Introduction [vii-viii]
[vii] “Brother Help!” what a noble subject for contemplation! What a field of human sympathy does it embrace! What a world of disinterested benevolence does it suggest! To write its history, would be to tell of philanthropy in all countries and in all ages, especially of that highest form of philanthropy, the Christian. “If a man love God, he will love his brother also;” and how many have gone forth into the world’s dark places to manifest this love to their fellow men, through difficulties and dangers, perils and persecutions, and even in the face of death itself? To record their exertions, to set forth their heroic self-sacrifice and unfailing constancy, is the object of this book. “Brother help” is made illustrious by the noble deeds of public philanthropy, but it also as frequently exhibits itself in the routine of every-day life. Kindly acts abound everywhere; deeds of generosity are as common among merchants as among monarchs. Friendships are as strong in the obscure haunts of poverty, as in the halls of opulence. Indeed, there is no condition in life in which sympathy does not exist, or in which “brotherly love” is not required; for all men are mutually dependent. […]
Contents
Introduction viiChapter I The Age of Education – Brother Helpers Among Educationists
Light and darkness. George III. Bedford, Russell, Corston, Sterry, Sturge, and Fry. Pestalozzi, and his heart-work. Fellenberg, and his schools. Joseph Lancaster, and the education of the poor. The heroism of this career. Mr John Hull, and his educational labours. Wilderspin and Infant Schools. Brother-help of Sir Robert Peel. Importance of the Teacher. Educational hopes 1
Chapter II Brother Helpers in the Cause of Liberty
Nations, and their seasons of misfortune. Exodus of the Israelites. Ancient tyrants. Moral force. Roman patriotism. Alfred the Great as a Brother-helper. William Wallace, Robert Bruce. William Tell. Joan of Arc. Spiritual tyranny. Luther – the Reformation. Wycliffe. Huss. Jerome of Prague. Thomas Bilney. Martyrdom. The Great Rebellion. The Puritans. Cromwell. Pym. Hampden. The Waldenses. Louis Napoleon. Hofer. Washington. Garibaldi. Constitutional Freedom. 69
Chapter III Brother-Help as Set Forth Among the Clergy and Ministers of Religion
The active benevolence of the Clergy. Wealth and poverty of the Church. An English landscape. Clerical duty. Bernard Gilpin. Bishop Heber. Oberlin, and his heroic labours. The secret of his success. Felix Neff. Grandeur of his work. The Swedish Pastor’s life. “High Church” and “Low Church.” Bishop of Marseilles. Succourers of the sick. Plague of Malta – of Eyam. Mompesson – the good Pastor. Fenelon. Dr. Emerton. Christian Union, &c. 166
Chapter IV Brother-Help in the Prison, Hospital, on Ship-Board, and in Social and Domestic Life
Howard, and the state of prisons one hundred years ago. Doings of Howard – his voyages, travels, and journeys. George Basset, the Moravian. The galleys. Mrs. Fry. School in the prisons. Croakers. The humane gaoler. History of a poor child. Singular “treat”. Old Bedlam. Hanwell Asylum. Melton. Entertainment to the insane. Asylum for Idiots. Guy, and his hospital. The old “Dreadnought”. Brother-help on ship-board. Driving to a dinner-party. A deep sea hero. Collingwood. Brother-help, social and domestic. The Man of Ross. How to pay church-rates. Christian revenge. Richard Reynolds. Unostentatious benevolence. Agricultural brother-help – Mechi. Peabody. Her Majesty the Queen. The Duke of Kent. The late Prince Consort. Universal Charity the bond of peace among nations 290