It is proper, however, to remark that three plans have been under the conside ration of the committee, (although not as yet determined upon,) the prosecution of which would imply the imparting of money to the poor: First, a plan of distributing pecuniary rewards to such persons as should have brought up a certain number of children without aid from the parish; Secondly, a plan of establishing a bank for the reception of small sums from the poor, the committee engaging to pay interest for the sums so deposited; and, Thirdly, a plan of lending small sums (say £2, or £3.) to poor persons, to be re-paid by instalments, a respectable housekeeper being guarantee for the re-payment of a part. On the last plan they would remark, that besides possessing, in common with the second, the advantage of habituating the poor to lay by a part of their earnings, it carries with it the following recommendations :1st, That the security given by the house keeper is in itself as good an attestation as can be desired to the character of the person soliciting assistance; and, 2dly, That the plan would, in many instances, happily co-operate with the shop-institution, spoken of in page 351, inasmuch as it may be presumed, (and the experience of the visitors of 1808-9 confirms the idea,) that. many persons who might be disposed to adopt the plan of buying for ready money at a low price would be prevented from adopting it, by the debts under which they might lie to shop-keepers. A small sum by way of loan, to be re-paid by easy instalments, would release them from the incumbrance, and would give an auspicious elasticity to their future industrious efforts. BELFAST MAG. NO. XXXIV. that their investigation may disclose many evils, towards the removal of which they may be instrumental without the giving of money to the sufferers. Should it appear, for instance, that many of the children of the poor are without the blessings of education, your committee may fairly exert themselves towards the obtaining of those advantages for them. Should it appear that, spite of the facilities afforded for the cow-pox inoculation, there are many poor families who hesitate to adopt it, your committee may then fairly consider, whether there be any uncoercive means by which they may become instrumental (under providence) in propagating a practice which promises so well for the happiness of mankind. Should it be found (and your committee apprehend that, with respect to females especially, it would be found) that there are many persons, who, however well disposed to be industrious, cannot obtain employment, it may then become a just matter of concommittee, sideration with your whether some new modes of employment may not be devised, by which such persons may be enabled to earn their bread. Your committee have reason to believe that there are in this town many poor and industrious persons from distant parishes to whom a little parochial relief would be important, who are prevented from applying to this parish by a fear of being sent home; and from applying to their own parishes by fear, or hopelessness, or an ignorance of the just mode of proceeding. To such persons your committee conceive that they may be useful, by making application to their parishes (the merits of the cases having been previously ascertained) for a stipend to be remitted to the persons in question, so that these persons may have the benefit Aaa of parochial aid, without being compelled to leave a place in which their industry may be exerted to the greatest advantage. Your committee think. also that, by collecting accounts of the characters and circumstances of the poor, they may render the society's office a just receptacle of information for those who wish to obtain honest and industrious labourers or servants. Should this object of their hope be realized, it may then become a matter of desire among the poorer classes to have a well established character on the society's books. ven the more inactive members of the association itself, may satisfy themselves that the agents of the society are to do every thing, and, therefore, that they, in their respective stations, are released from all obligation to charitable effort. Alas! your committee can hope to remove but a portion of the evil existing in this town. Whilst they shall be exerting themselves even with their utmost energy, there will be ample scope for the benevolent activity of individuals. The efforts of one are not meant to supercede those of the other. They may go on most happily in unison. Your committee have now stated some of the modes in which they conceive they may be useful in consequence of the information which may be drawn forth by their questions. It is evident that some few of their questions have purely a statistical tendency, i. e. they look to the ascertaining of the general history (viz. the birth places, &c.) of the poor of this town. Such questions they have thought it fit to insert in their catalogue. They assist in giving completeness to the view which they are taking of the poor of Liverpool; and this completeness of view may be necessary to enable them to reason justly concerning the probable effect of institutions which have the welfare of the poor for their object. They hope they may not be charged with aiming at too much. They are, indeed, proceeding with caution, feeling their way. They wish their objects to be as definite as possible. Even then they are not confident as to their power of accomplishing them; but if they accomplish