I cannot think the destinies of our race an unimproving matter of contemplation, and that it savours of presumption, or of needless forelooking, to reflect on these things. A notable portion of the great human family utters every day a prayer in which the individual supplicant asks, not for himself alone, even those blessings which he can individually enjoy, but also, and first, implores those general blessings which include the welfare of his own race at least. What is the meaning of this, if we are to take no interest in the general welfare, or not, by every means in our power, to aid in it?
In the better order of men there is a desire for social improvement totally independent of all thought of personal gain. Bishop Butler saw in the fact, that there were persons who devoted themselves to a pursuit so remote from worldly ends as astronomy, a wonderful instance of the innate consciousness in man of his high origin and destiny. But an earnest and unselfish love of social progress, is a far more satisfying sign that the impress of good is not altogether effaced, and that men are not wholly isolated by worldliness from the future and the past.
“Hence, in a season of calm weather, Though inland far we be, Our souls have sight of that immortal sea Which brought us hither, Can in a moment travel thither, And see the Children sport upon the shore, And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore.”
The following table shows the progressive decrease in the sum of vitality in the three classes of the inhabitants of Preston. The calculations are founded on the ages at death for the six years ending June 30, 1843:—
Remaining at 90.8 79.6 68.2 the end of 1st year
Terminates in Terminates in Terminates in the 92nd year. the 96th year. the 103rd year.
_Evidence of Rev. J. Clay_. _Health of Towns Report_, _page_ 174.
The following table shows the progressive decrease in the vitality of the three classes from the age of 21 years:—
Terminates at Terminates at Terminates at 92 years. 96 years. 103 years.
_Evidence of Rev. J. Clay_. _Health of Towns Report_, _page_ 175.
1. Saving by one-third of the actual number of Deaths. £1,240 The expense of each being estimated at 2_l._ 10_s._
2. Saving in the excess of Births beyond 1 in 44 of £827 the Population; the expense of each Birth being taken at 1_l._