system. I have been told by men who lived in Lancashire fifty years ago, that they knew whole regions of that part of the country, whole parishes, where the people were dark, benighted, uneducated, scarcely half-civilized, and who owed their lives, their intelligence, their progress, and their peacefulness, and all they had, to the blessing of God on the Sunday-schools.

For The Sunday-School World. A VOICE FROM OLD KENTUCKY.

The Twenty-first Anniversary of the Juvenil e Missionary Association of the Second Presbyterian Church Sunday-school, in connection with the Associations of the other Presbyterian schools of this city, was held on Sabbath, May 4, at 4 P. M., in the First Presbyterian Church. Prof. Josiah Bliss was called to the chair. After singing and prayer, by Rev. Dr. Matthews of Lexington, annual reports were read from the First and Second Church schools, and although they showed a falling off in the receipts from previous years, owing to the

unusual circumstances of the country, yet a determination was expressed to persevere in the main purpose of the organizationthe cultivation of a missionary spirit among

its members and the formation of habits of benevolence, which we trust will result in the training of large hearted and whole

souled Christians.

The Rev. J. L. McKee, who was expected to make an address, rose and introduced the Rev. Mr. Cunningham, (Methodist,) a returned missionary from China, who interested the audience for over half an hour

years ago, the same gospel privileges and means of instruction had been enjoyed there, and to the same extent as in our own country at the present time, and what weighty responsibilities would have rested upon the christians of that day. Judging from the past rapid increase, it requires no stretch of the imagination to suppose that the population of these United States will

reach at least thrce hundred millions in

less than one hundred years. If so, do we not find in this a motive and a stimulant to greater exertion and zeal in the right training of the rising generation, and does not the mission of the American Sunday-School Union loom up before us as one of the most important instrumentalities wherewith to evangelize the coming millions of our country?

Louisville.

M. Y. Y.

THE YOUNG BRAIN.

We do not apprehend any danger from overtasking the children of our Sundayschools by any exercise which may be legitimately introduced there. It may be,

and sometimes is, the fault of teachers to neglect the cultivation of some faculties, and to stimulate others unduly. The practice (surprisingly common even now) of making the number of Scripture verses or hymns, or answers in the catechism a criterion of merit or a subject of reward, is

in connection with the "sweet influences” of a Christian home than by introducing it to the company of those who know them and love them, and therefore have taken pains to prepare something to please them. We should feel as if we were doing an inestimable service to any little child to bring it within sound of the affectionate,

musical voice, and within sight of the winning smile, and into partnership in the playful chat of such a man as the late Dr. J. W. Alexander. The next best thing of the kind which we can do, (so far as this par

ticular friend of children is concerned,) is to introduce them to the volume of "Short Stories for the little ones at home," which he wrote, and in the composition of which he evidently made himself the companion of the little ones. We can scarcely conceive it possible that any thing prejudicial to the infant mind could result from an early knowledge of the art of reading, provided (in this and all other cases) good judgment is exercised in the use which is made of the acquirement.

These suggestions seem pertinent as an from the observations of a “Country Parintroduction to a passage which we quote son," which parents and teachers will do well to ponder.

tion of a country containing at least one third of the population of the globe. As he pictured the degraded and wretched condition of the females in China, and contrasted it with the elevated and exalted position which the same class hold in our own highly favored land, we could not but heartily thank the Lord that our lot was cast in a land of Bibles and Sabbathschools.

He was followed by that well known and highly esteemed veteran Sunday-school missionary, John McCullough, Esq., who has laboured long enough to reap the fruit of the seed which he has sown, and of which he gave examples in his remarks. His eloquent and thrilling address was replete with interest, and as he referred to the origin of the British and Foreign Bible Society, growing out of the demand for the Scriptures, created by the establishment of the Welsh Sunday-schools, and its herculean efforts in giving the word of God to had a heart to feel but could respond with gratitude, glory to God for the Sabbathschool. He gave instances, also, where the Sunday-school had become a nursery for foreign missionaries. The fountains that the American Sunday-School Union are opening among the hills and valleys of old Kentucky, he trusted would send rills of salvation even to China, to fertilize and beautify that moral desert, and make it even as the garden of the Lord.

the various nations of the earth-none who

As China and the United States were

contrasted, we could not help thinking what would have been the condition of that immense population to day, if a hundred

tions) that it tends merely to stimulate unhealthfully a single faculty.

