The challenge to those who profess such anxiety for elevating the condition of the poor, to give up some of their own time for the purpose, and not to “rob God,” is not put forth merely as a fair argumentative point. It is a grave suggestion which has been thrown out more than once, whether there should not be one half-day in the week agreed upon, through the length and breadth of the land, as the labouring man’s time for recreation and self-improvement. In manufacturing districts, where labour is paid for by the quantity done, leaving the workman master of his own time, this half-day is very generally taken, and long usage has appropriated Monday afternoon for the purpose. Why should not the convention be extended to those who have to work by time? The proposal seems to me to be worthy of all consideration. Let every wharf, and mill, and factory, close on Monday, at two o’clock. Let the national Museum, and other places of intellectual improvement, be thrown open. Let the paid Exhibitions, the Crystal Palace among them, lower their terms of admission to some merely nominal price. Let Societies be organized for providing lectures in the evening, on subjects of popular interest. Let district reading-rooms be opened, supplied with well-conducted newspapers, and other periodical literature. Let the national school-room be available on that evening for different adult classes, under the guidance of the clergy, or other friends of social improvement. That there is a desire among our poor to avail themselves of such facilities as those here referred to, I have, for the most part, proved in my own district; and should greater opportunities be afforded by employers, not only, I believe, would a change for good be effected in the social tastes and habits of our people, but the way would be gradually prepared for their realizing their Sabbaths as a “DELIGHT,” and, in the refined exercises of sacredness and mercy, keeping them “HOLY UNTO THE LORD.”