[Because laying on of hands has been from very ancient times a form of blessing. Jacob blessed the two sons of Joseph, laying his hands on their heads.] Who are those three men standing behind our Lord? [Some of His disciples, who rebuked or reproved those that brought the little children to Jesus.] And what did Jesus say? [He was much displeased, and said, "Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God."] Then the little children were not refused a blessing? [No; Jesus took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them.] This is a very interesting picture to you little children, is it not? And what special lesson does it teach you? [It teaches us the kindness and love of God our Saviour, who, though He made and preserves heaven and earth, yet loves little children, and will have them come to Him.] Ought you not to love Him very much for this great goodness to little ones like you? And have you never been blessed by Him? [When we were baptised He blessed us and made us His own children.] How can little children like you show their love to Jesus? [By being humble and gentle, very obedient to our parents and teachers, and loving to one another; by trying to behave well in church, and saying our prayers reverently at home; and by being willing to give up our own will to others.] PICTURE XIV. We do not see Jesus in this picture? [No; this picture represents one of His parables.] What is a parable? Who is that man kneeling on the ground? [He is the younger son of the old man with white hair.] His clothes are much torn, are they not? [Yes; he asked his father for his portion of goods, and then left his father's house and went into a far country, where he wasted his substance with riotous living.] Was this right? [No; it was ungrateful to wish to take so much from his father, and very wicked to waste his substance.] What happened then? [When he began to be in great want, having nothing to eat, he recollected how his father's servants had enough and to spare; so he came to his father.] Did he beg pardon? [Yes; he said, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. Make me as one of thy hired servants."] Then this is the time represented in the picture? [Yes; there is his father laying his hand on his head, for he received him joyfully.] Who is that man with a robe on his arm coming out at a side door? [A servant, whom the father had desired to bring the best robe and put it on his returning son, and to put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet; he also ordered a feast to be made to welcome his son home.] And who is that talking to the servant? [The elder son, who had never left his father.] He does not look glad to see his brother? [No; he was vexed that there was so much rejoicing on his return.] Why? [Because the same rejoicing had never been made for him.] But then he had never gone away? [No; his father's love was shown to him every day, so there was no need for a special display of it.] What did Jesus teach in this parable? [That God is willing to forgive His sinful children when they turn to Him, as the father in the picture forgave his prodigal, or wasteful, son.] What can you little children learn from it? [When we have been naughty, to ask pardon at once from God and our parents or friends; and then we may hope to be forgiven.] How should you feel when your brothers or companions have been naughty? [We should wish very much for them to be forgiven, and be very glad when they obtain pardon, and not be jealous at any mark of favour that may be shown them.] PICTURE XV. What does this picture represent ? [It represents a parable related by our Lord Jesus.] The man who is in front of the picture looks very ill and wounded? [Yes; he fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, and wounded him, so that they left him half dead.] Who are the two men in the background? [The first is a priest, the second a Levite, who, when they saw the poor wounded man, did not try to help him, though he was of their own nation, but passed by on the other side.] Then who is the man who is helping him? [He is a Samaritan.] What is a Samaritan? [One of a neighbouring nation, whom the Jews disliked, and would have no dealings with.] And what did the Samaritan do for the poor wounded man? [He bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine.] Whom does the ass belong to? [To the Samaritan; and he put the poor wounded man on it, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.] And did his kindness end there? [No; he paid for the wounded man at the inn, and told the innkeeper to take care of him, and he (the Samaritan) would pay him when he came again.] Then the Samaritan was kinder to the Jew than one of his own