In the process of secular education the abuses of the young brain are enormous. If we were to meet a human being in the street whose figure should present to view deformities and disproportions analogous to those into which some modes of education distort the mind, the spectacle would shock We should turn from it with amazement and pity.

us.

vanced in his education than a child who

You still see here and there idiotic parents striving to make infant phenomena pride how their children could read and write at an unnaturally early age. Such parents are fools-not necessarily malicious fools, but fools beyond question. The great use to which the first six or seven years of life should be given is the laying the foundation of a healthful constitution in body and mind; and the instilling of those first principles of duty and religion which do not need to be taught out of any books. Even if you do not permanently injure the young brain and mind by prematurely overtasking them-even if you We do not admit the principle which has do not permanently blight the bodily sometimes been maintained, that the minds health, and break the mind's cheerful of children should be left without cultiva- spring, you gain nothing. Your child at tion during the first six or seven years of fourteen years old is not a bit farther adlife. A knowledge of the art of reading, began his years after him; and the entire acquired as it may be, without restraint or result of your stupid driving has been to a conscious task, is very desirable as a overcloud some days which should have means of pleasantly employing hours that been among the happiest of his life. It is would otherwise be given to listless indo-a woful sight to me to see a little forehead lence. Being at this period of life unaware of danger to health or limbs, we watch them with ceaseless care to prevent the occurrence of accident and the accession of disease. The slightest disorder of the delicate organs of sense excites alarm. Surely the mysterious, susceptible, intellectual and spiritual nature cannot be expected to develope itself healthfully and harmoniously in the atmosphere of this "naughty world," in the absence of care and culture. And in what more pleasant way can we secure this care and culture

corrugated with mental effort, though the effort be to do no more than master the multiplication-table. It was a sad story I lately heard of a little boy repeating his Latin lesson over and over again in the delirium of the fever of which he died, and do it better. saying piteously that indeed he could not

I don't like to see a little

face looking unnaturally anxious and earnest about a horrible task of spelling; and even when children pass that stage, and grow up into school-boys who can read Thucydides and write Greek iambics, it is not wise in parents to stimulate a clever boy's anxiety to hold the first place in his class.

MUSIC.

Among the gifts with which God has bestrown the ways of His children, the power to produce and appreciate sweet sounds holds a distinguished place. The love for music is almost universal. The peasant and the peer alike own its sway, and bow before its influences. There are few natures so debased as to be untouched by melody. I have been petitioned by some, who appeared callous to the most solemn appeals, and deaf to the most earnest entreaties from their teachers in a ragged school, just to be allowed to sing one more hymn, and have heard their voices blend harmoniously, and have seen signs of solemnity and emotion which I could hardly have believed possible.

I shall never forget hearing about two thousand children sing:

"To bless thy chosen race,

In mercy, Lord, incline,

And cause the brightness of thy face
On all thy saints to shine."

They sang it to a fine old tune called St. Michael's, full of simple grandeur, and the effect was thrillingly solemn.

Perhaps, there are few enjoyments more refining and refreshing than those which music affords. When the toils of the day are ended, and the family is united, what pleasure there is in joining in the domestic concert, and taking a part in a loving concord of sweet sounds. Such evenings render home attractive to young people and often prevent them from wandering into scenes of danger and temptation, in search of the phantom pleasure, though with the unseen certainty of future pain.

A Christian family thus engaged in en joying one of their beloved Creator's best gifts is a pleasant sight, and by such a unity of taste and endeavour, the bonds of love are strengthened, and even selfishness is induced to increase the happiness of others, and thus come over to the side of virtue.

