HANNAH B. LESTER.

[DURING a recent visit our attention was called to the following tribute to a most worthy woman and valuable Friend, and although nearly ten years have elapsed since her death, it will be read with interest by many who still hold her in loving remembrance. -EDS.]

ON Ninth month 15th, 1875, the anniversary of her

her wedding day, forty years before, Hannah B. Lester passed from her earthly to a heavenly home, in the 61st year of her age. Her death closed a beautiful and most exemplary life, which it would be well for all to pattern after, the language of which was "follow me as I have endeavored to follow Christ." From childhood she was blessed with a naturally even and sweet disposition, and in her early married life was drawn by the love of her Heavenly Father to dedicate herself to him, and she was strengthened to press forward through many cares and trials without faltering, showing forth upon all occasions the fruits of a "meek and quiet spirit."

Her heart was filled with love and kindness to all with whom she mingled whether high or lowly in life, and no one more fully recognized "that one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brtheren." All who sought her received words of love, encouragement, sympathy, or comfort as needed.

The most prominent traits of her character were humility, a disposition to make the best of everything, to look to something bright beyond, no matter how dark surrounding circumstances might be, and in her, more fully than in any I ever knew, was portrayed the apostle's representation of "charity suffereth long and is kind; envieth not; is not puffed up; rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things; hopeth all things; endureth all things."

In her meeting she held the position of Elder for many years, and frequently appeared in testimony in a short and weighty manner to the comfort and strength of her hearers. Her health was never very good, and the last five years of her life she was called to pass through frequent bereavements, for in that time her husband and five children who had arrived at manhood and womanhood were taken from her, but through all she meekly and submissively bowed to the will of her Heavenly Father, and when the last one passed away, she felt that His everlasting arms were still strong to bear her up, and enable her to bless His name as she lay passive therein, "satisfied with either life or death," as she observed. Shortly before her death, she attended meeting, and whilst bowed under physical weakness and trying bereavements, her faith in the goodness and mercy of "Israel's unslumbering shepherd" bore her above all earthly feeling, when she arose and expressed: (6 What shall we render unto the Lord for all his benefits?" Under such feeling, she rested in the land of Beulah the last few months of her life, looking peacefully to the time when He in whom she trusted should call her to behold the "King in his beauty," and dwell forever in His glorious presence, who un

seen had filled her heart with love during life, and strengthened her as she entered her eternal rest to exclaim "Love, Love, Love," testifying to the beauty and truth of the declaration "God is Love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him."

DIE

FUNERAL OF DAVID WALTON.

IED, at his residence in Londongrove, 7th mo. 20th, 1885, David Walton, in his 88th year. His funeral took place from Londongrove Meetinghouse, on the 23d of the 7th mo., and was conducted according to the desire of the deceased, in much simplicity. The body rested in a plain walnut coffin, without polish of any kind, simply lined, the lid secured by plain black screws. There was nothing to cause any to feel the plainness was severe. All was in keeping with the placid and serene countenance, which bespoke the peace of God had crowned a long life, and seemed to be reflected upon the body in which the spirit had dwelt, often failing, no doubt, to do all that would have secured the daily peace. A large company were in attendance, including sevéral ministers of the gospel. Daniel H. Griffin, a friend from New York State, in his impressive, feeling manner, spoke of the lessons to survivors which always attend the visitations of death, and called to a dependence upon that Power that is the Alpha and Omega of the Christian life. Clement Biddle, in a clear and forcible manner, brought before us the importance of faithfulness in the sacred duties of the home circle. It was truly touching to witness among the young, and middle aged who viewed the remains, a number who have lived almost a century of time, and yet with mental powers still bright. They had come to give this last evidence of love to one, who had with them passed through the varied vicissitudes of life. These bore the marks of time, but as we looked back over their records, no dark blemish seemed to sadden the heart. They had had their conflicts and had overcome that which obstructed the pure stream of God's love into their souls, and now were "only waiting" to put aside mortality with a hope born of the blessed promises shining forth from their faces.