nation? [Yes: Jesus would have us be kind to all our fellow-creatures, and not only to those whom we love.] What may little children learn from this? [To be kind to every body, and to those especially who are sick or in distress, even though they may be strangers.] But is it in the power of little children to show much kindness? [Yes, indeed; for though they may not have money to give, they can show kindness by going on errands for sick people, trying to help, as well as they are able, in attending them, in refraining from noise, and many such-like ways, if they only have the wish to be kind.] PICTURE XVI. This picture seems to show something like a tomb or grave? [Yes; it represents the raising of Lazarus from the dead.] Who was Lazarus? [One whom Jesus loved. He was the brother of Mary and Martha.] And had he been buried? [Yes; he had lain four days in the grave.] Who are the two women in the picture? [Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus.] And who are the men? [Some Jews who had come to comfort them.] How did Jesus show His pity for the mourners? [When He saw them weeping He groaned, and was troubled and wept.] And what did He say when He came to the grave? [He commanded them to take away the stone.] And what did He say when the stone was taken away? [He thanked God for hearing Him; and then He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth."] And what followed? [He that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes; and Jesus said, "Loose him, and let him go."] Was not this a very wonderful miracle? [No power but that of God could have done such a wonder.] What lesson do we learn from this account? [It shows the great love and sympathy of God our Saviour.] And His great power also. What else does it teach us? [That, as our Saviour is the resurrection and the life, and will at the last day cause all the dead to arise, we must not grieve too much when our friends die, but hope for their blessed resurrection.] NOTES ON SCRIPTURAL AND LITURGICAL WORDS, BY REV. J. EASTWOOD, M.A. "You will not find that this study of words will be a dull one when you undertake it yourselves. Only try your pupils; and mark the kindling of the eye, the lighting up of the countenance, with which the humblest lecture on words, especially words which are familiar to them in their play, or at their church, will be welcomed by them."-Trench's Study of Words. CONVERSANT (Josh. viii. 35; 1 Sam. xxv. 15). The original word in these passages is usually rendered "walk with;" and conversant was formerly used in a similar sense: thus, "while he was yet conversant in the world" (South, Serm. iii. 190). It now generally denotes "acquainted with, or familiar with." CRACKNEL (1 Kings xiv. 3), a kind of cake, so called from the sharp noise made when breaking. The Hebrew root means, to prick or mark with points, and is rendered in Josh. ix. 5-12, mouldy, i. e. spotted with mould. Richardson quotes," And when the plate is hote they caste of the thyn paste thereon, and so make a lytle cake in maner of a cracknell or bysket" (Berners' Froissart's Chron.). CRISPING-PINS (Isa. iii. 22). In 2 Kings v. 23), where the same Hebrew word occurs, it is rendered bags; and such is probably the meaning here, for the root means to cut, carve, or engrave; and Jahn says that the Hebrew women carried conical purses or bags of solid metal with borders of rich cloth at the top. In the two other places where words from the same root occur they are rendered (Ex. xxxii. 4) "graving tool" and (Isa. viii. 1) "pen.” CUBIT, from the Latin cubitus, elbow (and that from cumbo, to lie down, as being the part on which persons supported themselves when reclining at meals), was a measure of length, originally denoting the average distance from the wrist to the elbow. It belongs to a class of measures taken, as was natural they should be in the first instance, from dimensions of parts of the human body. Compare foot, span, palm, hand-breadth; French, pouce (thumb, or inch); Latin, ulna (arm's-length, or ell), &c. The Hebrew word means mother, and specially mother of the arm, i. e. forepart of the arm, so is well rendered by cubit. The cubit of Scripture may be set down at twentytwo inches. CUNNING (A.S. konnen, to know) is used in Scripture (as is also the word craft) in its original simple sense of knowing, or knowledge, and not, as it almost always is now, in a bad sense. So Caxton, speaking of the Earl of Worcester, calls his death "a grete losse of suche a man, consideryng his estate and connyng." So Sir Thomas More speaks of "St. Austyn, St. Hyerome, St. Basyle, St. Gregory, with so many a godly connynge man as hath ben in Cryste's chyrche from the begynnyng hitherto" (Dial. fol. 7). STRAY NOTES. د, "Points such as one cannot help picking up in the course of miscellaneous study."