The taste for music is far more extensively diffused now than in former times, and the consequence is, an immense supply of cheap music, much of which is of the most trashy description. Many of the compositions of the present day pander to frivolous tastes, or are brought out in connection with some object of popular interest to obtain a sale. Such should be carefully avoided, as they neither improve the mind nor the heart; but good music, by the best composers, is now brought also within the reach of the million, and a moderate use of this is both enjoyable and improving. Lond. Youth's Mag.

WHICH WAY DOES THE TREE LEAN. "If the tree fall toward the south or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be." (Eccl. XI: 3.) There is a solemn meaning couched under this metaphor. The tree will not only lie as it falls, it will also fall as it

Notices to Correspondents.

Approved communications on any subject connected with the improvement and extension of Sunday-schools, or the religious instruction of children and youth, will be welcomed to the columns of The Sunday School World. They should be forwarded at least by the 20th of the preceeding month.

Brief Reports or notices of meetings of teachers or friends of Sunday-schools, which may be regarded as of general interest, are particularly desired.

Members of the Society and contributors to its funds, who desire it, and are willing to pay postage, will be furnished with the paper gratuitously.

THE

schools assembled as usual in various churches during the afternoon, where the usual services were held. In the evening the public meeting was held at Irving Hall, Rev. Dr. FERRIS, President, in the chair, who, in an appropriate opening address, alluded very feelingly to the loss the Society had sustained by the death of Mr. GEORGE S. CONOVER, One of its most active

managers, and of HORACE HOLDEN, Esq., who for twenty-five years was correspondThe number of schools ing secretary. embraced in the report is 222, containing 48,000 scholars, against 20,000 reported ten years ago. Sixteen of the schools re

JUNE, 1862.

We have delayed our present number a day or two, in order that we might give some account of the State Convention just held in Philadelphia.

To enable our friends to know what our Society has been doing the last year, we publish the Annual Report of the Board in the form of a SUPPLEMENT, some paragraphs of which are perhaps worthy of the attention of Superintendents and teachers, and especially of such as are accustomed to buy books for the library. Others will interest our contributors and friends generally. The report will also be published in pamphlet form as in previous years.

ANNIVERSARIES.

PHILADELPHIA.

The public services attending the thirtyeighth anniversary of the American Sunday-School Union occurred May 13. JOHN A. BROWN, Esq., President of the Society in the chair. After the usual introductory proceedings, a synopsis of the missionary work of the year was presented, and the principles, objects and achievements of the Society were eloquently set forth in addresses by the Rev. Messrs. MARCH and TALMADGE, of Philadelphia, and Rev. B. W. CHIDLAW, of Ohio. The numbers in attendance, and the interest and satisfaction manifested in all the services of the evening, were in the highest degree gratifying to the members and friends of the Society.

The ANNUAL SERMON by the Rev. Mr. HENSON, was preached according to notice, and we trust, will soon be published.

NEW YORK.

The anniversary of the New York Sunday-School Union was held May 6. The

Several effective addresses were made at the evening meeting.

LONDON.

The annual meeting of the London Sunday-School Union occurred May 8.' Among the leading topics of the report are the importance of circulating the periodicals of the Society among teachers and children, and the organizatian of a training college for Sunday-school teachers, like the institutes for the improvement of secular school teachers. Two classes have been formed, one for the study of Biblical illustration, and the other for the study of the principles of the art of teaching. They are held on alternate Tuesdays. number of Sunday-schools in London is set down at 803, with 17,030 teachers and 100,079 pupils, giving an average of six in a class. Nine in eleven of the teachers are church members.

The

A WONDERFUL REVOLUTION. At the anniversary of the London Sunday-School Union a few days since, allusion was made by one of the speakers to the fact, that when Sunday-schools were introduced into Scotland a great ferment was occasioned:

Everybody in the Church rose against them, and in 1798 the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland issued what they called a pastoral admonition, which was circulated throughout the length and breadth of Scotland, warning the clergy that the Sunday-school promoters were actuated by revolutionary sentiments, and desired to spread anarchy and disaffectedness amongst the people! When they heard that here and there men were going forth to teach children in the villages of Scotland, they took great alarm, and summoned some of these men before them. The Assembly went so far as to arrest one of the teachers, and lodged him for a night in the gaol, and would have proceeded farther, only they found that they were infringing the Act of Toleration. How great has been the change! He did not think that there was now a village in all Scotland where there was not a Sundayschool; and they were fostered and assisted by the clergy of all denominations.

