ther of invention, taught me, during my labours as master of the Spitalfields Infant School. It is a matter of no consequence, who shall be accounted its inventor; but having received much encouragement in my progress to extend the system, and likewise much praise on account of its utility, I could not in justice to myself suppress the above brief statement; having on no occasion, as would have become a pupil, referred either the public or individuals, to my master or instructor. With respect to the volume itself, it is my hope that it contains information which may be generally useful. The greater part of it I have derived from practice. This, I really think, surpasses all theoretical views; for experience must ever be considered as the test of truth. I have endeavoured to establish and enforce the compatibility of sound religious impressions with the rudimental education of the infant heart; and this, I hope, upon mature deliberation and reflection, will ever be found desirable. Many circumstances mentioned in the following pages, evidently shew the utility of an early education, and particularly that of an affectionate kind. The improvement of the labouring classes of society has been, and will most assuredly be effected. How many parents have had to lament that their children were not properly instructed during their infancy; stubbornness of disposition has often been the result of such neglect. But in addition to this, the low desires that children of a very early age manifest, as stated in this work, are sufficient to create in any feeling breast, a desire to rescue them from the power and influence of false affections; and surely no way can prove more effectual to accomplish so desirable an end than the system which this work advocates and recommends. I have endeavoured to steer clear of the various theological opinions professed by Christians of different denominations, conceiving that institutions of this kind ought to receive the sup port of all. What sort of religious doctrine and faith, therefore, the children ought to be taught, I have not ventured to declare, as I consider it must be the wish and desire of all the disciples of Christ, that children should be instructed in the leading and fundamental truths, as made known in that source of eternal light, the everlasting Gospel. With these remarks, I humbly submit the following work to the perusal of the Christian reader, hoping that those who approve of it will use their endeavours to extend its circulation; and trusting that He who is Life itself, will prosper this endeavour to extend His kingdom among men. CONTENTS. II. Remarks on the Causes of Juvenile Delinquency 19 III. The Remedy proposed-Education of the Poor IV. Some Account of the Establishment of Infant Schools, and of the Infant School Society . 67 Teaching Number by means of Inch Cubes of Numeration, Addition, Subtraction, Multipli- XV. A Method of giving little Children Bodily Exer- cise, improving their Minds, and pleasing them, at the same time.-Of Singing XVI. On_Grammar, and the Elliptical Plan of ON INFANT EDUCATION. CHAPTER I. JUVENILE DELINQUENCY. "This is a beaten track :-ne'er beat enough, Ir has long been a subject of regret as well as astonishment to the reflecting and benevolent, that notwithstanding the numerous institutions, for the education and improvement of the poor, which exist in this country, and in defiance of the endeavours of our police establishment and the vigilance of our magistracy, crime should rather increase than diminish. Many persons from this fact have been induced to infer that our Sunday Schools, Parochial Schools, and National Schools, as well as our Bible Societies, and institutions of a similar nature, are of no use whatever; that the country would be just as well without any of them. Absurd as the inference is, I have known more than one or two persons niake it; not reflecting, that although these means may not B |