The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-05-10 00:00:00

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THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTION
MENTAL IMPROVEMENT CLASS.

SOIREE LAST NIGHT.

Last night the annual soiree of the members of this
institution was held in St. Andrew's school-room, Slater-
street. Mr. Mitchell. chairman of the class, presided, and
there were about 200 persons present, a considerable
portion of them being ladies. The proceedings of the
evening were agreeably diversified. A party of glee
singers was present, and Miss Ashworth sung several
popular airs with much taste. Mr. Stott presided at the
pianoforte. Tea being over,
The CHAIRMAN addressed the company in an appro-
priate and eloquent speech. It had never, he said, fallen
to his lot to address any meeting where there was such a
display of all that was charming, inspiring, beautiful, and
pleasing, as was to be found there. (Cheers.) There
was one feeling, which, as chairman, he could lay claim
to, and that was an earnest and sincere desire to see the
intellectual and moral elevation of the members of the
Church of England Institution Mental Improvement
Class. (Hear.) The idea and the aim which originated
the class was the mental improvement of its members,
an idea as inspiring as the aim was worthy. (Loud
cheers.) Considering, then, the object at which its
members aimed, it ought to commend itself to the
approval of all. It was enough to gladden the heart
of any one who felt linked to his kind by the
common sympathies of humanity, that institutions
and classes such as this had been established for diffusing
knowledge and multiplying the channels in which its
streams might spread abroad their fertilising influence,
and cover the waste places that lay bleak and desolate
with the verdure, the flowers, and the fruits of cultivated
intellect. (Laud cheers.) After dwelling in eloquent
terms on the acquisition of knowledge, he urged upon the
members of the class to address themselves still more
energetically to self-improvement. Knowledge was essen-
tial to their advancement, yea, to the maintenance of
their present position. The strife of our country was
an intellectual strife—a strife of principles—an appeal
to reason—a reliance cei the results of the closest
thought. The brain did more than the hand. The slim
youth of quick intellect could outstrip the robust and
untutored of his own age. (Much cheering.) The pre-
cise object of the class was the mental and moral elevation
of young men, and the prosperity and usefulness of the
Church of England Institution mainly depended upon
themselves. (Hear, hear.) The chairman concluded his
interesting observations by saying—" Let our motto be,
prosperity to the Mental Improvement Class of the Church
of England Institution. Devotion to our Church—attach-
ment to the doctrines and principles of the glorious
Reformation—friendship to each other, and to all men—
love to our country, and loyalty to our country's Sovereign."
(Loud cheers.)
Glee—" Here in Cool Grot." by Miss Ashworth, Mr.
Stott, and others. Song—" Friend of the brave," by
Mr. Jonathan.

The following report was then read by Mr. P. L.
Stubbs, the secretary :
" In presenting the third annual report of the Church of
England Institution Mental Improvement Class, I am
happy in being able to congratulate our members and
friends on the happy results of the past session.
" The unity, good spirit, and energy that has accom-
panied us amply compensates for the paucity of members,
our numbers being only twenty-six.
" Of individual progress you must be the judges, but
certain it is that similar classes have done much for our
country, by fostering great talents which otherwise might
have slept in obscurity ; we therefore confidently believe
we are engaged in a good work, and aspire to attain an
honoured position in our town.
" The lectures delivered last year in connexion with
the class, have this session been entirely under the ma-
nagement of the committee of the institution ; it would,
therefore, be out of my province to say more about them,
though they have afforded much instruction to the class.
I must also state that the essays have been likewise dis-
continued ; but I am glad to see there are promising
hopes of a revival.
" Our implements to attain mental improvement have,
therefore, been confined to conversation and debate. In
these forms we have embraced most important subjects, in
history, politics, and economy of nations. We have consi-
dered the poor in Ireland and the juvenile delinquents at
home. WehaveexaminedJesuitism in England, conned the
movements in parliament, and pulled wry faces at France.
We have upheld our State Church, and strongly setforth the
beauties of our Liturgy, and, like dutiful children, we have
not forgotten our parent society, but have prognosticated a
glorious success to the Church of England Institution.
It is with such occupation that we hope not only to im-
prove the mind, but to instruct the genius and refine the
taste ; and by disclosing the beauties of an innocent life
we teach each other true satisfaction, and breed a disgust
for the more violent pleasures. It is therefore with com-
plete confidence that we appeal to the ladies fot support,
for by thus contributing to the happiness of our fellow-
men, we render the heart more susceptible of emotion,
and we fit the mind for a clearer conception of the wise,
the good, and the great. And with this glorious prospect
before us, I boldly say to the young men of our town,
Come and join us. Though you may not, by nature, be
endowed with the eloquence of some,
Yet much depends, as in the tiller's toil,
On culture, and the sowing of the soil.'
And there is an old English proverb which promises you
success—

' As the old cock crows the young cock learns."'

Mr. GARDINER, one of the members of the class, then
delivered an interesting address on '' The influence of
music ;" and was followed by
Mr. PICKERING, another member, who addressed the
company in a strain of lofty and fervid eloquence, his
subject being " Uncle Tom's Cabin." The speaker
pointed out, in forcible and graphic terms, the moral and
religious influence which " Uncle Tom's Cabin" must
have upon every civilised community ; and concluded
his observations amidst the warmest demonstrations of
applause.

Song—" Oh ! charming May," Miss Ashworth.
Addresses were next delivered on the following sub-
jects :—" The Young Men of England," " Education,"
and " The British Constitution," by different members
of the class ; and the proceedings were brought to a close
by the singing of the National Anthem, the company
joining in the chorus.
The refre=hments, which were supplied by Mr. Mill-
bourne, confectioner, gave every satisfaction, more espe-
cially to the ladies, who must be regarded supreme judger
in such matters.