At the close of the meeting his eldest son read a letter written by the deceased in 1870 which he desired to be read on this occasion, setting forth his views on the importance of abstaining from all show and feasting when we consign our loved ones to the silent tomb. This closed with the message of love to all survivors, and as the impressive farewell was spoken, a solemnity rested upon the assembly that went with us to the grave, where these words were offered with much feeling-" Eighty-seven years of time were not encased in that narrow home, but spread broadcast over the world bearing their fruits" and the exhortation was extended that we watch over our hearts, that we sow only the seeds of righteousWho could say, as we turned from that small mound, this had not been a season of serious thought and of impressive instruction.

ness.

Eighth month 1, 1885.

M. W.

THE

For Friends' Intelligencer and Journal.

IS ACTIVITY RIGHT?

HE query seems to be abroad, Is Activity in the Society of Friends in accordance with the fundamental doctrines which they teach? The exhortation to wait upon God, in order to know His will and virtually put in practice, has been one of the leading characteristics of the Society from its infancy. And this practice is amply sustained by Scripture testimony: "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." The promise remains that they that seek shall find Him, and this seems to be the condition most suitable for receiving the impress of the spirit, and by yielding to its gentle influence it may be made clearly manifest what the will of the Lord is, and this manifestation is the light, for the apostle declares that whatsoever maketh manifest is light. It was to this light that our early predecessors called the people. Strict attention to it enabled a Fox, a Penn, a Barclay and many other worthies to go forth in the power of the spirit and proclaim the glad tidings of the gospel. Their convictions were made strong in the power of the Lord, and under this influence they were willing to act. "The Lord's people are a willing people in the day of His power." Let none say the Lord delayeth his coming, for surely He is ever with them that trust in Him. It was undoubtedly action, under divine guidance, that gathered the Society of Friends, and caused them to be a people in a measure distinct from the various denominations of professing Christians of that day.

In the teachings of Jesus we find where he likens the kingdom of heaven unto a man who is a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard:

"And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and found others idle in the market place, and said, "Go ye also into the vineyard and whatsoever is right I will give you"; and they went their way. And again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour, he went out and found others standing idle, and he saith unto them, 'Why stand ye here all the day idle?' They say unto him, 'Because no man hath hired us.' He saith unto them 'Go ye also into the vineyard and whatsoever is right that shall ye receive.' And when evening came they received every man a penny.'

There seems to be a lesson of instruction in this, both in coming to the place of waitting, and when the call comes to enter in and labor in the vineyard. It is he only that labors that is worthy of the hire. And again, as deseribed in the parable of the Talents, he only that putteth his money to the exchangers receives the increase. Here the free agency is exemplified. The Talents were bestowed upon the servants in variety. To every man was given according to his several ability. And if all had been faithful, we may infer that one talented servant would also have received the answer "Well done;" which no doubt would have produced for him as much happiness as had the possessor of the five talents or the two.

The church of Christ is made up of living members, and it is in the life that it must grow, and it seems to me that in accordance with the degree of life we maintain, our strength will be apparent, and our influence for good will have a place in the family of mankind, and in the church of Christ. JOSEPH M. SPENCER.

Seventh mo. 27, 1885.

TH

For Friends' Intelligencer and Journal.
“A REASONABLE FAITH.”

HIS little book, written by three well-known Friends of England, has created some excitement in the minds of the Friends of Great Britain. It gave rise to a lengthy and warm discussion in the late yearly meeting held in London. In this fact we have evidence not only of the respectable source from which it issues, but also of the ability with which the writers have handled some of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity.

