CHAPTER VII.
_COUNCIL OF EDUCATION._
Between the late Mr. Christopher Bushell and Mr. Balfour a friendship sprang up of singular depth and intensity--a friendship which gained a firmer hold of both, year by year, till interrupted by death. Two noble men could scarcely have been found more unlike one another; and to the bystander it might have seemed most improbable that, between them, affection profound and tender should have existed. Yet so it was. The calm judicial mind of Mr. Bushell, naturally clothing its utterances in dignity and stateliness, and the eager impetuous soul of Mr. Balfour, rushing into utterance and action in the form that came most readily to him, had a singular affinity for one another. We have heard each speak of the other in terms of unmeasured admiration and affection, and each attribute to the other the main merit of beneficent works in which they were jointly engaged.
We cannot forget our meeting with Mr. Bushell on the way to the beautiful but desolated home of Mount Alyn, on the day on which Mr. Balfour fell asleep. Mr. Bushell’s grief flowed from a fountain that was deep indeed. He had lost a brother and more than a brother, a man whose burning enthusiasm and conquering faith and princely munificence had taken possession of his heart. Alas! that so soon, in the midst of noble and most fruitful work, Mr. Bushell too should have been taken from us, gently translated to a higher sphere of action. Rarely favoured is the city which has two such men to lose.
Not long before his own death, Mr. Bushell supplied us with the following notes and extracts from Mr. Balfour’s letters to him, from which something of the character of both men will appear. There are a few references in them which were supplied to us for guidance, and which might not perhaps have been allowed to remain if Mr. Bushell had continued with us; but now that he is gone from us, there is no reason for suppressing them. We look on these memoranda about such a man, from such a man, with a certain feeling of sacredness, and prefer to present them substantially as they were received. They relate mainly, but not exclusively, to the Council of Education, which has not only done an excellent work for Liverpool, but has set a noble example before all the country. Of this movement Mr. Bushell was--as by his qualities of head and heart he was admirably fitted to be--the soul and centre. With his quick perception of anything that was destined to bless the community, Mr. Balfour threw into this cause both heart and treasure. When they read these extracts, some fellow-citizens will recall the tall figures of these two departed friends, as they were often seen together, in the prosecution of schemes in which they took a common interest; the one with his erect and noble form, and finely chiselled features, calm and self-restrained, the other with his bending, mobile, eager figure, his outstretched hand, and ever-varying features--heaven-made friends, whose strangely differing powers and natures were absorbed in the effort to bless their city and their native land.
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Mr. Balfour became a member of the Liverpool Council of Education at the time of its formation in 1874, and continued to be an active member of the executive committee until the time of his death. A few extracts from several letters written to Mr. Bushell, the president of the Council, by Mr. Balfour during a period of illness, and while absent from home on the Continent, will show the deep interest which he took in this work, and the thoughtful consideration which he gave to its details. These extracts also illustrate the estimation in which Mr. Balfour held many other good works in Liverpool, and the interest which he took in them. His pecuniary contributions to the work of the Council, as to many other local religious and philanthropic institutions, were simply munificent, and wherever there was need, his heart and hand were always open. Without Mr. Balfour’s pecuniary help in the beginning of its work, the Council of Education could scarcely have reached the degree of efficiency and usefulness which it has been permitted to attain.
The following is taken from the Report of the Council of Education for 1877-78:--
“ARCACHON, NEAR BORDEAUX, _24th October 1877_.
“MY DEAR MR. BUSHELL,--It has been a source of sincere congratulation and comfort to me, that the scholarships founded by the Council of Education for the boys of the Liverpool elementary schools have proved such a very great success. Not only do they afford to the boys who gain them, an opportunity for improving their position in life, but it is plain that they give a general stimulus to educational work throughout the town. I consider the conditions on which the scholarships are granted to be most excellent, and that their beneficial action has now been thoroughly tested and proved.
“Believing as I do that the town at large would be prejudiced if these scholarships were by any chance now to fail, I beg to ask your kind consideration of some scheme whereby they can be perpetuated in the future, irrespective of the annual contributions received by the Council.
“If you were to determine to raise a principal sum, the interest of which would serve for the maintenance of these scholarships, I feel sure that not only would their permanence, so far as it is in our power, be thereby established, but the Council would, with the greater ease, be able to prosecute other departments of the work that lies before them.
“To such a fund, should you decide to raise it, I desire to contribute; and anticipating that the suggestion I venture to make may commend itself to your judgment, I beg to enclose a cheque for £1000 to the fund, asking you will please to receive it as ‘A thank-offering.’ Should you deem it better that my own name should appear, you can use it. With very kind regards, I remain, my dear Mr. Bushell, yours very sincerely,
A. BALFOUR.”
Writing to the President of the Liverpool Council of Education, in reply to an acknowledgment of the letter just quoted, Mr. Balfour, under the date of Arcachon, 5th December 1877, says:--
“I am certain that benefit is to be derived from what is now being done, in ways that cannot now be foreseen. A dignity is given to the subject of education such as was never given before, and the subject is at last being treated as of national importance, and not left to be a bone of contention to the religious denominations.”
