The Foundling; or, The Child of ProvidenceChurch, J. (John)
General
The Foundling; or, The Child of Providence
Church, J. (John)
Church, J. (John), approximately 1780-approximately 1825; Clergy -- England -- Biography
requested to speak again and again, but I only expounded the Word, as I
felt my mind most at liberty upon that subject. During this time it was
also proposed that I should speak from the Word of God, at Tottenham
Chapel Society, which I did several times; but there were a few of the
leaders of that society who disapproved of it, urging, the manner and
spirit of my exhortations were too much like Huntington’s. I accordingly
declined speaking, but was requested to continue among them in the
prayer-meeting, which I did till I was called elsewhere. I now began to
fear I had presumed, in attempting to take an office upon me so high and
so holy; begged the Lord to pardon me, and promised to offend no more. I
gave up the work for a season. During this time of silence, my mind ran
much upon the education of ignorant children; and I well remember, that,
on one May-day, I had occasion to call on a friend in Brook-street, New
Road: I saw a great crowd of children, of both sexes, around the dancing
sweeps; it then occurred to my mind how useful would be a Sunday-school
in this neighbourhood: I enquired if such an institution had ever been in
that place, or thereabouts, and, to my astonishment, I found none; and
even many old professors at Tottenham Chapel did not know what I meant.
The first thing necessary was a room, which I soon obtained, at the low
rent of 1s. 6d. per week; but, how I was to get even that, and some
needful books, I knew not; and, another obstacle was, whether the parents
in the low neighbourhood about there, would be willing to let their
children attend. I communicated my plan to one or two others, young men
who had travelled for the Itinerant Society; some of whom went abroad,
and became, I hope, useful missionaries, whom I have heard, are since
dead; two brothers, the Gordons, and Mr. Loveless, whose names often
occurred in the Evangelical Magazine: these assisted in the work, and one
young man, Mr. Dowling, who was the most active of all, and who made it
his study, day and night, to be useful to the rising generation—he is now
one of the most choice preachers of the age, settled at C. in Essex. We
opened the school one Sunday morning, and about seventeen children
attended; in the afternoon there came double that number; the following
Sunday came many more, so that we were soon obliged to seek a larger
place, which was obtained in Tottenham-Court Road, near the chapel: this
was also desirable, as it gave the children an opportunity of attending
the Word, and making the school known. This last place was also too
small. A large building was taken in Cleveland-street, and no school I
ever heard of, sprung up so quick, was attended so well, or became so
useful; this, by the blessing of God, was owing to the wise plan, and
great exertions of Mr. D. It still continues, I hear, in a very
flourishing state, and though the name of its founder is buried in
oblivion, yet many have cause to be thankful for the hint given me by the
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account