is desirable did not exist between themselves and the parents of the children, invited the former to a social tea, in the Lecture Hall of the Mechanics' Institute, on Thursday, April 2d. About two hundred cheerfully responded, and listened, with the utmost attention, to an interesting and profitable address by the Rev. W. P. Peck, Superintendent of the Circuit, who dwelt especially on the importance of the age in which we live, in its relation to posterity, and upon the beneficial results of Sunday-schools to the country; and closed by exhorting all present to assist in implanting right principles in the minds of the young. The superintendent of the Sunday-school spoke of the pleasure which he and his co-workers felt in striving to benefit the scholars, and asked the co-operation of their parents, especially their mothers, in order to punctuality. The day-school master gave some practical hints upon the training of children. The Rev. H. P. Wilson delivered an address upon "Home, and its Relationships." Mr. Harvey, sen., spoke of the good results which he had witnessed from Sunday-schools during forty-five years, Mr. Fenton, speaking as one parent in the name of all, thanked the committee and teachers for their persevering kindness to the children and their parents.

J. W. L.

Popular Education in Birmingham.

THE annual meeting of the Birmingham Education Society, held under the presidency of Mr. Dixon, produced an immense volume of facts relating to the subject with which the Society is engaged. Through the agency of this body, an investigation has been made into the educational condition of all the working-class children in the town, 52,573 in number. Of these, 7,517 were under three years of age, and consequently too young for schoolattendance. Of the remainder, ranging from three to fifteen years of age, 23,052 were boys, and 22,004 girls. Of the boys, 17,006 had been to school in some way, and 5,976 had not; 8,587-a little above one in three were at school at the time of the inquiry, and 3,902 were at work; leaving 10,563, neither at school nor at work: 7,096 could read and write, 2,934 could read only, and 13,022 could neither read nor write. To anticipate the natural observation that these figures are deceptive, inasmuch as they relate to children many of them infants not more than three years of age, the Report of the Society gives the particulars of every age from three to fifteen. In order to exhibit the most favourable part of the return, we will next extract what refers to those, 3,863 in num

ber, between thirteen and fifteen years of age. As these children have, most of them, already received all the teaching they are ever to obtain, their cases may be considered practically to exhibit the results of the existing "system." Of the number mentioned, 3,211 had been to some kind of school for an average period of 3 years, and 652, or one in five, had never been to school; 377 were at school at the time of the inquiry; 2,383 were at work; and 1,103 were neither at school nor at work: 1,955 could read and write, 552 could read only, and 1,356 could neither read nor write. The conclusion, therefore, is that, of boys reared in this advanced age, in one of the most enlightened of our towns, only one-half, at the end of the school-age, can read and write; one-third can do neither; two-fifths are running the streets, neither at school nor at work; and one-fifth have never even been in a school. It is needless to pursue the history of the girls, for that merely re-echoes what has been said of the boys. By turning to another part of the Society's Report, we meet with the cause of this miserable state of affairs. Of 300 families, taken indiscriminately from the books of the visiters, the income of families assisted by the Society was, after paying rent, (averaging 54d. a head per week,) only 1s. 14d. per head weekly. In the number, there were 80 families of widows and women deserted by their husbands, and with them the income, clear of rent, was only 10 d. a head per week. It is clear that the payment of 3d. weekly for schooling was out of the power of these poor people, and that their children were condemned by the force of hard circumstances to be brought up in ignorance. The remedy is none the less clearly indicated. The first step towards an improvement must be the provision of tree-schools for those who cannot afford to pay for education. Without that, it is simply foolish to expect that the children of the very poor, who constitute a considerable portion of our working population, will ever acquire even such humble accomplishments as the arts of reading and writing. The Education Society aims to supply this deficiency, by paying the school-pence of poor children; and upwards of three thousand, who would be otherwise in the streets, are actually at school through its instrumentality.-Birmingham Journal.

The Education Grant.