After a careful reading of these essays, I feel disposed to urge every Friend, of whatever school of thought, to give them a careful and unprejudiced perusal, believing that while he may not fully agree with all the positions of these writers, yet he will, we think, accord to them ability and clearness in the handling of important subjects, and also genuine Christian motives in the work undertaken. If the reader is a student of the early literature of the Society of Friends, we believe he will accept these essays as a very fair embodiment of that which was held on these subjects by the founders of Quakerism. If, however, the reader, professing to agree with Fox, Barclay, and Penn, has, it may be unconsciously, embraced some doctrines injected into the Christian system from Paganism through Judaism, such as the doctrines of Expiation and Propitiation, he will not agree with these writers, nor will he agree with the tendency of the most advanced Christian thought of this era, if the writer of this notice understands that tendency. On the other hand, if the reader regards Jesus Christ as “a merely human being of matchless genius, spiritual insight, and moral excellence," who came into the world to set us a glorious example, and to die simply as one of the martyrs, he will not agree with these writers, but he may find reason, in the hints contained in the little volume, to recast his opinions and to mould them more in conformity with the Scripture teaching. If he is a Friend of the conservative type of thought, he may agree with John G. Whittier in believing that the book "will do great good," and in seeing in it "nothing but genuine Quakerism.” The essays are introduced by quotations from standard religious writers which afford much food for thought-e. g.:

"The principal efficacy of this redeeming work was not in the pain and torture of the cross, it was not in the blood that streamed down from his wounds, but in the divine love, the self-sacrifice, the magnanimity, the forgiveness, the compassion of which the blood was an expression, and of which the life and death were the fulfillment."-(Dean Stanley.)

"It is God's Free Grace that remits and blots out sin, of which the death of Christ and his sacrificing himself was a most certain declaration and confirmation. This was not for the pacifying of God, but of man's conscience, as to past sin."-(Wm. Penn.)

"The object of the Atonement is not to alter anything in God's eternal nature, for that is Love, but in man's consciousness of Him."-(Chevalier Bunsen.)

I will close this notice with the writers' view of the Atonement, though they say justly this is not a New Testament word. It occurs once in the version of 1611, (Rom. v. 11.) but in the New Version it is replaced by "reconciliation." They say: "We conclude that the true meaning of the doctrine, whatever we may call it, is practically this: That by a sincere and penitent recognition of our personal share in the sin of the world, for (on account of) which Christ died upon the cross, and by a grateful acceptance of the forgiving love and help so signally manifested and proffered to us, in the life and death and by the gracious promises of the Lord Jesus Christ, the guilt of the past sin is consciously felt, and intellectually understood to be forgiven: whilst at the same time our sense of the exceeding sinful

true until they were proved false unmistakably. Even in the fiercest battles, when men became excited and revengeful, his officers testify that he seemed to feel no spirit of retaliation, no bitterness toward the people whom he was fighting, but firm in his effort to establish what he felt to be a true basis for the nation's peaceful and permanent existence.

It has seemed cause for congratulation that all over the world such true nobility of character is recognized; giving evidence of a germ of the same in the hearts of the people in all nations. May the youth of our country acquaint themselves with the great and worthy elements in his character, dwell upon them and receive fresh inspiration toward a true and noble life. His eventful life is ended, and— Happy is he who heareth The signal of his release, In the bells of the Holy City, The chimes of eternal peace."

CHICAGO, Seventh Month 25, 1885.

EDUCATIONAL.

FRIENDS' SCHOOLS.

H. A. P.

we are taught that it is not by the merit of any works of righteousness that we have done, but in the exercise of God's free mercy and love that we are reconciled to Him, and made recipients of His salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Lincoln, Va.

For Friends' Intelligencer and Journal.

WHILE

J. S. W.

IN MEMORIAM. HILE Ulysses S. Grant lies in repose, after months of suffering, physical and mental, such as few have known, all who have ever met him will have some precious bit of memory to cherish.

Though my own recollections may seem very meagre to others, yet one little incident stands out in my mind as a sweet picture, and always brings a sense of refreshment with the thought of it. When he was President, a party of friends from the West were visiting Washington, and of course went to see the White House. Our group of three had passed through the rooms, and were standing at one end of the front portico, looking over the grounds and quietly talking of the surroundings, when one remarked: “There comes the President up the walk."

We were a little distance from the front steps, and supposed where so many people were coming and going almost constantly that we would not be noticed, but to our surprise and pleasure, he looked around, lifted his hat, and gave us a nod and pleasant smile that seemed to say, "Welcome, my western friends, I hope you are having a pleasant visit.”

