←1926
←1926
The System of District Societies is working under the sanction of our Hierarchy in some of our large spheres. It is the most likely means of diffusing instruction among masses of immortal beings that could not otherwise be reached. The nucleus of the system is a Christian congregation, and the strength of it is Christian Visitors, well-exercised in all its duties of patience, compassion, and self-denial. The London Society has entered the work with an organized system of operation, and with admirable perseverance. They thus forcibly state their case, in language of extensive application—
‘Some parishes have gradually become so thickly peopled, that an acquaintance, either personal or through the medium of his clerical assistants, along with the majority of his parishioners, is beyond the reach of the most active and laborious incumbent. With the utmost zeal on his part, thousands may still be left comparatively to themselves, without even the moral restraint which, in a smaller parish, the frequent intercourse between the clergyman and his people often imposes on the most careless and unconcerned. Extensive districts are to be found where a mass of ignorance, vice, and superstition is untouched, or nearly so, by the ordinary and prescribed means of preventing ‘error in religion and viciousness in life.’ Their inhabitants live in the undisturbed practice of ungodliness by the force of mutual example, confirming each other in disregard of every religious duty. Places of worship are unfrequented by them. They will not go in search of the means of spiritual instruction; these means must be brought home to them. If an impression is to be made, they must be invited, no, “compelled” to attend to their eternal interests by the earnest, persevering, long-suffering labours of individuals who are willing to penetrate the abodes of misery and vice, to go from door to door, and to encounter frequent disappointment in their benevolent object.’
‘The appointment of Visitors’ (as the London Committee judiciously observes) (is of the highest moment; they may be obtained from every rank of society, and many of them will be Members of Local Committees. It is, however, essential that they be impressed with the importance of eternity—persons who earnestly desire that their fellow creatures may walk in a right course, and who will interest themselves, not only in the relief of the body, but in the spiritual welfare of those whom they undertake to visit.
‘In order that they may have time for the performance of such serious duties, care should be taken not to delegate too much to one individual; in general from twenty to thirty families will be found sufficient for the most active Visitor! And for female Visitors, a number still more limited may often be desirable. If, however, two Visitors act together (a course which will frequently be found expedient, particularly in their early labours) a large section may be allotted them.
‘But there is no point which the Central Committee would more strongly urge on Local Committees than to confine their own and their Visitors’ exertions within a practicable compass; a small space effectively visited is infinitely preferable (whether in reference to the good that is really done, or to the example which it affords) to a large district that is only partially occupied.’
Their instructions to the Visitors are most admirable—
‘You will visit the families comprehended in your section as often as time and other circumstances may render expedient, with the view of promoting their temporal and spiritual improvement.—You will make it your first object to gain their attention, and secure their confidence, by convincing them that you are actuated solely by motives of Christian charity and kindness, and that you have no other end in view than their welfare.—Many topics of friendly conversation and enquiry will readily suggest themselves to you; and in selecting these, much will depend on your own good sense and discretion.’
‘The Committee, however, would suggest the following hints:—
1. Your first enquiries should relate to those subjects which afford the greatest interest to the poor; such as the number of which the family consists—the ages of the children—whether they attend any school, or can read—whether the family possesses a Bible or any other religious books; and where you find a disposition to answer your inquiries, you will endeavour to ascertain whether the persons you visit attend Public Worship, and where—their occupation—means of subsistence—whether by parochial relief, by labour, charity, or otherwise—the period of their residence in the district—amount of rent paid—and manner of spending Sundays and leisure hours.
—2. You will gently and prudently lead their attention to religious subjects, endeavouring to impress their minds with a sense of the importance of their immortal souls. and of the value of the Holy Scriptures as a message of mercy from God to sinful man. You will urge on them the duty and privilege of observing the Sabbath, of prayer, and of attending Public Worship. You will point out to them, as occasion may require, their relative duties; and avail yourself of suitable opportunities to reprove open vice. You will pay particular attention to the young, the sick, and the aged. You will encourage parents to send their children to Day and Sunday Schools, and recommend grown up persons, who cannot read, to attend adult evening schools. You will inform those who are without a Bible, how they may obtain one, and suggest weekly subscriptions for this purpose; and you will transmit their names and residence to the nearest Bible Association, or to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.
—3. It will be necessary that you be provided with information as to the Places of Worship, Adult, Day, Sunday, and Infant Schools in the neighbourhood; and where there is any obstacle to the attendance of the persons you visit, from lack of accommodation or distance, you will make this circumstance known to the Local Committee of the District.
—4. You will not fail to inculcate habits of industry and cleanliness, both of rooms and persons. Where practicable, employment should be suggested to persons out of work, and in many cases it will be desirable to point out the advantages of Savings’ Banks, and to encourage weekly deposits for rent.
—5. In cases of sickness and want, you will endeavour to ascertain whether there is any medical or other attendance, whether relief is afforded by any benevolent society, and what charitable assistance is required.
—6. The Committee recommends that relief should be administered (where practicable) through the medium of some existing Society or Institution: and it will be very desirable that the Visitors be provided with recommendations of Subscribers to such Societies, and to the nearest Dispensary, to be used as occasion may require.
—7. It may in some cases be advisable to release the tools and clothes of mechanics from pawn shops; but, except in instances of pressing and immediate want, it is strongly recommended that no pecuniary aid be afforded from the funds of the Society before the case has been submitted to the Local Committee.
—8. It will be necessary to bear in mind the prevalence of fraud and imposture; and it is hoped that the frequency of your visits will gradually facilitate their detection. While you will avoid all appearance of harshness, or lack of feeling for the misery which meets your notice, you will use every precaution to guard against the misapplication of charitable aid on objects of merely pretended distress, or on those who are receiving adequate relief from other sources.
—9. You will avoid, as far as possible, encroaching on the necessary occupations of families and individuals; and with this view, it will be very important that you ascertain the time when visits are most acceptable, and thus put persons the least out of the way.
—10. You will not attempt to force yourselves on those who show a determined aversion to your visits; but you will express to them, in a friendly manner, your readiness to call on them again if they become more disposed to receive you.
—11. It will generally be desirable that the Visitors go two and two, although they may frequently be engaged at the same time with different families under the same roof.
—12. You will be provided with a journal, in which you will enter the name, residence, etc. of the persons visited; with answers to certain queries suggested, which should be submitted to the Local Committee of your district, at each meeting, accompanied with a notice of any particular occurrences tending to illustrate character, show improvement, call for particular advice, etc., and with such general observations on the state of your Section as may appear useful.
—13. The Committee would only further entreat you to remember the Master whom you serve; and in cases of opposition or insult, to govern your temper—to return good for evil—blessing for cursing—to be patient towards all men, “in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves.”‘