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The million-peopled city

Garwood, John

1853

Cases of Usefulness recorded by the Cab Missionary of the London City Mission, last Year.


	The following 4 cases of usefulness, recorded by the cab missionary of the last year, illustrate the vast importance of such an agency, especially devoted to this class of men.
	" Case 1.-Mr. --, No. -, -- yard, for 2 years placed himself under my instruction, and frequently have I seen him affected to tears. One morning he came to me in great distress of mind on account of his sins. I explained to him with much fulness the Gospel of Christ, and especially the doctrine of the atonement. Some time after this he found peace through believing. He attends the ministry of the, and lately he has become a member of a in the City, and bids fair to become an eminent disciple of the Lord. He drives his father's cab, and uses a stand, which for years had been admitted by the cabmen to be the worst in London, for the stands differ as much as the various localities of the poor. According to the old proverb,-
	'Birds of a feather Will flock together.'
	Many of the men of this stand lived in the numerous courts close by with wicked women. I believe formerly they dreaded my coming on the stand. At one time they threatened to knock me down, and at another time to drive over me, but finding I was not to be thwarted from my duty
195	they then tried to shun me, and would leave me in possession of their cabs. 'The wicked fleeth when no man pursueth.' For the last 12 months Mr. - has boldly confessed Christ on the stand, and I believe he has done more good than 20 policemen. It is now admitted without fear of contradic- tion that this is the most improved stand in London.
	" Case 2.-Mr. - , No. -, - street, has become converted to God through the Divine blessing on my labours, and his wife, who formerly opposed him, has also since become converted to God. I frequently see them going to John- street Baptist Chapel in company. It has pleased the Lord to place this man as waterman on another of the City stands. The class of men that use this stand are different altogether from those who use the former, but they are equally injurious to society, having among them two intelligent Infidels, who use all the means in their power to turn the Word of God into a lie. I once visited one of them who was sick, but he ridiculed all I said, and made use of awful expressions with reference to the day of judgment. For a time I appeared to go on the stand only to be made a laughing-stock of, and for a time Mr. -- shared no better lot. But his mild temper and Christian consistency have put to silence ungodly men, and they have been constrained to acknowledge to me that my visits are doing good. We are now quite masters of the stand.
	" Case 3.-Mr. -- , No. -, was a so-called Latter-day Saint, but at the same time a great drunkard. He rejected my tract, and prejudiced the minds of the other men against me, being waterman at the largest stand in London. In the neighbourhood of the Opera-house he possessed great influence over the men; and made six proselytes. One of them was as great a fanatic as himself, and has since run away from his wife, and robbed his best friends of about sixty pounds. Ten months ago I went to see a sick cabman, and while
196	there Mr. -- came in. To prevent disturbance, I com- menced reading the 15th chapter of , explained the nature of true repentance, prayed, and left the house. Three days afterwards I had a note, which informed me that Mr. - wished to see me. I called accordingly, and was happy soon to discover that the chapter I read had sunk deep into his heart. He at once saw his error, aban- doned his Mormonism, and succeeded in inducing his prose- lytes to do so also. He also became a sober man, and an example to the stand. This stand is used by many bad characters from , owing to its being so close to theatres. I trust soon to see it raised, and respectable.
	" Case 4.- - No.-, -buildings, had been a notorious drunkard, and when drunk he was very insolent, and quite a nuisance to the shops in Farringdon-street, so that helost his license. I had frequently spoken to him on the subject, but he regarded my words as an idle tale. Hearing he was ill, I went to see him. My first instructions had not fallen to the ground. As the tears ran down his cheeks, he said, ' Oh, Sir, I fear I shall drop into hell !' I regularly visited him, and another man, who died in the next room; and gave him a Bible and suitable instruction. He was soon able to get out. I induced him to attend the Meeting held by the missionary of the district, who afterwards visited him. He has got his license again, is now driving, and is quite a reformed character, abstaining altogether from intoxicating drink. I consider him under the power of the Spirit of God."
	Great Importance of an Addition of Missionaries to Cabmen- Facility of its Accomplishment, and Concluding Appeal. What dispassionate reader can fail, in reading these short extracts, to perceive the benefit which even one cab mis- sionary, by the Divine blessing, has accomplished ? If, instead
197	of one, four or six had been employed, how much more decisive might have been, and in all probability would have been, the benefit! And how small would have been the cost of this, as contrasted with the result ! How easily might it have been done ! About . a-year would have been suf- ficient. And what a trifle is such a sum for such an object! The per-centage of such a sum on the amount expended in fares, is such a fraction that it would be scarcely worthy of consideration.
	Lady collectors would probably find few objects in the promotion of which they would be likely to be more suc- cessful. For the claim for aid could not but be admitted by all their friends who are in the habit of availing themselves of the accommodation of these vehicles, and who must have observed for themselves the great need which their drivers have of religious counsel. Those who deprive the cabman of his Sunday and his religious privileges to drive them to church or chapel, must also surely see that the cabman's religious condition deserves their sympathy and aid. And to how many gentlemen, who almost daily ride in cabs for purposes of business or pleasure, might an eloquent appeal be made by fair readers, whose influence and whose power of persuasion and supplication are so great. The earnest desire and prayer to God is offered that this chapter may be made the means of stirring up a much greater concern for this somewhat ill-used and decidedly neglected, but most important and constantly increasing class of men, on whose moral and religious condition, moreover, the public at large, for their own safety. and comfort, are so much concerned. The Christian public, in particular, surely only need to know the greatness of the evil and the easy application of a remedy, to apply that remedy without further delay, in sure dependance on the Divine blessing.