In a letter to Mr. Bushell, dated 1st January 1878, and written from Arcachon, Mr. Balfour says:--
“I told my bookseller to send you a copy of Archdeacon Hare’s book ‘The Victory of Faith,’ of which we have spoken together, and which I hope you have received. The fourth sermon I specially commend to your notice. One can imagine the tall, aged scholar and preacher delivering it to the lads sitting at his feet, and commending to heart and judgment, with all the persuasiveness in his power, the heavenly truths he was commissioned to declare.
“I consider the condition of the town of Liverpool already furnishes an extraordinary instance of the conquering power of faith. Within the past three or four years several new enterprises have been begun in faith amongst us, and what are we now permitted to see? Take the work of the Council of Education. I have already told you the deep impression made on my mind, by the fact that the attendance of children at our elementary schools has increased within the past three years by nearly ten thousand children, a result largely due to the work of the Council. Each of these children has a history before it, which is certain to be affected _for good_ by this work. Let us continue this work in faith, and who can tell the blessing it may bring. We are not straitened in God; do not let us straiten ourselves.
“The recent development of work amongst seamen is bringing about spiritual changes that are a perfect marvel. Think of an attendance of some eighty men often at the meetings for prayer at 2 P.M., and this in the face of all the temptations abounding, at Price Street. There is now a Mission-Room for foreign seamen, and it has become so overcrowded as to need enlargement. The Seamen’s Orphanage is of older origin, but this year’s report will only be the eighth, and yet its success is wonderful, as you can judge from the enclosed letter, which I hope I may, without breach of confidence, submit to your own eye.
“The work amongst young men is most hopeful, and if these are influenced for good, what hopes may we not indulge in for the future!
“And the remaining subject for special gratitude is the success of these cocoa-rooms, which are flourishing, and are the strongest teetotal fact that exists in our country. I feel certain their popularity furnishes a demonstration, that where reasonable provision is made for the wants of working-men, the public-house is passed by. What a reflection they cause on the reasonings and procedure of our magistrates! The success of these cocoa-rooms is completely to overthrow the false theories that have done such mischief, and I am sure will do good far beyond the limits of our own neighbourhood.
“The educational and other results I have now glanced at are unattainable by any merely human power. The Master Himself has brought them about by His own servants, whose work He has indeed greatly blessed. You must not wonder at my occupying your time by these reflections, for thoughts of the marvellous progress of His work in Liverpool afford me more comfort and rejoicing than the perusal of any poem or the reading of any novel!”
Referring to the demonstration on the delivery of the scholarships and prizes of the Council of Education in January 1878, on which occasion an address was delivered by the Right Honourable Dr. Lyon Playfair, Mr. Balfour writes:--
“The defined objects of the Council are now fairly before the public, and we may hope, as time goes on, will become more and more understood. Deficiencies are now recognised in our system of elementary education, and an honest attempt is made to meet them, instead of shutting our eyes to them or passing them by. Well might Dean Howson say that the proceedings of the Council are likely to be for good, far beyond our own locality. It would really seem that a large experiment is being initiated by the Council, which may ultimately affect for good the whole nation. Oh, what need for Divine help and wisdom in the direction of its affairs!
“Our net must be cast wider and wider, so as to enclose many big fish that now swim at large in deep water. One word more about this collecting of money. Remember that if you ask any one for his money, you are doing him an honour thereby. Besides that, if you induce men to give what they can properly spare to this good object, a positive benefit to themselves will ensue. The words of the Apostle are (Eph. vi. 8), ‘Knowing that whatsoever good thing _any man_ doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.’ And I would also say there is plenty of loose money in Liverpool for all Christian requirements. I received a somewhat remarkable letter the other day from our dear friend Mr. ----. He writes:--
“‘We have great reason to be thankful for many things, but have much work yet to do. There is much land yet to be possessed. I have great joy in helping in every good work. I cannot give so much labour as some from want of strength and time, but God has prospered my business much of late, and I can heartily help with money when needed, and with my prayers. God’s claim is on every man, _according to his several ability_, and I am anxious the coming year may be the most fruitful in His service.’
“So there are some amongst us, even now, who regard themselves as His stewards, and we must look forward to the time when all are so to regard themselves.
“My heart sang for joy yesterday when we heard the news that there was peace. The tidings came just as we were going into the little new church that was about to be opened for the first time. I wish there had been an organ, and that Handel’s music, ‘Smiling Peace,’ could have been played. What a relief that the fearful carnage, suffering, and sorrow of these battlefields has ceased.”
Those who visited him, about that time, cannot forget the intense emphasis with which, at family worship, he used to pray--“Scatter Thou the people that delight in war.”