"OUR SABBATH-SCHOOL LITERATURE."

The May number of the Boston Review, contains a seasonable and very readable article on the rapid expansion of this department of book-publishing. The author would doubtless modify some of his views, by a slight shifting of his stand-point, but we regard his article as a very favorable token that the subject it discusses is exciting interest in minds competent to view it in its most comprehensive bearings. The following extract is all for which we are able to make room in our present number. It is surely a very small portion of the later issues of Sabbath-school story books of which it could be said that they induced any child or youth to go alone and pray. Certainly many of them tend to dissipate the mind, and unfit and discipline it either to pray or to study the Bible, and even to read books of science and history. We have heard Christian parents sorrowfully say that their children were already beginning to ask for a class of novels which cannot be found even at Sabbath-school depositories.

In a neighbouring village a town library was recently called for and liberally supplied. The librarian soon found that almost the only books drawn are the flashy and inflammatory novels (generally written by sceptics who have little else to do but gain a livelihood,) which so rapidly succeed each other, like the foamy bubbles of the agitated sea. And we think the clamour for this town library, and the quality of the books demanded, can be traced back quite directly to the prevailing character of the Sabbath-school books of half a dozen rival societies in the place. And now, after the churches, with their "wide-awake superintendents" and their "lively Sabbath-schools," have greatly stimulated, if not created this morbid passion for the frivolous and unreal, we are gravely told by certain apologists that there is a natural taste in the young for the imaginative and the fictitious, which we must use and control for good.

By a peculiarly successful device of Satan, the town library alluded to (and perhaps it is the common practice) is open chiefly on Saturday afternoon and evening, as the sermons of certain popular and rattle-headed ministers and the serial "love

and-murder" stories are printed in the Saturday papers, that as many as possible may be kept from, or be unfitted for, the house of God by this spawn of ruinous reading. No storm will prevent these victims of attractive literature, who were

but lately, if they are not now, members of

Sabbath-schools and readers of their small

fictions, from drawing their full quota of Saturday books. And late into the night, and into early dawn of Sabbath, or perhaps through the sanctuary hours, they may be found excitedly poring over the wonderful tales. If they attend the public worship, or the Sabbath-school service, they are in a condition not much more hopeful of benefit by the sermons and prayers than is the drooping vacant-minded inebriate after his night of dissipation.

For The Sunday-School World. POISONOUS SUGAR-PLUMS. Sometimes they are served with mere diluChildren are a hardly used generation. tions, and sometimes with what is too strong for anybody's digestion; and sometimes again with a compound of pleasant sound and false sense, which I can liken to nothing but poisonous sugar-plums. do mischief, when he adds a very little Certainly the confectioner has no desire to poison just to give his plums a fine colour. Still less has the writer, when for the sake of a well shaped story, or a smooth flowing verse, or a pleasant jingle of rhymes, he admits words whose moral red and blue, are anything but pure love and truth. He may think, perhaps, with the confectioner, that the children will perceive nothing but the sweet; and therein he forgets utterly his own childhood-how delicate his taste was then, how tender his constitution. I have thought of this very much lately, in connection with several of the new children's singing books. Two instances will be enough.

A friend lent us a child's music book, with a warm word of praise, which I presume much of the book may deserve. But who could write for children such lines as these?—

"The mites have the blessing,
The millions have nought;
Our faith thus expressing,

Our gift we have brought.
Had we followed love's promptings,
It might have been such
As to forfeit the blessing

By giving too much!"

At this rate, disband all the congregations, and never let more than two or three the blessing," as well as "too much." meet together; "too many" might "forfeit

The other example is of a graver character. Some time ago, I happened to be with quite a number of young people-half grown girls-one Sunday evening. And they were singing hymns. One and another "Shining Shore," and "Brother will you meet us," &c., and then came, it before, and it has rung in my heart ever I had never heard since. "Some people know Christ," the young voices sang, "but we do not." Some people hope to go to heaven, but not we.'