a part only, they will do better than those who sit still and make no effort because they cannot achieve all. The only danger is, according to their apprehension, that many who belong not to your association, and e Fully aware, therefore, of the dif ficulty of the duty they are engaged in, even under the most favourable circumstances, and contemplating, with no little apprehension, the limitfew names that have been added to ed state of their funds, and the very the list of subscribers since the first general meeting, they dare not inindulge any high expectations themthe objects of this institution by false selves, nor mislead the promoters of hopes of that success which must ultimately depend upon the patronage of the public. The committee have cheerfully devoted their time and labour to the formation of this establishment, and will continue their exertions with increased diligence, if they shall receive that countenance and support which alone can ensure success in the attainment of the various objects of this important institution. The present deplorable state of the commerce of these kingdoms must be felt and lamented by all. These evils, as they lessen the means, will increase our exertions to support the strength and prosperity of our country, which, whether the whole or its parts be considered, consists in a populace vigorous, virtuous, and enlightened. The labourers are the hands of the Some objections have been stated to the organization of the Laws of this Institution, which have much retarded its progress: great pains have been taken to obviate them, particnlary as they came from gentlemen highly respectable, and warm friends to the poor. It is hoped they no longer exist, and that if the present members of the Society will lay the state of the funds before their friends, and explain their views, all will unite, with one heart and one soul, in this LABOUR OF LOVE. Liverpool, February, 1811. For the Belfast Monthly Magazine. SERAPH; OR VANITY REPROVED. (Concluded from page 274.) WHEN her step-mother found fault with her, she never dared to justify herself, or speak a word in reply; this would have been reckoned the height of disobedience; she was therefore obliged to bear all in silence, though often, her heart was ready to burst. walking over to her sister, placed herself close beside her, with her face turned towards her mamma; there she stood firm, endeavouring as it should seem, to ward off the fury of the tempest from its object, or at least determined to bear a part of it. If she saw Harriet much affected, she climbed on her chair, and got her arms round her neck, and if a tear strayed down her sister's cheek, she immediately kissed it off. Sometimes she was ordered away from her sister; then she would, without saying a word, walk with a firm step to that part of the room which was farthest from her mother, and But never did these two exemplary remain there till peace was restored. sisters mention their mother's cruelty, either between themselves, or to any other person, nor utter one disrespectful word of her. It seemed, that without having spoken their thoughts to each other, both had determined to be silent on the disagreeable subject for ever. Little Seraph was the first who seemed to sympathize in Harriet's sufferings, and in some degree to resent her injuries. If she chanced to be seated on her mamina's lap, when the storm began, she immediately left it, and Captain Lancaster saw that his wife did not love his daughter, but he had no conception of the misery she suffered in consequence of her step-mother's dislike; and Harriet would have died rather than let him know any thing that might cause him uneasiness. Time therefore rolled on without bringing any diminution to the sufferings of Harriet; on the contrary, every year encreased her step-mother's enmity towards her. The diabolical passion of jealousy produced the most baleful effects in the mind of Mrs. L.. she grew passionate, vindictive, and revengeful. An incident occurred about this time, which though trifling in itself, we cannot pass over in silence, on account of the serious consequences produced by it. There was in the family an old servant called Mary Jones, who had lived with the first Mrs. Lancaster, she had ever proved herself faithful and affectionate, and had many times shewed her zeal and at tachment for the family, at the hazard of her life. During the illness which terminated in the death of Mrs. Lancaster, she had deprived herself of sleep for weeks together: for no substitute could be found equal to supply her place, in the estiImation of her mistress. She had attended Captain L's son with that care and watchful affection, which could only be equalled by a mother, and on every occasion she manifested more judgment and prudence than are usually found in a person of her station. With Mary the present Mrs. Lancaster had never been a favourite indeed the first time she saw her, she remarked that notwith standing her beauty, she perceived something that did not please her in her countenance. This speech of Mary's was faithfully repeated to Mrs. L. by her own woman, as was from that time every thing that was said in favour of the former, or a gainst the present Mrs. Lancaster. Latterly Mary Jones had discovered something of Harriet's ill-treatment, which made her almost frantic with rage and grief, and she could hardly refrain from openly reproach ing her mistress Matters were in this situation, when one evening as Mrs. Lancaster and Harriet were