We have the pleasure of presenting, this month, the readers of the Youth's Instructer, with the view of a building which can scarcely fail of being interesting to them in no ordinary degree. By the erection of the Wesleyan Proprietary School at Sheffield, a want has been, at least in part, supplied, which has long been felt; an example has been set, which, in due time, will, we doubt not, be imitated to an extent which will bring the supply into a nearer proportion to the want; and provision has been made for affording to the Wesleyan youth an education at all events equal to any which they would elsewhere receive, and which will be, from first to last, connected with that course of religious instruction in which those principles, on whose scriptural character and importance their friends believe themselves justified in laying so much stress, will be carefully embodied.

It is now about a hundred and one years ago, since Mr. Wesley founded the school at Kingswood, near Bristol, earnestly praying,

"Unite the pair so long disjoin'd,

Knowledge and vital piety."

This institution, though now confined to the sons of the Preachers, was originally designed to include a much wider range of pupils. Mr. Wesley drew up for VOL. IV. Second Series.

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it an exceedingly valuable course of literary and scientific study, with which he combined that species of religious training, which he believed to be calculated not merely to impart a knowledge of the facts, evidences, and doctrines of holy Scripture, but to bring the youthful mind to seek for the great blessing of the Gospel, 66 forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith" in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Circumstances were not favourable to the plan which Mr. Wesley thus sought to accomplish, and he was obliged partially to lay it on one side. Latterly, however, atten tion has been extensively revived to the subject; and, "in the year 1836, a meeting was held at Sheffield, consisting of the Methodist Ministers of both the Circuits" into which that town is divided. At this meeting, “all were of opinion that the time was now fully come, when a school of the description so long and so earnestly desired, might be established with fair prospects of success."

A Provisional Committee was immediately formed, a plan was devised, prospectuses were issued, and a number of subscribers was soon obtained sufficient to justify the commencement of the undertaking. A piece of ground was therefore purchased, containing about six acres, situated about a mile to the westward of Sheffield, on the southern slope of a hill, sheltered from the prevailing winds, and surrounded by the most beautiful scenery. The Botanical Gardens (to which the pupils have access) are in the immediate neighbourhood; and in impressive contrast, on the northern side of the opposite and distant hill, a Cemetery, not long ago inclosed, presents its solemn features, and reminds those who are learning to live, that they must likewise prepare to die.

On this site, than which one more beautiful in point of position, or more valuable in regard to salubrity, could not have been found in the kingdom, a large and magnificent edifice has been erected, containing, besides the rooms necessary for the domestic department of the institution, one large and six smaller school-rooms, nine dormitories, (in which each pupil has a bed to himself,) a spacious

dining-hall, amphitheatre for lectures, laboratory, museum and library, reading-room and music-room, warm and shower baths; and lastly, a beautiful and commodious chapel. The basement story of one flank of the building is fitted up as a covered play-ground and gymnasium, that the youths may in all weathers engage in those athletic exercises which develope at once both muscular and mental energy, and which thus prepare for the successful pursuit of knowledge, and for its subsequent vigorous application." Provision is likewise made for quiet reflection "in the corresponding flank of the building, set apart as cloisters, where the studious youth may walk at any time," when he wishes to be undisturbed by the more active engagements elsewhere pursued.

The opening took place on the 8th of August, 1838, when animating and talented speeches were delivered by the Rev. G. Marsden, the Chairman; Rev. J. Maclean, the Governor; Rev. S. D. Waddy, one of the Secretaries; Rev. James Dixon; James Montgomery, Esq.; J. Manvers, Esq., Head Master; W. D. Bersey, Esq., A. B., Second Master; Mr. Jobson Smith; and others.

Mr. Montgomery, after an excellent speech on the general subjects suggested by the occasion of the meeting, then addressed himself particularly to the boys,-the first scholars of the institution.

66 'My dear Boys,—In a certain portion of the holy Scriptures you will find these words, in which God speaks to his people of old: Every beast of the forest is mine, and so are the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are mine.' As a single small example of a general fact is often more impressive and affecting to our limited minds, than a broad statement of the whole, because we can more easily understand one thing among many, than comprehend many in one, I will call your attention to a particular case, which will soon occur in this neighbourhood. But first, for a moment, try to conceive, in some measure, what a being that must be who knows all the fowls of the mountains. Now in the course of another week, thousands of

birds, beautiful birds, that live on the wild moors and desolate mountains round this town,-thousands of these will be shot dead, or miserably wounded and left to perish, by the sportsmen, who at this season are licensed to kill game; yet God knows every one of these. He watched the nest in which it was hatched, while the mother-bird brooded over it with her wings; his eye has been upon it, and his hand has continued to feed it, and guide it in its flight to and fro; and he will never forsake it till the moment when it shall be smitten down by its destroyer for sport, and carried off as a prize to furnish a luxury for his table. If God, then, thus knows and cares for the beasts of the field and fowls of the air, much more will he watch over and provide for those whom he created in his image, destined to be partakers of his glory, and for whom he gave his Son to die. How, then, should you regulate your thoughts, order your conversation, and shape your actions, since you are continually with Him, and accountable to Him, for all these! You are now leaving your parents, to be under the guidance of teachers. Do nothing out of their sight which you would be ashamed to do, or to acknowledge having done, in their presence: say nothing which you would be afraid to utter in their hearing, were you required to repeat it; nor indulge a thought in your hearts which might not be divulged to them if it were expedient. Remember, God at all times, and everywhere, sees you, hears you, knows your thoughts, and for all these will bring you into judgment ;—may it not be to condemnation! And as a guard upon your conduct in public, in private, wherever you are, however employed, that you may not fall into temptation, but be delivered from evil, remember, if you forget all beside that I have said to you, --remember, and often repeat to yourselves, in the secret of your heart, the words of Hagar in the wilderness, "Thou God seest me.'

On this invaluable institution may the blessing of Almighty God abundantly rest; and may the large and holy desires of all who are connected with it, and engaged in it, receive a full accomplishment!