Mr. Balfour, in a letter dated Pau, 6th March 1878, characteristically remarks:--
“Moral forces are now at work in our town in a manner unparalleled in its history since I have known it, and my heart dances with joy as I find that the honest truth is more and more plainly announced and acted on. Just as we get Bible truth identified with elementary education, with temperance, with commercial business, and with politics, so shall we, as individuals and as a nation, become prosperous and happy. One has only to come to this country and see the industry, and thrift, and temperance, and comfort of the peasantry, to be made aware how greatly we need improvement and reform in our national laws, and in our personal thoughts and purposes at home.”
In the same letter, Mr. Balfour, speaking of the evil results of drunkenness and its attendant vice and poverty, asks--
“Where are we to turn for the remedy of all this? To the efforts of Christian men, who are seeking by God’s blessing to extend His Kingdom. To Christian men, labouring for a Christian, and not a party purpose, do I turn, and thank God with assured hope that the time of deliverance is drawing nigh.”
Referring again to the work of the Council of Education, and its method of influencing the pupils, as far as possible, by inducement with reward rather than compulsion under penalty, the writer continues:--
“I like your unit of 420 punctual attendances extremely. Everybody can understand this, and simplicity is an immense thing to a child. Also that ‘Excelsior’ should ring in the pupil’s mind, from the beginning to the end of his school course, regarding this matter of punctuality. I quite believe that this new principle, of acknowledging and rewarding punctual attendance at school, will by and by be adopted by Government. I congratulate you with my whole heart, on having been able to embody the principle in a scheme so practical and comprehensive as that just issued. It touches the weak points of our educational system, and strengthens and improves it all round. I am glad it is contemplated to have a field-day at Midsummer for the children. I believe that the stimulus, given by the hope of passing over the platform of St. George’s Hall, would operate as strongly on a child’s mind as any reward that could be proposed. Such a day in Liverpool will be like the Crystal Palace day in London, when the Bibles have to be distributed--a red-letter day for the children and for their parents. What a change all this is to make in the condition of our system of elementary education--the attention of the town strongly concentrated on it, and the sympathy of all classes drawn to it. No doubt, as you say, the requisite pecuniary support will also be forthcoming. I am very glad you are able to announce so excellent a beginning towards the ‘Endowment Fund for the Scholarships of the Liverpool Council of Education,’ the whole sum required for which I trust you may be able in due course to announce has been contributed.”
Reverting to other topics, Mr. Balfour writes:--
“The opinion is gathering strength in my mind that Englishmen rapidly deteriorate abroad, and that they must return home from time to time, else they degenerate--such a butterfly life as a number of the English people here get into!
“Thank you for telling me about the Mersey Mission meeting, which I rejoice was so successful. What a good thing that the Bishop should be so loyal to this Society, and so regularly occupy the chair, although, no doubt, he has large claims on his time. I am very glad you kindly took in hand the difficult duty of representing to Mr. ---- the views and feelings of Nonconformist friends, at the proposal of virtually making the Seamen’s Orphanage into a Church of England institution. It has been Christian and undenominational, as far as possible, in its character hitherto, and so it ought certainly to remain. I now feel strong hopes that a satisfactory settlement of the difficulty will be come to.”
Writing from the Engadine in August 1880, Mr. Balfour says:--
“We are fast approaching the time when the Council of Education will have completed its preparatory work, towards securing the attendance and punctuality of children at our elementary schools, and providing endowments for our scholarships. The greatest work remains to be undertaken, namely, that of improving the training of our pupil-teachers. We are to take the first step in this by opening the institution in Sandon Terrace. How would it answer that it should be managed by a committee, to consist of certain members of the Council of Education and of certain other friends? While we are at first to provide for the training of female pupil-teachers, yet let us hope we shall be encouraged ere long to undertake an institution for male pupil-teachers.”
It may be mentioned that the School Board having established a college for the supplementary training and instruction of their pupil-teachers, the Council deemed it desirable that similar advantages should be conferred upon the pupil-teachers of the voluntary schools. Towards this object Mr. Balfour became at once a most generous contributor, and during a considerable period of great pecuniary need, the latter college was maintained at his sole expense.
He was very strong in his conviction that the Bible should be read in all elementary schools, and held that education was not worthy of the name, which did not take cognisance of the moral and religious side of a child’s nature. Hence he was intensely desirous, that young teachers and pupil-teachers should be under moral influences of the most elevating kind, while their intellectual training was in progress. He believed, with Hugh Miller, that “education without religion is the world’s expedient for converting farthings into guineas by scouring.”
It need scarcely be added that when University College, Liverpool, was projected and commenced, Mr. Balfour took up the matter with enthusiasm, and was one of its thoughtful and munificent benefactors. The University was opened in 1882, its first Principal being Mr. G. H. Rendall, M.A., Trinity College, Cambridge, and its success from the commencement has demonstrated its necessity, and has amply justified the most sanguine anticipations of its founders.