-Charles Lamb's Essays of Elia. "Of all studies, theological studies seem to need most prayer and watching in the midst of them, lest while our intellects are feasting our souls starve; lest we keep touching holy things, and having them in our mouths, and writing of them, while we are not advancing in grace and holiness. After much familiarity with the gospel scheme, pursued without any fervency of spirit, it is hard beyond all expression to recover a feeling for it; when the ground has become hardened by our treading over it, it is indeed difficult to distinguish between the theory of faith and the life of it."—Bishop Armstrong. "The Jewish history is full of miracles from the time of Abraham to the Babylonish captivity; but after the restoration of that people until the birth of Christ, there was an intermission of them for more than five centuries. John the Baptist was "a prophet, and more than a prophet;" but it is expressly said of him, that he "wrought no miracle." After so long an interval, it was reserved for our Lord Himself to raise the attention of His people by miraculous operations; which, though at all times awful and astonishing, must have struck men with an additional force by the novelty of their appearance."-Newcome's Observations. ཀླཀང་ MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES AND INTELLIGENCE. SCHOOLMASTERS AND SCHOOLMISTRESSES' ASSOCIATIONS. METROPOLITAN.-At the monthly meeting of this Association, one new member was admitted. Previous to the general business a lesson was given to a class of boys from the Yorkshire School by Mr. W. J. Lake, of the Second City School, in the unavoidable absence of Mr. Farnham. The subject chosen by Mr. Lake was somewhat novel for a lesson, viz. “A biography of the late George Stephenson, the eminent engineer." The lesson was handled in such a pleasing manner as to keep the boys alive during the whole time, and called forth the approbation of all present, a hearty vote of thanks being given to Mr. Lake at the conclusion. On Saturday the 16th October, a lecture on "The Atlantic and other telegraphs" was given by Mr. Chappelow, which was but thinly attended. The lecturer was provided with actual specimens of the Atlantic wire, and with other apparatus calculated to interest and instruct the members. 66 DEVON AND EXETER.-At the monthly meeting, Mr. Noah England, master of the Upton Pyne School, read a well-written paper on King William III." The essayist briefly referred to the various struggles of the people for their liberty and rights since the "Conquest," and regarded the Revolution as a necessary step for preventing England from being again placed under the power of the Pope. WENTWORTH. The members of this Association celebrated the anniversary of its formation by dining together at Brampton. After the usual loyal toasts, "the Bishops and Clergy," ""the Friends of Education," &c.,-the report for the past year was read by the secretary, Mr. Pearson, from which it appeared that the Association was in a prosperous condition. Nine useful papers had been read, and six valuable lessons had been given, by the members during the year. SHREWSBURY AND SHROPSHIRE.-At the monthly meeting of this Association, a discussion took place on the subject," Whether or not a child be admitted into any one of our public or National schools without a certificate from his or her previous school." After the discussion, Mr. Hands of Middle read a very excellent paper on the "Natural history of the bee." An interesting conversation followed the reading of the paper. The next meeting is to take place the second Saturday in November, when a lecture on " Meteorology" will be delivered by the Rev. W. Burbury, and lessons given by Mr. Money and Mr. Loughton. DERBY AND DERBYSHIRE.-At the annual meeting of this Association, held at Derby, Mr. Woodcock of Longford, delivered a lecture on "The teacher's recreations." SALISBURY. At the quarterly meeting of this Association, an elaborate and instructive address on the subject of "Prize-schemes" was delivered by the Rev. Prebendary Lear. After dwelling at large on the channels by which in the present day merit can look for its reward, he gave a detailed account of the manner in which the prize-schemes now in existence are generally conducted, and quoted from the recent charge of the Bishop that one was in contemplation for the diocese of Salisbury. Some of the advantages which would result from a well-arranged prize-scheme were stated to be, (1) The supply of a healthy stimulus to existing schools, and a preparation for further competitive examination. (2) An increase in the efficiency