# Visits to the Ragged Schools explained — Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life

> Chapter companion for Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life by Josiah Henson.

## What happens

Josiah Henson describes his time in England, where he spoke at Ragged Schools and public meetings about the condition of slaves. He recounts a confrontation with a Pennsylvania speaker who boasted about Sunday Schools in the US, an offer from Lord Grey to go to India, a moving interview with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and a memorable day with Lord John Russell and Sabbath School Teachers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Education and Self-Improvement

Henson's self-education is highlighted in his interview with the Archbishop, where he describes graduating from 'the university of adversity' and learning by observing good speakers.

### Faith and Religion

Henson discusses his religious journey, including learning the Lord's Prayer from his mother and being moved by a sermon on Hebrews 2:9.

### Moral Hypocrisy

Henson publicly contradicts a Pennsylvania speaker who falsely claimed that Sunday Schools in the US were open to all classes, exposing the exclusion of Black children.

## Character check-ins

### Josiah Henson

Narrator and speaker at Ragged Schools and public meetings; recounts his experiences and interactions with English dignitaries.

### Samuel Gurney

Philanthropist who introduced Henson to the Archbishop of Canterbury via a note and family card.

### Lord John Russell

Prime Minister of England who hosted a picnic for Sabbath School Teachers on his grounds; Henson dined at his mansion.

## Key lines

> I graduated, your grace, at the university of adversity.

Henson tells the Archbishop that his education came from enduring hardship as a slave.

_Henson explains his lack of formal schooling but his learning through life experience._

> First to England. Honor to the brave, freedom to the Slave, success to British emancipation. God bless the Queen!

Henson proposes a toast praising England for its emancipation efforts and wishing success for the Queen.

_A toast given at Lord John Russell's picnic, reflecting Henson's gratitude for British anti-slavery._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xxii-visits-to-the-ragged-schools
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters