ulse given to parochial education by the latter is beyond all
calculation; and the difference of ecclesiastical discipline in a
diocese, where there are active archdeacons and where there are not,
is a matter of well ascertained fact.
The duties of a chaplain-general[3] should be to visit the naval
posts, and to go on board the Queen's ships, (especially before they
are despatched on foreign service,) for the purpose of reporting and
advising. He should look out for and recommend competent
chaplains,--consult with admirals and captains on the best mode of
securing the regular performance of the sacred offices,--make inquiry
into the state of the ship-libraries, keep them well supplied with
religious books and tracts, and direct observation generally to the
spiritual wants of ships and ports. He would thus be of infinite use
in making religion an object of more and more thoughtfulness to those,
who take an interest in the comfort and good conduct of the Navy: two
things which always go together.
If an Inspector of all the naval schools and schoolmasters were
appointed (Professor Mosely has now the inspection of the Dockyard
Schools,) he should consider it to be part of his office to look to
the libraries, and to recommend elementary books. His periodical
examinations would be likely to stir up the same spirit of emulation
on board ship, which has been the result in our towns and villages,
where the schools are visited by persons appointed by the Committee of
Privy Council on Education. I am satisfied with throwing out these
suggestions without dwelling further upon them, under the persuasion
that every practical hint of the kind will be well considered, and
acted upon (if it commend itself to their judgment,) by those who
preside over naval affairs, and who have at heart the mental
improvement of our seamen.
I have another suggestion to make, which is meant not for those only,
who are officially interested in the condition of the navy, but for
all who love and value it. The merchant service, the fisheries, and
the coasting trade are the nurseries of the navy. Every shipmate and
every boatman on the sea and on the river ought, therefore, to come in
for a share of our sympathy, because he belongs to a class to which
the Queen's ships must look for a supply of men. But none are exposed
to more trials than they, and especially in the larger ports. Many of
them come home from a voyage of danger and deprivation, full of
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