sermon preached by Mr. Keys, threw himself on Mr. Keys' body to shelter him from the blows aimed at him; and another Romanist, who had occasionally attended the preaching, took up the saddle to preserve it. These two friends were severely beaten with sticks. The saddle, and Mr. Keys' hat, were torn by the strokes of cudgels: but owing to the fury of the attack, no effectual blow reached Mr. Keys. Those that were not near enough to beat, threw their sticks at him; and so many endeavoured to strike, that they hindered each other. His shoulders, however, were black with the bruises for some days after. A part of the crowd ran after the other two preachers, who were obliged to gallop for a mile, to escape; and they rode four miles without hats, till they got to a place of security. Those who remained beating Mr. Keys, after some time, quarrelled among themselves, and beat each other. This opportunity was seized by some friends, to lead Mr. Keys about a mile off to a place of safety, where his horse had been previously conveyed and sheltered.

INSTITUTION FOR DEAF AND DUMB, DUBLIN.

June 20, 1819.

Archdeacon Digby, in the Chair. THE meeting held in the Rotunda was numerous and respectable. It was

addressed by the Rev. B. Matthias, | comes from Tag, to pierce through as

Mr. Tomkey, Rev. Mr. Evanson, Rev. Mr. Burke, Rev. Mr. Maghee, Dr. Orpin, and several others.

with a spear or spit, used so by some of the best Greek writers. Several of the primitive Fathers understood it something in this way; and have therefore added quam ferre non possumus, 'which we cannot bear.' The word not only implies violent assaults from Satan, but also sorely afflictive circumstances, none of which we have, as yet, grace or fortitude sufficient to bear.

It appeared by the Report, that the Society had taken a villa two miles from Dublin, at £220 a year, and £1000 fine. This villa contains large rooms, and extensive buildings. The house and its commodious offices are connected with several acres of domain, in a beautiful and heathful situation near Glasnevin. As yet but 16 pupils had been admitted, from the small size of the former house in Brunswick-street, Dublin. But the present establishment is suitable to a national institution," and admits a a classification of pensioners and pau-fall into temptation. Dr. Campbell's

pers.

There is one pupil in this institution, who is deaf, dumb, and blind. This will afford to the physiologist and metaphysician, some interesting experiments. The deaf and dumb, have already in the progress of their attainments, proved that they were dumb only because they could not hear. Thus the voice only articulates what the ear takes in!

Reply to Queries.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE IMPERIAL
MAGAZINE.

SIR,
Kingston, Nov. 10.
IT has been a common observation,
that it is easy to propose questions, the
solution of which may be attended
with considerable difficulty; but it
must be admitted, that proper inter-
rogatories, to which judicious replies
are given, cannot fail of improving
the minds of your readers.

-Bring us not in, or lead us not in. This is a mere Hebraism: God is said to do a thing, which he permits or suffers to be done."

The French Geneva version has it thus-"El ne nous laisse pa tomber dans la tentation:" Suffer us not to

version is-Abandon us not to tempta-
tion, but preserve us from evil. This
agrees with the translation of the
Lord's Prayer into the Armoric or
Breton language, although not so li-
teral as our common version. That
God tempteth no man, means, that he
seduces no man into sin: it would have
been as well therefore, if our transla-
tors, instead of saying, that God did
tempt Abraham, had said, God was
about to try Abraham, as the English
word tempt is not so equivocal in its
application as the Latin from which it
is borrowed.
J. H.

IN answer to the Query respecting Judas, col. 763, J. O. has only to recollect, that the sacred writer is supposed to take us back to transactions of past ages, so as to make them appear present to our view. In mentioning Judas's hypocritical remark respecting the expense of the ointment, there is something peculiarly appropriate in reminding us, that this was the man, who soon afterwards betrayed his Lord. As to the expression in our version, "which should betray him," it might be rendered, "who was about to betray him." The distinction of would and should, shall and will, have no existence in the original languages of the Scripture; it is therefore playing with shadows, to lay stress upon mere Anglicisms, in the interpretation of Scripture. It was not a divine decree, but the avarice of Judas, that led him to betray his Master.