""Tis not so with me."

"Some have sought him,
Some have found him-
'Tis not so with me."

I felt as if I wanted to stand up and preach to them, then and there.

For the Sunday-school World. TEACHERS' MEETINGS. You ask, in what way to conduct your teachers' meetings, in order to render them each teacher to take his part in the exermost useful and improving, and to induce cises of the hour. Instead of giving any formal answer to your question, I will briefly state the manner in which these meetings have been conducted in the school at P, during the last winter.

Early in the autumn a business meeting was held, to consider the best way of procedure in the absence of our pastor, who has removed to another sphere of duty and usefulness; all of us having greatly depended upon him, in years past, to take the chief lead in these meetings. We de termined to meet once in three weeks, and to take regular portions of Scripture for our study. A committee of three was chosen, consisting of one gentleman and two ladies, to prepare the first lesson,and they were to nominate the committee for the next evening, and so in turn, each committee nominating its successor, until every teacher had thus been called upon successively to take a part in the duties of the evening. If there are thirty teachers, the same individual would only be called upon once in ten evenings.

The committee select some portion of Scripture for the evening's discussion, and the same is notified to the teachers at the Sabbath-school, two or three weeks previous to the meeting, in order to give time to all to study and examine the subject. It is the duty of the committee to prepare questions on the same, to be proposed at the meeting, and any teacher is furnished with a copy of the questions if he so wishes, in order to study the passage more thoroughly before the meeting. The gentleman, from the committee chosen for the evening, conducts the meeting, which is opened by singing and prayer. The passage of Scripture under consideration is then read, and the leader commences to ask the questions to each teacher in turn. If any one cannot answer, his or her next neighbour replies, --and if none have a ready answer, one of the committee is expected to give the desired information; the three constituting evening for the thorough study of the lessuch committee, having met some previous son, and for the preparation of the questions.

Some questions elicit a free and general discussion, and in addition to the opinions of the teachers, passages illustrating the subject, are read from standard authors. The evening is closed with singing.

"Some have sought him,
Some have found him,
From their blindness free;
They follow Jesus in the way,
But 'tis not so with me."

willingness to prepare themselves for the duties of the hour. But others are gaining more confidence in speaking freely, and there is a strong desire to study the passage for the lesson, before meeting. Commentaries and books of reference are freely con

sulted; and as our pleasant teacher's room over our chapel, contains also a valuable Parish and Teacher's library, our books for reference are close at hand. If others are desired, the committee bring such to the meeting, selecting such portions as will best illustrate any particular question, to be read during the hour.

But to give you a more definite idea, I subjoin the questions prepared for our last meeting, merely stating that it was considered one of the most interesting which has yet been held. Passages were read from various authors, while many of the questions elicited an animated discussion. We see no reason why meetings of this kind, or somewhat similar, cannot be held in any school, whether it is blessed with a Pastor or not. Its advantage consists in leading the teachers to think, study and examine for themselves, and the higher their standard is raised, the more interesting and beneficial will be the meetings.

One improvement over our plan, I would suggest, in having a course of subjects to go through the winter, or such passages in the life of Christ, for instance, as are chronologically connected, thus thoroughly studying one portion of the Bible at a time, instead of disconnected passages.

Do not feel that because your school is small, or the teachers not highly educated, that you can accomplish little or nothing in view of such a plan. Only make the experiment thoroughly. Only try it, and I am sure you will succeed. The teachers will want to be prepared for the hour, and will feel an interest in thus studying together. Only try it, without discouragement if you do not at once succeed, and I think you will find it a most efficient means of usefulness.

But I will not add more now, except the

questions above referred to.

C. H.

[We give the questions in another column as they come to us, that our readers may judge for themselves of their value and appropriateness.-Ed. S. S. W.]

HOME WORK.

