to us, though it may be contrary to ou
wishes.] Although He should send us ill-
ness, how should we regard it? [Not as
hurtful, but for our profit: Heb. xii. 10,
11.*] But do not there happen many dis-
couraging and contrary things in life, seem-
ingly as if there were no Providence? [Yes.]
Can you think of an example? [As that a
man and his wife have money, and no chil-
dren to spend it upon; and his neighbour
has no money, and yet a large family.] Yes,
this sometimes happens; and what do you
think might both feel? [Discontented with
their lot.] Should they be so? [They should
endeavour to feel that God's decrees con-
cerning them are best.] Or suppose we
have happy turns of fortune, how are we to
regard them? [As if God had appointed
them for our benefit, and to see that we
strive to make a right use of them.] Or
sometimes even God seems to place us in
situations least favourable for our religious
welfare: try and think of such a situation.
[As when a poor boy is removed from the
neighbourhood of his best friends, who are
solicitous for his religious welfare, and
placed amidst scenes of vice, because he is
obliged to earn his livelihood.] Well, first
we must acknowledge that he ought not,
nor his parents for him ought not, to place
him by choice in evil positions; but if cir-
cumstances offer no other means of a live-
lihood, then what are you to conclude?
[That God's purposes are being fulfilled;
that the trial and temptation, however sore,
are not greater than He will enable His chil-
dren who put their trust in Him to bear.]
Very good; and now I shall tell you, that
every scene in which we find ourselves, and
every character with whom we are thrown
by Providence, is precisely ordained as an
opportunity for exercising some virtue, or
eradicating some defect from our mind or
heart.

tain of an answer to prayer- that He would put away from us-what? [All things that be hurtful.] Yes; and to give us-? [Those things that be profitable for us.] How far does God's never - failing providence extend? [To all things in heaven and earth.] And what does this point out to us? [It points out, that God rules the affairs of both places, with a view to putting away from us things hurtful, or to give us those things which be profitable for us.] How does He rule things in heaven to produce these effects? [He gives charge to His angels to keep us against evil angels, evil men, and evil things.] God, you say, foreseeth all things; He sees therefore what is hurtful or profitable to us, though we do not: what good might He see which we do not? [His good angels, active in works of benevolence towards men.] And what evil might He be aware of, and be able to avert? [The malice of Satan or of evil men against us or the Church.] And what effect ought this to have upon our practice? [It ought to induce in us the strongest faith in God's providence, so as to strengthen us in prayer against things hurtful, &c.] What agencies does God's providence employ to help us? [Very various ones; but most frequently circumstances which thoughtless people are apt to consider accidental.] In whose name are we encouraged to make our petitions? [In the Name of Christ: St. John xiv. 13, 14.] But are our prayers always answered in the way asked? [No: Prov. xvi. 9, 25.] Do we have what seems most profitable for us? [Jer. x. 23; Prov. xx. 24.] Do parents think always that little children act wisely, to obtain what is most profitable for them? Do they not wish often for what might hurt them? What, then, do we conclude from this? [That God certainly answers our prayers; but not always in the sense we would have had Him.] How then? [In that which is really beneficial [This series of Notes on the Collects is now completed. The Author of the series from the Ninth Sunday after Trinity to Sexagesima Sunday has since completed the set in another form, and they are sold at the National Society's Depository. The series from Quinquagesima Sunday to the Eighth Sunday after Trinity has been supplied by a clerical contributor, who has also furnished some concluding remarks, which we hope may appear in our next Number, together with the commencement of a series of Lessons on a set of New Testament Scripture Prints.-Ed. M. P.]

STRAY NOTES.

"Points such as one cannot help picking up in the course of miscellaneous study."-Charles Lamb's Essays of Elia.

with us, to have large repositories of rich and splendid apparel. The term rust denotes any thing which corrodes, consumes, or spoils goods of any kind.-Campbell on the Gospels.