THE Vote proposed for public education in Great Britain for the year ending with March, 1869, is £842,554; an increase of £136,689 over the vote for the fiscal year just expired. The calculation, based upon the number of scholars in average attend

ance in schools inspected in the last schoolyear in England, with the per centage added for the ordinary increase, gives 985,200 as the estimated average attendance in 1868; but an addition of 45,000 is made for half-timers under the Workshops Act, and of 16,000 for scholars in Congregational and other schools, newly admitted to aid, raising the estimated number of day-scholars to 1,046,200. The rate of grant is estimated to be raised, under the minute of February, 1867, to 9s. 10 d. per scholar. Hence the educationvote of this Session will make provision for 1,046,200 day-scholars at 9s. 10 d. in elementary schools fulfilling the article requiring certificated teachers, the amount reaching £516,561, instead of the £427,345 of last Session's vote; and 56,340 eveningscholars, at 6s. 6d., requiring £18,310. To this has to be added an estimate for the present year for scholars, under the new system, in schools not fulfilling the article requiring certificated teachers. It is calculated that if, on an annual average, a million scholars be attending aided schools, there remain 500,000 attending unaided schools of the same class, and that 100,000 of them are in schools with an average attendance not exceeding 65, the limit proposed; of the 100,000 a certain number were inspected last year, and, adding to these one half of the remainder as the number likely to be at once brought under inspection by the offer of the 8s. grant, the total increase to be provided for in the financial year 1868-9 will be 52,500 dayscholars. The grant for these, taken at 5s. 5d., will be £14,218; and for 3,000 more evening-scholars, at 3s. 8d., £550. The total of annual grants for scholars in England, therefore, which was £443,345 in the year 1867-8, will be £549,639 for the year 1868-9. The vote of this Session will also provide for ten more inspectors than the vote of last year, making 78; and, for three new assistants, making 23 inspectors' assistants. This is caused by the anticipated increase in the number of schools and children to be visited and examined. Two of the additional ten inspectors represent temporary appointments only; namely, substitutes for two of the senior inspectors withdrawn to serve on the Commission of Inquiry into Education in Ireland. Briefly, the education-vote for Great Britain to be proposed this Session stands thus:-Office in London, £29,482; inspection, £64,103; normal schools, £74,250; building grants, £45,000; annual grants, England and Wales, £549,639; grants to teachers in Scotland, £79,500; unexpired pensions, £580. Total, £842,554.

Prince Alfred and the Schools of Australia.

THE Prince Royal has received a hearty welcome to the Australian colonies,one continued ovation, The weather, however, proved exceedingly wet. But these invaluable rains were sadly needed; so much so, that the churches were about setting apart a day of solemn prayer and fasting to ask rain from heaven, when the Lord prevented us by His goodness, and turned our prayers into thanksgivings.

This 4th day of February, 1868, was the occasion of the presentation of a Bible, in a casket, to the Prince, by the Protestant school-children of Sydney and its environs. The inner domain, where the presentation took place, constitutes the private walking grounds and garden of Government House, and is delightfully situated. It skirts the unrivalled harbour of Sydney, which possesses the very large number of sixty bays, in the deep sheltered waters of which, more than all the navies of the world might ride securely at anchor. The coastline of this wonderful harbour, extraordinary as is the statement, measures, from head round again to head, no less than four hundred miles. The splendid Botanic Gardens adjoin the inner domain; the wellkept public park stretches beyond; the various heights of the suburbs of Sydney are in view, dotted with their elegant and picturesque white freestone villas; the Blue Mountains, forty miles distant, look scarcely more than four; an optical illusion, which greatly impresses all newcomers from the denser climes of England. These mountains span half the horizon, and bound the vision. Such varied combinations of scenery form a galaxy which descriptive power is less likely to overrate than to underrate.

Lest the weather should still prove wet, a portion of the sloping ground of this inner domain was carefully covered in; but the weather proved one of the most pellucid and admirable of our Australian days. About twelve thousand children, and many of their teachers, marched in, accompanied by bands of music. Five thousand visiters grouped around. The number of clergy who accompanied their schools was very large. His Royal Highness, kindly complying with the wishes of his inviters, and determined that no child should depart without the satisfaction of seeing him, remained standing on the steps of Government House, after the presentation had taken place, whilst the schools marched past him. Although no time was lost, this proceeding occupied just one hour. The Government placed the railway at the service of the suburban schools, free of charge. The Governor

and suite, and a large number of our leading people were present. All classes appeared to enter heartily into the spirit of the scene. As the schools marched out, the Inspector-general of Police, who with his men had rendered good service, called for three cheers for the Prince; which, rising from all quarters, and mingling with the strains of music, floating of banners, and voices of the children singing "God save the Queen," finished off the occasion admirably.