of our present parochial schools. (3) The promotion of regularity of attendance. (4) It would tend to retain children longer at school. That this result would follow may be proved by the fact that at an examination in Worcester, in 1854, twenty-seven boys of the age of twelve and upwards were present; while in 1856, from the same number of schools, there were no less than sixty-six of the same age sitting for prizes. (5) Such a scheme seems to open to the child of the poor man an opportunity to gain distinction among his equals, and perhaps to earn by his merit a place of honour for his industry and application. (6) It would partly remove that apathy of parents which is so general a complaint in the way of education. (7) It would create a greater interest among the gentry of the locality in behalf of education. The reverend gentleman then answered the objections to prize-schemes, treated of their expense, and concluded with advising teachers and scholars not to think too highly of mere human helps in the question of education, but that both "with good will should be doing God's service as to the Lord, and not to men.' The Rev. T. H. Tooke presided on the occasion, and there were present six clergymen and twenty-six teachers. EAST KENT.-At the fourth quarterly meeting of the Association, held at Margate, the usual routine of business having been transacted, the Chairman, Mr. R. R. Schartan, in a practical and interesting address, entered into full details of the objects, benefits, and importance of life assurances, showing the difference between proprietary and mutual societies, and warning the members against the specious promises and unsound principles of many of these societies. An animated discussion then ensued upon annuities, endowments, and building societies. Two new members were admitted. The next monthly meeting was appointed to be held at St. George's School, Ramsgate, on Saturday November 6th; the subject of discussion at which will be " On teaching singing in school." NORTH CHESHIRE.-The thirteenth meeting of this Association was held at Stretton, and presided over by the Rev. Richard Greenall. The first subject for discussion was "Decimals;" in the consideration of which reference was in the first instance made to the manner of teaching them, and to the degree in which it was found expedient to apply them in some of the rules of arithmetic. Their essential importance in obtaining averages was pointed out. The subject of the "Decimal coinage" was afterwards considered. The members were unanimously agreed on the benefits which would result from its adoption, and it was thought very desirable to familiarise the minds of children with the terms which have been suggested, and to give them examples of sums worked on this principle. After dinner, "The possibility and practicability of giving to children specific instruction with a view to their future calling" was considered. There was a concurrence of opinion expressed that this could not be given in the generality of schools; the only cases where it could be attempted with any hope of success were those where the children are destined for one particular calling, or where they are received as boarders in a purely industrial school. Great importance, however, was attached to the teacher's judiciously selecting such subjects for instruction as are best fitted to the habits, circumstances, and modes of thought of children in the lower ranks of life, that they may be thus better qualified for any particular calling in which they may be placed. The next meeting is to be held at Great Budworth; subjects for discussion, "Physical Geography” and “The moral and religious training of pupil-teachers." BRISTOL. The annual meeting of this Association was held at Bedminster. Mr. Betton, master of the school, gave a lesson on "The healing of the leper." Officers were elected for the ensuing year, and the treasurer presented the audited account. The secretary read the report, from which it appeared that the Association continues to receive the support of the teachers of the principal schools in the city and neighbourhood. During the year lessons have been given on the Manufacture of Woollen Cloth, the Elephant, the Atmosphere, Release of St. Peter from Prison, the Solar System, the Potato, Water, Gutta Percha, the Lord's Prayer, on Paper, and Sugar. Essays have been read as follows: the Office of the Schoolmaster, the Educational Theories of the present Century, History and Etymology of the English Language, the Queens of England, the present Position and future Prospects of the Teacher, and Recreation. Discussions have taken place on the formation of a Choral Society, on Prize-schemes, and on Assurance Societies. ASSOCIATED BODY OF CHURCH SCHOOL-TEACHERS.