TREASURES UPON EARTH (Matt. vi. 19). -Under the term treasures, garments seem to be here included. It was customary for the opulent in Asiatic countries, where fashions in dress were less fluctuating than *God's providence can consist with the greatest distress, as with Job's privations. A man in the lowest pit of misery is not to deem himself deserted of God. When Satan was allowed to strike Job in his property, God kept him from touching his flesh; and when He allowed him to strike him in the flesh, He yet would not allow him to take away his life: Job i. 12, ii. 6. Study in this connection Psalm xxxvii., especially verses 23-29.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES AND INTELLIGENCE. Notices of Books.

SIMPKIN AND Co.-Introduction to English Etymology, by Robert and Thomas Armstrong. 166 pages 12mo, cloth boards, price 2s. This book contains a list of all derivative words in the English language, as derived (1) from the Anglo-Saxon, (2) from the Latin, (3) from the Greek, (4) from the French, Italian, and Spanish, (5) from the German and Arabic. The words are classed in each section under prefixes, affixes, roots, and derivatives.

BOOKS, ETC. RECEIVED.

English Grammar, by C. P. Mason, B.A. Walton and Maberly.
Gradations in Euclid, by Henry Green, A.M. Simpkin and Co.

Hymns and Canticles, &c. marked for Chanting, by E. J. Spark, Bury, Lancashire. 2d edition, price 6d. J. A. Novello.

The Englishwoman's Review, No. 49, containing an article on Education.

Physiology and Laws of Health in Schools: an Address to the Surrey School-Teachers' Association, by Thomas Martin, F.C.S.E. Simpkin and Co.

Intelligence.

SCHOOLMASTERS' AND GENERAL MUTUAL ASSURANCE SOCIETY. This Society held its ninth annual meeting on Saturday the 26th ultimo. The report of the Committee of Management, which may be seen amongst the advertisements of this Number, it is hoped may conduce to the extension of the Society, now so permanently established, and which appears so well calculated to aid those whom it was intended to benefit.

PARLIAMENTARY VOTE FOR EDUCATION.-A vote of 563,4351. was taken on the 21st June to complete the sum required for the education estimates, making the entire vote 663,4351.

SCHOOLMASTERS AND SCHOOLMISTRESSES' ASSOCIATIONS.

METROPOLITAN CHURCH SCHOOLMASTERS' ASSOCIATION.-The various rehearsals preparatory to the Great National-School Choral Festival of the 8th of May having much interfered with the work of this Association, no notice of meetings has appeared since March. On the 20th of that month, the Rev. John Curwen gave a very pleasing lecture on the "Tonic Sol-fa system of singing." At the meeting in May, Mr. Thomas Dexter, of Chelsea, gave a lesson to a class of boys on "Cotton." As usual with Mr. Dexter, the lesson was illustrated by a variety of specimens of the raw and manufactured article, which rendered the subject highly instructive to the boys, and led to an animated discussion among the members. On the 28th May, the members and friends sat down to dinner at the Bridge House Hotel, London Bridge. The chair was taken by the Right Honourable W. F. Cowper, M.P.; and amongst the company were, the Rev. Thomas Jackson, the Rev. Richard Burgess, the Rev. W. H. Brookfield, the Rev. C. H. Carr, John S. Reynolds, Esq.; the Rev. T. Richardson, Mr. W. McLeod, Mr. E. Coghlan, &c. After dinner, the usual loyal toasts were given by the chairman, and responded to with a heartiness which spoke well for the loyalty of schoolmasters. The healths of the Bishops of London and St. Asaph (patron and president) were proposed by the Rev. Thomas Jackson. The National Society, the Privy Council on Education, and other toasts, followed. The chairman proposed "Success to the Association." Mr. Myers, the honorary secretary, in responding to this toast, took occasion to remind the members that a debt upon the Association was hanging like a clog upon their work, in which he had been engaged for eighteen years. He appealed to them to make some effort for its speedy riddance. This appeal (quite novel at the dinners of the Association) was not made in vain; more than half the sum required was subscribed by the members present, in addition to a very liberal donation of 51. from John S. Reynolds, Esq. The musical arrangements, under the direction of Mr. G. W. Martin, gave life and great enjoyment to the meeting. All present were very much pleased with the superior manner in which Mr. Burrell had provided the dinner. The meeting of the Association in June was held on the 12th instead of the 5th, in consequence of the annual meeting of the National Society. Previous to the commencement of the usual business, Mr. Myers, of the Yorkshire Society's School, gave a Bible-lesson to a class of children: subject," The tabernacle in the wilderness." The lesson was eminently practical, and given in a cheerful and earnest spirit; as a consequence, it commanded the most marked attention, not only of the children, but also of the teachers present. Mr. Myers illustrated his subject with a beautiful and apparently very accurate model of the tabernacle, which considerably enhanced the interest and pleasure exhibited throughout this very pleasing and instructive lesson. An animated discussion arose, in which Messrs. Studdle, Graham, and Ives took part. Two new members were elected, and several donations and subscriptions were announced.