We have been interested in recent notices of the fruits of an enterprise in New Brunswick, prosecuted by Rev. Mr. LYLE, who was an active participator with the late Rev. Dr. CHALMERS, in a somewhat similar work in Edinburgh. The oversight of the effort is entrusted to a commission, consisting of the pastor and two members of each evangelical church. The city contains 11,000 inhabitants, 2,500 of whom are Roman Catholics. The territory is divided into seven districts, and as the result of ten months' labour, it is reported,

That seven weekly prayer-meetings have been arranged, to be held in private houses, conducted by a superintendent, and others whom he invites to accompany him. Four Sabbath-schools have been organized, and have now in them nearly 380 children, and teachers secured for them. Four preaching services have been established on each Sabbath evening, conducted by the missionary, or by ministers or students of

theology, in which the Scriptures are ex- these two, I don't know of any that closed pounded among the ignorant and destitute. before the regular closing time in the fall; In addition to this, the missionary visits all of which, will re-open ere long. Those 400 families every month; and has, in the I was successful in persuading to continue course of ten months seen every family in on all winter, are all doing much better the city, kindly and discreetly inquired than they expected. These schools are into the religious preferences and condition exercising a healthful influence on others. of each, and reported to the various pas- Many of the officers of the closed schools, tors those who, by reason of their prefer- have visited these living wonders, and ences, fall under their care. The mission-were very much pleased with what they ary further distributes tracts and religious saw and heard, and henceforth will give books, secures the co-operation of visitors us their influence in favour of winter in the various districts, and sets in opera- Sunday-schools. tion evening schools, and makes arrangements in the proper season for "open-air preaching." The cost of this whole system of benevolent machinery is about $700 per annum, which is raised by the various churches of the place.

INCREASING BY DISTRIBUTING. When the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions were seeking a charter of incorporation from the Legislature of Massachusetts, a very shallow member (for shallow men do in some way get into such places) suggested a doubt "whether it would be right to give any facilities to a society, whose avowed object was to export religion to heathen countries, when every body knows we have little enough at home, and certainly none to spare!"

A truly wise man replied to the suggestion by remarking, that religion is an article of a peculiar nature, inasmuch as the more we send abroad the more we have at home. The best way to increase the stock for home-consumption is to distribute it generously all over the world. So says there is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that with holdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."

a still wiser man,

You want me to state how often I visit the schools I organize? The answer to this question, depends altogether on another, namely: What constitutes in a proper sense of the term, visiting a Sundayschool? If it means visiting and talking to a Sunday-school on the Sabbath, when assembled in its regular Sunday-school capacity; I answer, once, if possible. But if visiting the superintendent and teachers of a Sunday-school during the week-days, may be considered as visiting a Sundayschool; then I have visited all from once to twice, or more times, in person, and in addition, frequently by letter, when it was necessary and I could not do so in person, for want of time. Again, if meeting with Sunday-schools on celebration-occasions to talk to them, and enquire into their condition and prosperity, may be so construed as to mean visiting Sunday-schools; then in this way, I visited quite a number the last summer. Consider that there are only fifty-two regular days in the year on which Sunday-schools convene in their regular way, and some of these days are so unpropitious on account of rain and bad roads, that but few or none turn out. And then again, the majority of the schools are only held some six or seven months in the year. While they are so scattering too, that frequently only one school can be visited in a whole day. You see in the very nature of the case, if visiting them when thus convened on the Sabbath, is only to be considered visiting a Sundayschool, that we cannot visit them often. But if visiting the heads of a family to ascertain its prosperity, may be considered as really visiting the family, then I think, that visiting the officers and superintendents of a Sunday-school to ascertain its prosperity, and find out and correct errors, may be, with equal propriety, considered as visiting the school. If this be correct, in this way I am constantly engaged when out on duty, and I assure you I have always found that this kind of visiting, as necessary and effectual, and often far more so, than meeting with the Sunday-school on the Sabbath in their Sunday-school capacity.

But will you be so kind as to allow me here to say a few words about organizing Sunday-schools; for it is evident that not all the schools organized by the missionary, are entered regularly into his monthly reports. I assure you it often, yes, generally costs me more labour to reorganize an old school, where no rule or system has been observed, but where all was done by common consent, than it is to organize an entire new school. And after the re-organization has been effected, it requires more watchfulness and care, that