As to the query inserted col. 763, with respect to the petition in the Lord's prayer, "Lead us not into temptation," any Commentator may be consulted for satisfaction, either as to the form of expression which our translators have literally rendered, or the object of the petition itself. For the sake of those who are not possessed of that treasure, I transcribe Dr. A. Clarke's comment on Matt. vi. 13. "Lead us not into temptation-That is, bring us not into sore trial. Ilgaoμov, which may be here rendered sore trial, ERRATA. Col. 394, line 2, after present, read leuses.-Col. 730, line 7, for "others do," read "6 others not do."

J. H.

PRINTED BY HENRY FISHER, CAXTON, LIVERPOOL.

Emperial Magazine;

OR, COMPENDIUM OF

RELIGIOUS, MORAL, & PHILOSOPHICAL KNOWLEDGE.

TO

66 THE VALUE OF A BOOK IS TO BE ESTIMATED BY ITS USE."

On Benevolent Institutions.

THE EDITOR OF THE IMPERIAL
MAGAZINE.

SIR,

May 9, 1819. IF you think the following observations worthy a place in your Magazine, and will be pleased to insert them, you will greatly oblige your's respectfully,

DELTA.

We know that God has pronounced in his most holy word, that righteousness shall cover the earth as waters the face of the sea; and that the period shall arrive, when all shall know him from the least even to the greatest. When these specific promises are to receive their full accomplishment, is perhaps a point that is known only to the Almighty. But notwithstanding this uncertainty, it is the duty of all who are friendly to the interests of Christianity to watch the signs of the times, and to be ready as instruments in his hands; since, although his power is unbounded, he rarely works without

means.

of Providence they seem to have one
common bearing. They appear like
two rivers which rise on opposite sides
of the same mountain, and flow in dis-
tinct valleys. They run however to-
wards the same point, in which, ere
long, we may expect to
see them
unite; when, in their mighty conflu-
ence, bearing down Pagan temples
before them, they will water and re-
plenish the moral world.

The Jews, scattered throughout all the countries of the civilized world, and in the eastern hemisphere even among barbarous nations, may be awakened from that delirium of obsti→ nacy in which they have been entranced for ages. These, on finding that they have been carrying with them the records of their own dispersion, may also come forth, and embrace that Gospel which they have so long despised. It is therefore not unreasonable to expect, that they may finally bear their part as conspicuously in fulfilling those prophecies which relate to their restoration, as they have appeared in those which record their iniquities, and the punishments which have been inflicted on them.

Never perhaps, in the annals of the world, did such combinations of favourable occurrences meet together as now appear. The nations of Europe, To keep alive that spirit of benevosettled into a state of tranquillity lence from which these institutions which promises to be more lasting derive their vigour, the Sunday Schools than the present generation, seem are admirably adapted. The seeds mutually disposed to cherish a spirit now sowing in the minds of youth, of benevolence, as though to make can hardly fail to take root, and to some atonement for their long forgot-produce hereafter a blessed harvest; ten amity. To the necessity of giving general circulation to the Scriptures, particularly among heathen tribes, the attention of several European states has long since been called; and the happy effect has been, that wealth and learning co-operating with piety, have given a powerful stimulus to united exertions.

The same benevolent spirit that has supported the Bible Society, moving in a distinct department, has given birth to Missionary Establishments. And although these had no intentional or preconcerted connection in their respective formations, yet in the order No. 10.-VOL. I.

the fruits of which our posterity may expect to find scattered over every habitable portion of the globe. It is scarcely possible, that the generous supporters of Sunday Schools can fail to excite gratitude, and those concomitant graces by which gratitude can be distinguished as a virtue, in the bosoms of the children who are now the objects of their bounty. And it is not to be expected, that a discovery of these happy effects will cause the hand of benevolent affluence to withhold that liberality which it has hitherto displayed, under circumstances far less favourable.

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