These associations have taken hold in the right way, and
aimed both at making the sailor's life more comfortable and
creditable, and at giving him spiritual instruction. Connected with
these efforts, the spread of temperance among seamen, by means of
societies, called, in their own nautical language, Windward-Anchor
Societies, and the distribution of books; the establishment of
Sailors' Homes, where they can be comfortably and cheaply boarded,
live quietly and decently, and be in the way of religious services,
reading and conversation; also the institution of Savings Banks for
Seamen; the distribution of tracts and Bibles;- are all means which
are silently doing a great work for this class of men. These societies
make the religious instruction of seamen their prominent object. If
this is gained, there is no fear but that all other things necessary
will be added unto them. A sailor never becomes interested in
religion, without immediately learning to read, if he did not know how
before; and regular habits, forehandedness (if I may use the word)
in worldly affairs, and hours reclaimed from indolence and vice, which
follow in the wake of the converted man, make it sure that he will
instruct himself in the knowledge necessary and suitable to his
calling.
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