It was so unexpected, and manifested such charming hospitality, where he might have felt excused and passed without observing us, that our hearts warmed to him at once, feeling as strangers in a strange place. It has always seemed to me that his mistakes were born of his kindly nature, always believing people

Swarthmore has been discontinued. The gratification is increased by the hope in the not very distant future the other preparatory classes may be dispensed with, and the college thus become emancipated from the clogs of elementary work.

These changes, present and prospective, involve the necessity for the establishment or improvement of Friends' schools in different parts of the country. On looking over the last Swarthmore catalogue it was observed that there are nine schools whose pupils, coming properly certified, may enter upon the college course without having to pass an examination. These schools are all located east of the Alleghanies, south of central New York, and north of the Potomac river. They are within the limits of New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore Yearly Meetings. Probably there are several others that can be added to this list before the publication of the next catalogue.

Within the last few months we have had very satisfactory accounts of the Friends' school in Washington, D. C., also of those located at Easton and Chappaqua, N. Y. The one last named has suffered a severe loss of property, but a very brief suspension of work. Its reputation is well established. Still more recently comes the information that Friends at Abington, Pa., are about to establish a boarding school. It is to be hoped that this enterprise may meet with due encouragement, and thus satisfy a want that has long existed in that section of the country. The locality is admirably adapted to such an institution, and the proximity to the spacious old meeting house, with its ample grounds, will afford an opportunity for teachers and pupils to attend all the meetings held in that house. The neighborhood is healthful, thrifty and easy of access, besides being the centre of a large body of Friends. Should this school be established on a permanent basis, and conducted in a satisfactory manner, it will be likely to afford relief

to many parents, to advance the cause of education, and to promote the interests of the Society of Friends.

It would be very encouraging if we could learn, through the columns of THE INTELLIGENCER AND JOURNAL, that Friends schools of the academic grade were being multiplied throughout the limits of our seven Yearly Meetings. In our cities, the want in this direction may be sufficiently supplied by dayschools; but in the rural districts monthly or quarterly meeting boarding schools should be available. Unless and until such schools are established the Swarthmore Preparatory " will have to be continued, or else many of our members will have to go outside of the Society to prepare for their college

course.

With respect to relative advantages of academic training in a boarding or a day school, much may be said on both sides, and probably after hearing and weighing all the arguments, we may arrive at the conclusion that a compromise between the two affords the most favorable conditions for development at this important period of life. There the pupils pass two nights of each week at home, and five at school, their conduct can be supervised by parents as well as by teachers, and while acquiring self-reliance and consideration for the rights of others, they are not in danger of losing a genuine affection for home.

Concerning the advantages of a graded over an ungraded school there can be but one opinion. An ordinary district school, in charge of one teacher, is an establishment in which the waste is painful to behold, and lamentable to contemplate. On the part of the teacher it is a waste of talent, education, and health; while the pupils are suffering from a waste of time and opportunity. Wherever there is a disposition to improve the facilities of a school, by an increased outlay of money, it might be well to inquire into the feasibility of having two teachers and two apartments. If this be the first step taken, the improvement will be progressive as well as satisfactory.

The writer is willing to hope that most Friends who stand appointed as members of school committees will unite with him in the expression of three desires concerning our schools. First, that where new ones are to be established there may be an expenditure sufficiently liberal to enable the committee to erect suitable buildings, and that there may not be undue haste to begin the school until all things are ready. Second, that thoroughness in a few branches, rather than a superficial knowledge of many, may be the desideratum. Third, that by avoiding all mixture with the public funds, and by employing our own members as instructors, we may be able to adhere to our principles, our practices, and even our peculiarities, with a tenacity that shall mark our identity, and evince our attachment to the Society of Friends. H. *

Children cannot altogether be taught by your experience. Experience must become their teacher also, before its lessons quite tone them down.

A PRAYER in its simplest definition is merely a wish turned Godward.—Phillips Brooks.

PLAN OF SCIENCE TEACHING

Arranged by the Committee on Systematic Work, graded and adapted to the different needs of the schools within the bounds of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends.