dressing for a party, the former asked the latter to exchange some jewels with her for that night, as she was fond of variety in these things. Mary Jones who officiated as maid to Harriet, happened to be in the room at the time, adjusting her dress. As soon as Mrs. L. received the ornaments, (which had belonged to Harriet's mother,) she immediately decorated herself with them. Mary turned and cast a look at her, which too plainly spoke contempt. "I perceive, Mary," said she, "you think I do not become these ornaments so well as their former owner." "I confess, madam," said Mary," such a thought did cross my mind, as I looked at you." Anger now flashed from the eyes of Mrs. L. but she made no re ply, except by reproving Harriet for something that she deemed a fault. Mary did not intend to have said more, but she now felt for Harriet, and was roused. "I never have seen, and too probably never shal ste, any person so truly amiable as the former owner of these jewels," continued she, "Miss Harriet indeed comes nearer to her than any one that I know.” "At least," said Mrs. L. " it appears she knew not how to treat her servants, or she would have taught you to know your place better, and not to give your tongue so much liberty in the presence of your superiors." ་་ At this accusation Mary's choler knew no bounds;-" not know how to treat her servants," she repeated, "I wish some people knew as well to treat every one; and to conduct themselves on all occasions;" having said this, she rushed out of the room, and slapped the door after her. When she was gone, Mrs. L. complained violently to Harriet of the impertinence, the insults of Mary; in short, the breach between them seemed irreparable, and she ended by declaring, that the same house should no longer contain Mary and herself. Harriet made little reply at this time, and they proceeded to fulfil their engagement. The next day, Mrs. L.'s wrath was rather increased than abated. Some morning visitors coming to the house, prevented any recurrence to the subject till after dinner. The Captain being gone to take his evening walk, Harriet was ordered to carry the news of Mary's dismissal to her. "I will not, madam," answered she. "You will not," repeated her astonished step-mother. "No, I cannot, nor will not," replied she again. Tis very well, and very obedient, Miss, but if you will not, another person shall," said her mamma, in a passion, rising and ringing the bell; "this woman has been my pest too long, she has turned your heart against me, and may perhaps do me "the same kind office with my own child." "0," said Harriet, "I declare, upon my honour, she never in her life spoke a disrespectful word of you in my presence." Mrs. L. knew Harriet's principles too well to suppose she would have suffered any one to do so, but she wanted a pretext to justify her conduct. A man servant now came to answer the bell-"Tell Mary Jones," said Mrs. Lancaster,-" No, do not tell Mary Jones," said Harriet, scarcely knowing what she said "I entreat, I implore you, madam, to pardon her." "Leave the room, Miss; go to your chamber instantly," said her enraged mother. Harriet rose to obey, but before she went, willing to make another effort in favour of Mary; she said, "Dear Madam, this is the first time in my life I have disobeyed your commands, I know I am wrong, but revenge not my fault, I beseech you, on poor Mary; at least, speak to my father before you discharge her."" Do not presume to dictate to me, ma'am; I know too, that you are in the wrong; leave my presence, nor dare to aggravate me further." Harriet now left the room, and little Seraph, who had been a witness to the whole scene, was following her. "Come back, Miss," said her mother, "do not attempt to associate with one who will teach you disobedience.” This was the way most effectually to wound the feelings of Harriet, who had incessantly laboured to instil into Seraph's mind every virtuous principle. At being prevented from accompanying her sister, Seraph began to scream violently, and her cries heightened the fury of her mother. Anger, like all the other passions, may be checked at its commencement, but if it gain admittance into the heart, what mortal can say to its tempest, "thus far shalt thou rage, and no farther." In the storm, Mary Jones was now forgotten; all Mrs. L.'s anger was directed against Harriet, whom she determined to sepa rate for some time from her sister: this being, she well knew, the se verest punishment she could inflict on her. She ran therefore in the height of her fury, and locked Har riet in her chamber; and bringing the key in her hand, shewed it to Seraph; for she felt resentment even against her, for wanting to go with her sister. At the sight of the key Seraph's cries redoubled, and her maid was ordered to put her in bed. It was with difficulty she was got past the door of her sister's room; she must stop to say how sorry she was for her confinement, and to lament that she was not allowed to share it with her. Scarcely had Seraph's screams ceased to echo through the hall and passages, when her father returned. "Where is Harriet, my dear?" said he, as he entered the parlour, where his lady sat in gloomy dignity, "I have been making verses, but what pleases me most is the air I have composed for them, which I want Harriet to play to me." [See the verses at the commencement of the story.] "Mr. Lancaster," answered his wife, haughtily, your daughter has highly offended me; I have long ceased to expect that she would 66 |