for it falls directly within the proper scope of their own ordinary duties. Is it not the duty of those who belong to the Church and who live in this country to take their share in rescuing little creatures and doing for them what their parents ought to do, what some cannot do, and what some parents will not do? It is a duty to rescue all that we can reach, whether they be children or grown-ups.’ On the same occasion the Earl of Leven and Melville delivered himself after this wise, ‘It was only as the children were brought up well that they could hope to diminish the number of criminals. He had had a very practical experience of the Society, which he would relate for the benefit of those who might like to follow his example. About ten or twelve years ago he had some money which he wished to devote to reducing the evils arising from over crowding in great cities, and he looked around to see what could best be done, and after much consideration he came to the conclusion that the right end to begin was with the children. On making inquiries he found that if a boy was delicate, consumptive, or an idiot or a little criminal, there were a good many places where he could go, but that if he were a healthy boy there was very little provision for him. It appeared to him that, looking to the future of the country, the healthy boys were just the ones that ought to be taken care of. Up to that
