Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-09-24
VEEiTE
September, 1851.

Robert Raikes.-s Blessings on Robert Rakes.
lsaid one of our contemporaries, the other day.
Amen, saw We so mote It be. Robert Ralkes was
the founder Of the Sunday School System; the
first man whose active beneyOlenCe was exerted
10 produc iug an ultimate good, by direct and
immediate application of his energies to the moral
subiuration of the mind. Robert Raikes was born
at Gloucester, England, in 1885. His father was
printer, and published newspaper, called the
Gloucester Journal to which poor honor
Robert Raikes was the successor. tie acquired
competency, and lavished his pecuniary surplu-
sage on works of beneyolence.
We do not intend to write his biography; but
such facts as are presented to us, we oher to our
readers, fully assured they who have no, had ac-
cess to more perfec, histories will not be dspleas
cd with the little information it is Ill our power
20 give them.
He had exerted himself to ameliorate the con-
dition IF the unhappy beings confined in the Glou-
cester bridewell, aud had already acquired some
n,torietv, when accident threw in his way group
or little yasabunds, whose conversation, surcharg-
ed with curses and imprecations, attracted his at
,rntion. Raikes inquired If the children lived IN
the vicinity where he found them. lie was told
that they did, aud that If he should frequent the
neirhbnrhood on Sundays, his feelings would be
sill more outraged. by remarking their increased
numbers aud profanity. "Thls conversation (says
Raikes, in letter to friendl suggested to me,
thai il would be at least harmless attempt, II 1t
were p,oductuve Of no good. should some little
plgr >, formed t. check this ier!oraDie proiana-
ton of the Sabbath.
The :. little plan" which the bene, oient philan-
,hropist SO modestly suggests as possessing
chance of checking the proclamation OF the holy
Sabbath. has been developed and executed.
Time runs on, but it diminishes not the remem-
trance nor the influence OF his exertion An
eyent-an accident. which occurred hfty years
since. suggested :. little plan, that little plan
mrsued during life time, by good man, and
an unimpeached christian, has produced mighty
cb,npe m the moral intelligence, religious feel
incs. social intercourse, political freedom and
eternal destiny of millions. $ Blessings on
Robert Raikes.'
He commenced I'VE use the language OF ano'
,her\ BY engaging four female teachers OF day
scbo,Is to receive as manv children as he should
send ON the Sabbath, and instruct them in reading,
and in the church catechism. For this he engas-
ed to nav them each shilling for their days em-
ployment. After ne had collected goodly num-
Der of children, and set his schools IN operation,
wholly of his own expense, he untolded his plan
TO his minister. and received his appreciation and
promise of cooperation. He printed little book,
comics of which he used personally to distribute
among such as were distinguished for their atten.
ton and good behaviour. The Society tor the
Promotion Of Christian knowledge sent HIM
nnmber of bibles and testaments, which he dis
tributed in the same manner 1t I, SAID. that from
This circumstance, originated the British and Fcr-
eign Bible Society.
I'm the course Of three years he collected near