The million-peopled city
Garwood, John
1853
Their Character.
" As a class, they are peculiarly open to religious instruction. Sitting in groups around the grounds and in the wards, they love to talk, and to be talked to. Having arrived at that stage of life when, as Paley says, ease is positive enjoyment, their minds are far more active than their bodies, and anything that affords them food for thought is generally welcome. The respectful habits which they have been accustomed to observe towards their superior officers, they manifest towards every respectable person. So far, the work of a religious teacher would be peculiarly open and easy amongst them. Still the teacher would not be without his difficulties. The habit of intemperance which they have very generally formed in the army, and which mostly clings to them still, is a sad feature in their character. Their habit of swearing (sometimes as a soldier or sailor only can swear) is very deplorable; and their habit of grumbling and expressing dissatisfaction with the arrangements made for their welfare (perhaps the result of old age and infirmity), one could wish | |
120 | to see corrected. These things show the necessity that still exists amongst them for Christian instruction, notwithstanding the zealous labours of their excellent Chaplain to impart it." |