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Table Of Contents

This object is in collection

Edwin C. Bolles papers

Subject

London (England)--Description and Travel

Temporal

1853

Permanent URL

http://hdl.handle.net/10427/14815

ID:: ks65hp537
Component ID:: tufts:UA069.005.DO.00028
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	Title Page
	Preface
	Chapter I: Criminal and Destitute London Juveniles, or the Ragged School Class Criminal and Destitute London Juveniles, or the Ragged School Class A distinct Class from Adult Thieves Their extreme Youth, and sometimes Childhood Great Severity of British, as compared with French, Law on Juvenile Offenders Their especial Claim, when resident in London Their supposed Numbers The Classes from which they are drawn The Training for Crime which they receive Their Gradations in Proficiency Importance of Missionary Operations among this Class The Ragged School Movement The Connexion of the Ragged schools with the Operations of the London City Mission Ragged Schools in an especial manner free from the Difficulties of Difference of Creed and Interference with the Duties of Parents Early Approaches to the Ragged School System The first Ragged School in Lonon, as established in 'the Old Stable' at Westminster The Report of this School, as printed by Order of the House of Commons Mr. Charles Dicken's Account of the Plot of Ground on which this School stood, called 'The Devil's Acre' Letter of the Children of this School to the City Missionary New Pye-street Girls' School, April 10, 1843 Dickens's narrative of Emigrants from this School The Field-lane ragged School described, as a second Illustration of these Institutions Description of the adjacent notorious 'Thieves' Houses' Formation of the School Dickens's Narrative of different Visits to this School, and of the Improvements effected in the interim Narrative of a Visit to this School, from 'Chambers's Edinburgh Journal' This School first interested Lord Shaftesbury in the 'Movement' Erection of a New Schoolroom with a large Dormitory Review of the subsequent Progress of London Ragged Schools to the present Time Industrial Schools Refuges Emigration Sergeant Adams's Eulogy of the Efforts of Ragged School Teachers Three Cases of Usefulness from the Ragged School Union Magazine Case of Usefulness reported to the Author by a Clergyman Two other Cases of Usefulness from the 'London City Mission Magazine' The Shoe-blacks a most remarkable Illustration of the Success of the Efforts made to benefit this Class Broomers, and how they might be made to cleanse London Messengers Steppers and Ragged Nursery Comparison of the Expenses of Schools and Prisons The especial Claims of Girls Voluntary Effort, and that by the Masses, rather than Government Aid, to be especially rested on Appointment of a Missionary by the London City Mission Importance of Increased Exertions, in order to bring the whole of this Class under Ragged School Instrution Concluding Remarks
	Chapter II: Greenwich and Chelsea Pensioners Greenwich and Chelsea Pensioners Greenwich and Chelsea Hospitals fit Adornments to the two Shores of England's Metropolis Greenwich Hospital The Pensioners Their Ages Their Present Number The Yearly Deaths The Infirmary for the Sick and Dying Religious and moral Character of the Pensioners, and Providsion made for their Instruction The Pensioners not allowed to marry, and the bad Effects of this Rule The Royal Hospital Schools Law Agency in a peculiar manner important with these Men The London City Mission, the only Agency of this Character in the Hospital Need of a Second Paid Lay Visitor Description of the Meeting of Pensioners held daily by the Missionary Striking Cases of Usefulness among the Pensioners by this Agency In A.D. 1851 In A.D. 1852 In A.D. 1853 Case of Usefulness among Out-pensioners, from the Scripture Readers' Association 'Occasional paper' Chelsea Hospital Its Origin Nell Gwynne's Grant of the Building Number of In-pensioners admitted Their Character Out-pensioners The Pensioners' Opinions of the late Duke of Wellington, and of Lying-in-State The Crowds of the Public who assembled to see the Spectacle Number of Out-pensioners in different Years, according to the Prevalence of Peace or War The immense Cost of the Pensioners to the nation, even at the Present Day The Hotel des Invalides in Paris, established before Chelsea Hospital in London, and a Standing Army established in France before its Establishment in Enbland How the