-The half-yearly meeting of the North Somerset Branch of this Association was held at Frome. Mr. Rowlatt of Evercreech gave an excellent lesson on "The cause of wind," and Mr. Hellier read a valuable paper on "The origin, antiquity, and uses of music." Both the lesson and paper gave great satisfaction. The next meeting will be held in Bath, when Mr. Pulham, of the Earl of Cork's School, Frome, will give a lesson, and Mr. Byles of Bruton will introduce a subject for discussion. BATH DEANERY.-At the quarterly meeting of this Association, Mr. Hellier gave a lesson for criticism on "The geography of Palestine;" and Mr. Bee of Weymouth House read a valuable paper on "The means of retaining children at school for a longer period, and of carrying on their education when they leave school." An interesting discussion then ensued on night-schools, prize-schemes, and other means of promoting the education of the young. TESTIMONIALS.-To Rev. S. ENEAS B. HUTCHISON, B.D., an inlaid Marble Inkstand, with an Address on a Card with Ornamented Border, drawn by a Scholar, by the Master and Pupil-teachers of the School, and Twenty-four other Members of the Choir of St. James's, Devonport. To Mr. and Mrs. TODD, on leaving Oughtibridge National School, Sheffield, a beautiful Timepiece, with a suitable Inscription, and a Work-box, by the Managers, Parents of the Children, and Pupilteachers. Also, by Mrs. Knight, a Work-basket. To Mrs. CLARK, on her resignation of the Walthamstow Girls' National School, a handsome Teaurn, by the Pupil-teachers and Children; and Kitto's Biblical Cyclopædia; Leighton on St. Peter, 2 vols.; Kitto's Daily Bible Illustrations, 8 vols.; Campbell's Bible, with Notes; and a Memoir of the Rev. G. Wagner (all elegantly bound),-by the Ladies and Friends of the School. To Mr. JOHN STUDDLE, a valuable Gold Watch, by a Subscriber to the Stockwell National Schools. APPOINTMENT.-Mr. T. A. SMITH, from Clutton, to the National School of Castle Cary and Ansford, Somerset. MARRIAGE.-September 27th, 1858, at Radstock, Somerset, by the Rev. H. N. Ward, Mr. T. A. SMITH, Clutton National School, to Miss P. M. MILSOUN, of Writhlington Parochial School. BIRTH.-On the 10th October, at Fulham, the Wife of Mr. EDWIN ADAMS, Author of the Geographical Word-Expositor and Dictionary, of a Son. NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. We cannot undertake to notice rejected communications. MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL ON EDUCATION.-Letters are continually addressed to the Editor of this Paper asking for information on the minutes and practice of the Committee of Council. To all such inquiries the only reliable answer is to be obtained from an official source. Many of the points raised may be determined by reference to the Church Education Directory; and for others which are more doubtful, it is strongly recommended that application be made either to her Majesty's Inspector of Schools for the district, or to the Council Office. In many cases it may be desirable that such inquiries should be made through the school-managers. The Worcester Prize-Scheme, Chichester Board Report, &c. shall be noticed in a future Number. London: Printed by Levey, Robson, and Franklyn, Great New Street and Fetter Lane, E.C. No. CXLV. DECEMBER. 1858. HE Meetings of the Committee of this Society are now resumed, This present Number of the Paper concludes the series for 1858. The usual Title-page and Index of contents is subjoined. Covers for binding the volume may be obtained at the Society's Depository. It may be satisfactory to subscribers, and to advertisers in particular, to know that the circulation of the Paper continues steadily to increase. The usual number printed this year has been 8000 a month, while last year the number was 7500. The progress of the Sunday-school Paper has also been very encouraging; but it is comparatively little known yet, and subscribers to the Monthly Paper would do good service in bringing it under the notice of Sunday-school Teachers. Those subscribers who propose to have their Paper in future through a bookseller, the mode most preferred, when convenient, are particularly requested to give immediate intimation of the change; while those who desire to receive the Paper as usual through the post are reminded that to secure the advantage of the prepaid rate of subscription, the amount, 2s. 6d., should be remitted at once, or early in the new year. The subscription is 3s. when not paid in advance. Building Grants. The Treasurer has been authorised to pay the Grants voted by the Society to the schools in the following places, the several undertakings having been reported as duly completed: |