A detailed description of the Bible and casket would prove too lengthy. All that native gold, all that frosted and oxydised silver, all that the curious arts of the cabinetmaker, the goldsmith, and the jeweller could do, was done. Messrs. Hardy and Mr. Jones exerted themselves to the utmost, and no mean utmost it proved. The casket was of myall, (a beautifully scented native wood,) resting on four claws of the emu, (the largest of Australian birds,) with carved edges and mouldings. In the centre of the top was a group of six figures in frosted silver, representing our Saviour blessing little children; the base of the group in silver, chased beautifully, representing native grasses, ferns, and wild flowers. Around, were miniature silver wreaths of the native honeysuckle, the waratah, (native tulip,) fronds of the cabbage-tree palm, native rose, and other vegetable products. At each corner of the casket stood a full-length aboriginal figure amid groups of Australian foliage, all in oxydised silver. The substantial handles were composed of silver, frosted and burnished, with the opossum and black snake in relief, in oxydised silver. As to the jewel of the casket, the blessed Bible, it was in crimson velvet binding, with lining of splendidly illuminated silk, clasps and corners of native gold, in which were devised the waratah, surrounded by feathery ferns and graceful scrolls. The clasps were of solid gold.. The inscription in letters of gold.

I have not at hand the paper containing an account of the Victorian presentation at Melbourne. The number of children who attended on that occasion was, at

least, equal to our number, and every arrangement passed off excellently.

The beautiful island of Tasmania, at Hobart-Town, furnished about five thousand children for the occasion. The Tasmanian papers give most interesting and lengthy details. I send you, in conclusion, the following cutting from the "HobartTown Mercury's" account:- "As the Prince approached the children's stand, the hearty cheers were renewed, flags and handkerchiefs waved, and hats were tossed up. The six gallant greys, and the whole procession, came to a halt; the band struck up a preliminary note, the conductor waved his staff, and the children sang heartily. We have not yet heard the 'Ode of Welcome' better sung. It was a great success. As soon as the National Anthem, which followed, had been sung, during the singing of which the people uncovered, a scene ensued, which His Royal Highness seemed to enjoy amazingly, and laughed at most heartily. The children were nearly all provided with bouquets, and, as the carriage moved on, a perfect avalanche of them was hurled at His Royal Highness. Around, over, and under the carriage they fell, in endless profusion. Some of them even struck His Royal Highness, and fell into the carriage. All along the road the shower of bouquets continued, and one or two, well-aimed, actually hit His Royal Highness on the head, and nearly knocked his hat off, and he only saved it by quickly catching it with his hand. These rather demonstrative effusions of young Tasmania were received by His Royal Highness with such thorough goodnature, as won for him, from all, loud and repeated cheers. By the time the carriage reached the gates of Government House, it must have been half filled with flowers. About fifteen thousand persons are considered to have been present besides the children." The Prince is an immense favourite. The Lord grant that "the Rose of Sharon" may bloom blessedly in his young heart. R. W. VANDERKISTE.

64. Erastus was chamberlain of the city of Corinth. (Rom. xvi. 23.)

65. Andrew was one of John's disciples before he became one of our Lord's Apostles. (John i. 35-40.)

66. Luke was the only Christian friend with Paul when he wrote, "I have finished my course." (2 Tim. iv. 11.)

W.

ELIZABETH MANSFORD. ELIZABETH MANSFORD was born at Eagle, a pleasant village near Lincoln, on the 24th of October, 1843. From earliest infancy she was taught and trained by her godly parents in the truths and ordinances of religion, and in keeping holy the Sabbath-day; and her life-long reverence for it was shown by her abstinence, during its hours, from reading any book not of a strictly moral or religious tendency; and she was grieved when she knew others indulge in the contrary, and, to her enlightened and tender conscience, sinful practice. From childhood she had the gracious fear of God, evidenced by her thoughtfulness as to her spiritual state and everlasting prospects when asking a friend, "Do you think I should go to heaven, if I were to die? I try to be good. I don't say any naughty words; and I pray three times a day."

At thirteen years of age she became a member of the Methodist Society; a good preparation for leaving home, which occurred about a year later, when she went to a school at Burnley as a pupil-teacher, where she won the love of those with whom she lodged: her amiable, steady, and consistent conduct causing her to be esteemed and treated as a daughter, and the formation of a friendship which was only severed by death.