Disabled and Aged Soldier was previously supported in this Country The College was not completed till the Revolution The Interest of William the Third and Fourth in the College The College is for Invalids also Ages of the Pensioners Number of Deaths annually The Burial-ground of Chelsea Hospital, and its Remarkable Epitaphs Burial Registers The Funeral of a Pensioner described Flags and Trophies recently removed from St. Paul's Cathedral to Chelsea Hospital Specimens of Certificates of Service given to Pensioners on their Admission to the College by their Commanding Officers The Clasps worn by Pensioners to denote the Number of Battles in which they have engaged Guard kept at the College in Military Style Foreigners and different Creeds among the Pensioners The heavy Manner in which Time hangs on their Hands Cards, &c. introduced by the Authorities of the College to remedy this Library, and its Defects Gardening introduced by Lord John Russell These Gardens were the former famed Ranelagh Great Abuses in the Management of Chelsea Hospital abolished by Lord John Russell Regulations as to Marriage more favourable to Morals at Chelsea than at Greenwich The Royal Military Asylum for Boys The Wellington Fund now raising for the Children of Officers Gratitude of the Pensioners for Religious Instruction, and their Visit to City Missionaries, when the latter had been ill Their Interest in Religious Tracts Their Desire of Further Instruction Number of Out-pensioners resident in the Metropolis Facilities for, and Importance of, Benefitting these Men Extracts from the Reports of a Missionary of the London City Mission The especial Claims which Pensioners present on the Christian Benevolence of the Nation, and not of the Inhabitants of London only Thankfulness for Peace Immense Cost of War as compared with the Insignificant Amount which would now add greatly to their Comfort, and promote their Best Interests Danger of Delay with Men so Aged
	Chapter III: The London Cab-Driver The London Cab-Driver The Introduction of Coaches into London in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth The riding Horses in previous Use Coaches when introduced only by the very Highest Class of Society, and regarded as an effeminacy On other Classes beginning the use of Coaches, the higher Classes continued to add to the Number of the Horses by which their Coaches were drawn, in order to retain a Superiority The Introduction of Hackney Coaches kept at Inns, in the Reign of James I Hackney Coach-stands in the Public Streets established These Prohibited by the Proclamations of succeeding Kings, but in vain The Two Centuries of Hackney-coach continuance The Last Days of London Hackney-coaches The Cabriolets of Paris Their subsequent Introduction in London The immense Increase in their Number during the Twenty Years of their Existence Their present Number The Cab-driver The extensive Use of London Cabs on Sundays, and its injurious Effects on the Drivers The Extortion complained of in Cabmen The unlicensed Driver, and the extreme Depravity of this Class Cab-drivers as a Body exposed to unjust Odium Recent Alteration in the System of Licensing, and its Effects Great Difference in the Character of London Cab-stands The Waterman First Efforts for the Religious Welfare of Cabmen as a Body, as made by the London City Mission A Missionary appointed by that Society to visit them, and his Great Success A Second Missionary appointed, but soon discontinued, through want of Funds for his Support Cases recorded of his Usefulness The Emigration of the First Missionary, and the Appointment of his Successor, with Review of his Efforts and Success Cases of Usefulness recorded by the Cab Missionary of the London City Mission, last Year
	Chapter IV: The London Omnibus Man The London Omnibus Man The Introduction of Omnibuses into London, and their previous Establishment in Paris The Enterprise of Mr. Shillibeer, in starting Omnibuses in the English Metropolis, the Difficulties he encountered, and his subsequent Ruin The Paris and London Omnibuses of the present day compared The constant Litigation between the Proprietors of London Omnibuses after Mr. Shillibeer's Failure, and the consequent Establishment of large Omnibus Companies for the sake of Mutual Protection The Immense Amount of the Capital and Annual Expenditure of the London Omnibus Trade The vast Sums of Money spent by the London Population in Omnibus Riding The Large Amount of Revenue which London Omnibuses produce to the Government The very small Number of Omnibuses in the remainder of England, as compared with the Number in London The almost incredible Length of Distance traversed periodically by the London Omnibuses The constant Increase in the Number of London Omnibuses The Metropolitan Omnibus Traffic greater in the Number of Passengers than the Metropolitan Railway Traffic The Condition of the London Omnibus Men, and their present Numbers Their Sunday Occupation in the Metropolis of a professedly Christian Country scarcely less than on Week-days, and sometimes greater, while an Extreme Amount of Toil is imposed on them during the Week Lord Shaftesbury's Testimony of the Success of an Omnibus Proprietor who Discontinued Sunday Work Testimonies as to the Toil of Omnibus-men from the Early Closed Association From an Occasional paper of the Church Pastoral-Aid Society From the Rev. J. T. Baylee's 'Statistics and Facts in reference to the Lord's-day' Extract from 'Silverpen' as to the Wives and Families of Omnibus Servants Medical Testimony as to the Injury of Labour so hard on the Constitution of the Men Testimonies given to Mr. Mayhew as to the Severity of the Labour, by a Driver, a Conductor, and a Time-keeper Their Wages Their Temptations to Drink Their Temptations to Embezzlement Urgent Appeal as to the Heathenism of so Large a Body of Men Reference to the Efforts of the London City Mission, in a Pamphlet entitled 'The Omnibus Men of London' Recent Efforts of Omnibus Servants themselves to Improve their Condition The Grand Junction Omnibus Comopany The Introduction of Omnibuses has brought more together the different Parts of London Concluding Appeal
	Chapter V: The Irish of London The Irish of London Their Numbers Their Country and their Race St. Patrick Subsequent Wars Conquest of Ireland by Henry II, and its subsequent Oppression by the English The Reformation in Ireland The Protestant Colony of Ulster Established The Battle of the Boyne, and its Consequences The Union Remarkable Increase of Population in Ireland during the close of the 18th and the commencement of the 19th Centuries The pleasing Peculiarities in the irish Character Their Hospitality Their strong Natural Affection The Native irish Poor more virtuous than the English Poor Even the Good Qualities of the Irish cause them especially to need Faithful and Judicious Counsel and Visitation Their Claim as Immigrants into, to them, a Strange Land The Excellences of the Irish Character are beheld in London in their rudest form How Popery has Marred and Debased the Irish Character The Irish have been made thereby Idle They have no Proper Feeling of Independence Their Disloyalty Their Spirit of Persecution and Hatred to Protestants The Irish of London require 100 Missionaries or Scripture-readers, in order that the Gospel may be brought to their Abodes The same Agency, for the effecting the same Results, is what is especially required for the Irish of London Cardinal Wiseman's recent Denunciation of this Agency in London Soundness of Protestant Feeling among the English working-classes 'The testimony of no single missionary is materially different' The Persecution which the recent London Converts have had to endure General Expectations of Irish Romanists that Ireland will soon become a Protestant, and England a Popish Country The Causes of the Extensive Immigration of Irish to London in Recent Years The better Class of Poor emigrate from Ireland to America, and the worst Class to London The Divisions of the Irish of London into Cockneys and Grecians The Irish of London, as divided into Connaught and Munster Men Immigration of Immoral Irish Women The Numbers of the Irish of London who can read English and Irish respectively estimated Irish Protestants possess more Scriptual Knowledge than English Protestants Extreme Ignorance on Scriptural Subjects of Irish Romanists, illustrated by Examples The Irish, on arriving in London, rapidly lose their previous Religious Habits London considered by the Irish as an Infidel City, in which, without Loss of Character, they may live in the Neglect of all Religious Observances The Prevalence of Drunkness among the Irish and English compared The Rookeries are the Parts of London in which the Irish Chiefly dwell The Occupations of the Irish of London Especial Suitableness of Irish Scripture-readers and Misisonaries for Irish Districts and the more Especial Facilities with which they may be obtained Future Hopes
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