The Supervising Instructor will visit the schools desiring his services as many times during the year as the Committee on Systematic Work may direct. On his arrival he will proceed to give instruction in the designated studies, using full experimentation and illustration. The teacher in charge of the school will take full notes of the instruction and experimentation. This experimentation will be of such a nature that the teacher can readily repeat it and the pupils comprehend it, and with the teacher's aid and supervision duplicate it also. The Supervising Instructor will cheerfully aid the teacher by private advice and assistance, and by leaving works of reference with marked passages explanatory of the subject under consideration. If the subject should at any time demand apparatus not easily procured by the school the same can be obtained from the Supervising Instructor as a loan under certain specific conditions. At first courses in Physics, Chemistry and Physiology will be given. Between the first and the second visits of the Supervising Instructor the teacher will be expected to assign the lessons outlined and illustrated by him, also written examinations. The examination papers will be reviewed by the Supervising Instructor and if time permit an oral examination will be had at his second visit. Thus he can obtain an idea of the work really done during his absence when if satisfactory the second visit's work will be entered on, according to the adopted course and in the same general way as that of the first visit. The accompanying schedule of courses of study will present the plan more in detail. The proper school officers should give this subject their early attention and arrange with the committee on Systematic Work without unnecessary delay, as the time of the Supervising Instructor is limited. We would advise small schools to take Course D. Where the school is small in numbers but the pupils more advanced Course C is recom. mended; schools with two teachers of ready access from Phila., can take Course B or A. Course A is for the most advanced schools, of ready access. The committee on Systematic Work will arrange for the best interests of each school as it receives information from the committee in charge. The Supervising Instructor will try and make each visit of such a length that proper time may be given for his instruction. Further it is intended that instruction in the three branches Physics, Chemistry and Physiology can be given at each visit.

Additional courses of lectures will be prepared from time to time, as needs develop, &c.

(For further information, address Clement M. Biddle, 531 Commerce street, Philadelphia.)

PHYSIOLOGY.

Course D consists of the first two visits of Course C, and is for a primary and intermediate school with one teacher.

We shall endeavor by charts, and in some instances by parts of the manikin to make this subject not only interesting but instructive.

COURSE C. First Year. Four Visits.

COURSE D.

FIRST VISIT. A general talk about the bones, joints and muscles, with some remarks about muscular exercise.

SECOND VISIT. How the food which we eat is changed into blood, and how the blood builds up the body and repairs waste. A description of the organs which carry the blood to all parts of the body. THIRD VISIT. Some remarks about food.

The effects of alcohol and tobacco on the body. Bathing, clothing, ventilation and general health. FOURTH VISIT. feel.

How we see, hear, smell, taste and

Course B consists of the first four visits of Course A, and is designed for schools having fewer pupils than those for which Course A is designed, but of about the same intelligence.

COURSE A. First Year. Six Visits.

COURSE B.

FIRST VISIT. General description of the bones, joints and muscles. Muscular exercise. SECOND VISIT.

Digestion. Description of the organs of digestion. The successive steps in the conversion of food into tissue.

THIRD VISIT. Food; stimulants and narcotics. Bathing; clothing; ventilation; general hygiene. FOURTH VISIT. The circulation of the blood. Description of organs; the blood; how carried; the lymph. FIFTH VISIT. General arrangement and structure of the nervous system; stimuli; reflex action; perversion of nerve force; relation of mind to body. SIXTH VISIT. Sensation; sight; hearing; taste; touch; smell.

CHEMISTRY.

Course D consists of the first two visits of Course C, and is for a primary and intermediate school with one teacher. It is to be understood that full experiments, easy to understand, yet to the point, accompany each subject in all its details.

COURSE C. First Year. Four Visits.

COURSE D.

FIRST VISIT. Chemical changes illustrated by numerous experiments. What is flame? What we mean by burning.

SECOND VISIT. What water is composed of. How pure water is formed. The three forms of water and their properties. Experiments to illustrate acids and alkalies. THIRD VISIT. What is a gas? How different from solids and liquids? Several gases will be made, and their properties shown.