She entered our Westminster Normal College, as a first-class Queen's Scholar, at the Christmas of 1863; and spent the

two following years as a student in the Institution, passing through her course with credit and success. At the end of that period she was appointed to take charge of the new week-day school at Highbury, London, where she laboured until November, 1866, when failing health compelled her to resign: for in the latter part of 1865 there were premonitory symptoms that her strength was giving way. Rest from school-duties, and the Divine blessing on medical treatment, enabled her to resume her duties, till the signs of consumption unmistakably appeared, and she quitted school-life for the rural home of her beloved parents.

Both at college, and in her school, she took great delight in her work; fulfilling all duties with that cheerfulness and scrupulous conscientiousness which were the most prominent features of her character. Her sufferings, during the whole of the three years, were constant, and often great; but she was never fretful, or impatient, and was only disheartened when kept from her duties, (a rare occurrence,) or hindered in the discharge of them. Her earnest spirit not only exacted from her ailing body more labour than it could well bear, but led her to continue her work longer, perhaps, than was prudent; and when she finally resigned, it was found, to the surprise and grief of her friends, that disease had made alarming progress, and that there was but little strength left to resist further attacks. Although her stay at Highbury was thus cut short, she had already, by her tenderness and

patience, endeared herself to her scholars, and gained the affections of friends to whom her memory is fragrant. The parting from them, and from the work on which her heart was set, was a great trial to her; but she bore it with composure, and in her last illness she was cheered by the assurance that her labour had not been in vain.

Her religious experience was not altogether cheering or satisfactory. She entertained very just views of duty, and very humbling views of herself; and had a yearning desire to be and to do right. But she had not that soulrefreshing view of Jesus, and His Word, which it is believed she enjoyed "when first she saw the Lord." The depression was, perhaps, ascribable more to physical than moral causes;

an over

taxed, delicate frame throwing something of its languor over the mind. Hence she seemed as one of little faith, ever ready to droop, to doubt, and almost to despond. This tinged too generally and deeply her young life; causing grief to those who lived with her, loved her, and could not but observe this prevailing bondage. But though previously, there had been more fear than joy in her experience, as the final scene drew on, more than gleams of heavenly light and peace shone into her believing soul. When she felt herself beginning to sink, she found the Saviour benignly nigh, and graciously stretching out His allhelping hand, and sweetly dispelling her fears with His words, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" words of comfort rather than of rebuke: so she found, and was glad. When reminded that disease might prove fatal, she would calmly reply, "Well, if it is so, I need not be discouraged or gloomy; the Lord will be with me, I hope." Her medical attendant was pleasingly impressed with her holy cheerfulness. She was gratefully alive to the kindnesses shown to her, and sympathized so much with the sufferings of others, as almost to seem insensible to her own pains.

As the disease stealthily gained on her frame, she sought the Lord with increasing earnestness, and evidently received the

kingdom of God with the simple, unquestioning trust of a little child; and, therefore, exchanged her fears for filial confidence and joy. Some weeks before her death she testified, "I have a meetness for, and a title to, my heavenly home." As death drew nigh, she was not only tranquil, but her happiness increased; exclaiming, "O, how happy I am! I have been with Jesus, and He has repeated His promise that, when I go away from you, He will come and meet me. I feel it to be better and better." On her last, loved, earthly Sabbath she was so weak, that she had to be carried to bed before her usual time; it was her death-bed. During the few harrowing days of life she ofttimes was telling of the goodness of God to her soul. On the Wednesday she was in an ecstasy of praise. Over and over again her language was, "O, how sweet Jesus is! My precious Jesus, 0, how I love Thee! I should so like to come to Thee!

'If all the world my Jesus knew,

Then all the world would love Him too."""

She then shouted with all her might, so as to be heard all over the house,—

"I'll praise my Maker while I've breath; And when my voice is lost in death,

Praise shall employ my nobler powers; My days of praise shall ne'er be past, While life, and thought, and being last, Or immortality endures."

Praying, she said, "The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Amen! Next, she bade adieu to her relatives, kissing them, and saying, "I shall soon be gone now." In the little time remaining, she said often, "How sweet and lovely Jesus is!" To a brother away, she sent this message, "Tell him how gladly I can die for Jesus." Being assured, about midnight on the Friday, that the struggle would soon be over, she inquired, "Do you think it will?" And on being answered in the affirmative, said, "O, how pleased I am; it will be sweet to go to Jesus. I do love Him so! Blessed Jesus, let me come now.' As the morning drew on, she said, "Jesus