NORTHERN.-At the last meeting of this Association, the morning was spent in witnessing the general working of the Barnard-Castle School, and in examining the boys in various school subjects. The chief feature in the afternoon's proceedings was an interest

ing paper on the "Present condition and prospects of the Association," read by Mr. Reed, of the Barrington School, Bishop-Auckland. During the course of his remarks, Mr. Reed pointed out some of the principal causes which have hitherto been so effectual in preventing schoolmasters in the district from enrolling themselves as members of the Association; and it was afterwards resolved to take into consideration the best means for effectually removing these causes. The next meeting will be held at Coundon, BishopAuckland, in October.

DERBY AND DERBYSHIRE.-At the quarterly meeting of this Association, Mr. Bulman, of St. Peter's, Derby, delivered a lecture on the "British colonies." Mr. White, of St. Paul's, Derby, read a paper on the "Subjects to be taught in a National School," on which a discussion took place.

NOTTINGHAM AND NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.-At the annual meeting of this Association, an interesting and instructive lecture was delivered by Dr. Wilson, of Nottingham, upon "Geology." In the afternoon, a paper was read by Mr. Henning, the Secretary, advocating the claims of the Associated Body of Church Schoolmasters, when several persons were enrolled as members of that body. The proceedings of the day, which were altogether of a lively and attractive character, were brought to a close by a social cup of tea. The subscription of members residing upwards of four miles from Nottingham is, by a late minute, reduced to 1s. per annum. It is in contemplation to have the meetings once every two months, instead of quarterly.

DEVON AND EXETER.-At the monthly meeting, a brief but very interesting paper was read upon "School Discipline;" and in the course of the discussion which ensued many valuable remarks were made upon method in teaching reading and writing. The Association now possesses a valuable selection of books, maps, diagrams, &c. from the Government catalogue, which have recently been obtained by a grant from the Committee of Privy Council. Many of the members have joined the Benevolent Institution.

ASSOCIATED BODY OF CHURCH TEACHERS.-The quarterly meeting of the members in the Bristol District was held on Saturday the 12th of June, forty-six Masters and Mistresses being present. Mr. Serjent, the District President, opened the meeting with prayer; after which Mr. Betton, of the Bedminster National School, read a paper on "the recent reports of her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools." He ably criticised their contrariety and tendency on open questions, and compared many of their opinions with the results of his own experience. A spirited discussion followed each distinct subject treated of in the paper, especially the Rev. W. H. Brookfield's remarks on "Methods of Instruction" in his district; while the observations of the Rev. F. Watkins, respecting "the Salaries and Position of Teachers," evoked an earnest and unanimous expression of admiration and gratitude. Mr. Ullathorne, the Secretary, reported that the Committee appointed at the last meeting to consider the necessary arrangements for holding the next annual general meetings of the Associated Body in Bristol had held a meeting, and taken into consideration many important points; but had adjourned to Wednesday evening the 14th of July. Several members hitherto accustomed to contribute the lowest amount entitling to membership, generously promised to increase their subscriptions from 1s. to 2s. 6d. a year, thus manifesting their deep interest in the welfare of the body, and setting an example of liberality which can neither be too highly applauded nor too widely imitated.

TESTIMONIALS.-To Mr. and Mrs. BRAY, on leaving the Binham School, Wells, a Book, handsomely bound, by a few kind Ladies residing in the Parish.

To Mr. J. WRIGHT, a Gold Chain, by the Children, on his resigning the charge of Chipping-Sodbury National School. To Mr. H. P. MEADEN, a Writing-Desk, by the Students, on his leaving the Chester Training College.

colnshire.