FOURTH VISIT. The different forms of carbon, so very unlike in appearance and physical properties. How carbon dioxide (carbonic acid) is made. Its properties and ordinary uses, and what danger in breathing it.

Course B consists of the first four visits of Course A, and is designed for schools having fewer pupils than those for which course A is designed, but of about the same intelligence.

COURSE A. First Year. Six Visits.

COURSE B.

FIRST VISIT. Distinction between Physics and Chemistry. Chemical affinity illustrated by numerous experiments; combustion; analysis of flame. SECOND VISIT. Water; how decomposed; its physical and chemical properties; how to determine its healthfulness. Acid; base. Salt defined and illustrated. THIRD VISIT. Hydrogen; mode of preparation; physical and chemical properties; tests and uses. Oxygen; mode of preparation; physical and chemical properties; tests and uses.

FOURTH VISIT. Chlorine. Disinfectants and bleaching agents. Carbon and carbon dioxide; physical and chemical properties and ordinary uses.

FIFTH VISIT. The growth of plants as related to Chemistry. Elements needed by a growing plant; cellulose; starch; sugar; vegetable oils. SIXTH VISIT. The decay of plants; in air; away from air. Formation of peat; bituminous coal; anthracite coal; petroleum. Effect of heat on wood; in air; away from air. Marsh gas; olefiant gas; pyroligneous acid; wood spirit.

PHYSICS.

Course D consists of the first two visits of Course C, and is for schools of primary and intermediate grades, having but one teacher.

It is to be understood that full experiments, easy to understand yet to the point, accompany each subject in all its details.

COURSE C. First Year. Four Visits.

COURSE D.

FIRST VISIT. Experiments to show that matter can be divided into very small particles. What is meant by dissolving a substance. Experiments to show that two bodies cannot fill the same space at the same time. Matter cannot be destroyed; it undergoes changes, still not one particle is annihilated. Experiments to show this. Other properties of matter illustrated by easy experiments.

SECOND VISIT. Bodies have a tendency to approach one another. This is attraction. Magnets cause, under certain circumstances, iron and other metals to approach and cling to them. This is magnetic attraction. Other forms of attraction illustrated by experiments, such as cohesion, adhesion, gravitation, capillary.

THIRD VISIT. The air; what it is composed of, and how we can find out. A variety of experiments with the air-pump, the common water-pump and the siphon.

FOURTH VISIT. Liquids; how they differ from solids. The curious fact that they have an upward and sidewise pressure, as well as a downward pressure. Experiments to show how a little water may cause great pressure. Why some substances float and others do not.

Course B consists of the first four visits of Course A, and is designed for schools having fewer pupils than those for which course A is designed, but of about the same intelligence.

COURSE A. First Year. Six Visits.

COURSE B.

FIRST VISIT. Properties of matter; divisibility; impenetrability; indestructibility; elasticity: porosity, etc., etc.

SECOND VISIT. Attraction; magnetic, electric, gravitation; weight; cohesion; adhesion; capillarity. THIRD VISIT. Equilibrium, three kinds; centre of gravity; line of direction. Mechanical powers; lever, wheel and axle, inclined plane, wedge, screw, pulley. It will be shown that one principle is applicable to all the different forms of machinery. If this is well understood then the whole subject becomes exceedingly simple.

FOURTH VISIT. Liquids; upward, downward and lateral pressure; hydrostatic paradox; level; buoyancy; specific gravity.

FIFTH VISIT. The atmosphere; composition and the method of determining its constituents; upward, lateral and downward pressure. The air-pump; the barometer; the common lifting-pump; the siphon; the force-pump; weather probabilities. SIXTH VISIT. Frictional electricity; attraction; repulsion; the electroscope; Holt's machine; induced electricity; Leyden jar, etc., etc. Magnetic electricity. Different forms of magnets; dipping needle; the earth a magnet; electro-magnets. The telephone.

I WISH we would consider ourselves to be set in this world as a crystal, which, placed in the middle of the universe, would give free passage to all that light which it receives from above.-De Reuty.