APPOINTMENTS.—Mr. R. BRAY,[from]Binham, Wells, Norfolk, to Scawby School, Brigg, LinMrs. JOHN LAZENBY, from Oulton, St. John's, to the Girls' School, Battersea.

DEATH.-Died at Marshchapel, Grimsby, June 21st, after a few days' illness, and universally regretted, Mrs. MARY SCHOLEFIELD, the National Schoolmistress, aged 50 years.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

We cannot undertake to notice rejected communications.

"A. P. L." is thanked; we shall take an opportunity of calling the attention of our correspondent to the points in question. He gives his authority for the information supplied.

Worcester and Lichfield Board Reports in our next.

"J. S." The Minutes of the Committee of Council on Education are sold at the Parliamentary Papers Office, Abingdon Street, Westminster.

"M. J. T." See list of reading-books advertised and sold at the National Society's Depository.

London: Printed by Levey, Robson, and Franklyn, Great New Street and Fetter Lane, E.C.

At the monthly meeting of the General Committee, on July 7th, the following resolution, moved by the Rev. Sir Henry Thompson, Bart., and seconded by the Earl of Romney, was agreed to: "That the Sub-committee on Diocesan Inspection be requested to communicate with Diocesan Boards on the subject of Diocesan Inspection, with a view to the adoption, so far as may be practicable, of some general system of inspection best calculated to raise the standard and increase the efficiency of Church-education."

Subscription Associations.

An influential meeting of the subscribers and friends of the Society was held at Bath, on Wednesday June 30th. The Venerable Archdeacon Gunning presided in the absence of the Mayor, who at the last moment was hindered from attending, but wrote desiring that he might be enrolled as a subscribing member.

The first resolution was proposed by J. H. Markland, Esq., and seconded by Prebendary Calverley. The former gentleman concluded by saying, that he had been present at the first meeting of the Society in 1811, and had had, therefore, the gratification of watching what, in the course of the half-century since its foun dation, this great Society had, by the blessing of God, accomplished. He said "by the blessing of God" advisedly; for he was sure that without His blessing they never could have accomplished such results.

The second resolution, nominating a District-Committee for the city and neighbourhood, and recommending the establishment of a Branch Depôt in Bath, was moved by Mr. Warren, the Society's Travelling Secretary, who spoke of the

VOL. XII.

I

present position and prospects of the Society, entering at length into the more recent schemes of usefulness on which, in conjunction with the various Diocesan and Local Boards, it had lately entered.

The third resolution-appointing Rev. P. E. George, Rector of Combe Hay, J. H. Duncan Skrine, Esq., of Warleigh, respectively Secretary and Treasurer—was moved by Rev. T. P. Rogers, Vicar of Batheaston, and seconded by W. Long, Esq.; and after a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting was closed with prayer.

On the following day Mr. Warren attended a Committee meeting at Bristol, presided over by Rev. Canon Madan, when the Rev. R. T. Blagden was appointed Secretary, in room of Rev. W. P. S. Bingham, who has left Bristol; and Mr. C. H. Cooper, Treasurer.

Sermons have been preached at St. Paul's, Knightsbridge, by the Bishop of Oxford, on which occasion the Offertory Collection amounted to 1237. 14s. 10d.; Christ Church, Kensington, by Archdeacon Sinclair; at Woolwich, by the Rev. H. Browne, and Rev. F. Cameron; at Trinity Church, Upper Tooting, by the Rev. Richard Chaffer, and the Rev. E. D. Cree; at St. Matthew's, Bethnal Green, by the Rev. Richard Chaffer; and at Guilsfield and other places in St. Asaph Diocese.

On Sunday August the 8th, Sermons will (D.V.) be preached in several churches in Plymouth and Devonport, and a public meeting of the Plymouth Association held on the following day; after which the Society's Secretary for Exeter Diocese, Rev. R. K. Cornish, will visit Cornwall to form new Parochial Associations.

NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS.

The following Donations and new Annual Subscriptions have been contributed since the last announcement, and are hereby thankfully acknowledged. The List is made up to the 15th July.