Admitting that in this difficult work of giving a system of instruction that will do these people who differ so much among themselves in habits, customs and thought, the most good, that all has been done that can be done, is it not reasonable to suppose that this system is not the one that will benefit our children most? Is it not impossible for the public schools to educate our children as we can-we who can adapt the instruction to the wants of our children and not to the wants of all the classes previously named?

As a student I attended both public and private schools; as a teacher I have taught four years in the former and five in the latter. The experience acquired enables me to see both sides of the subject. I shall consider it under three heads-the Physical, Moral and Mental.

PHYSICAL.

Without speaking of any special arrangement for the development of the physique, such as calisthenics, gymnastics, ventilation, heating, school furniture, etc., (and yet there would be little difficulty in showing the superiority of private schools in this respect, besides being cleaner, neater and more cheerful), I am willing to grant that public schools may use the same system and be governed by the same principles. But I would call attention to certain indisputable facts which will show from the very nature of existing causes, that it is impossible for children attending public schools to enjoy the same degree of health that private school children do.

Let us examine the two schools. In one we find children closely crowded together, so much so that no known method of ventilation will keep the atmosphere wholesome. The children have come from all parts of the city or country, including the alleys, slums and tenement houses-places most frequently visited by the most dreaded diseases, scarcely ever free from contagion. Many of these children, owing to the ignorance or indolence of their parents, attend school with person and clothing unclean.

No sanitary precaution or regulation can remove these dangers so long as children come from these districts, and that they will always come is as certain as that our public schools will exist, for the public school is intended to reach and improve this class and is a failure unless it does.

The room is both study hall and recitation room, and in consequence of this, and its crowded condition, an opportunity is not given pupils of changing positions and of stretching out their tired and restless bodies. I must here emphasize the necessity of frequent change of position.

In the other schools,,e. g., Friends' schools,-children are much less crowded. They come from families who attend more carefully to sanitary arrangements, and who, from the location of their homes and manner of living, avoid many diseases. They are neat and clean in their habits. Here a system of classroom instruction prevails which constantly draws children from the study-hall, giving more breathing space for those who remain, and removes the danger of confining children too long in one position.

It needs only a visit to these schools to show that the cheerful and happy appearance of our children

and their fine physical development prove to the most zealous advocate of public schools all I have claimed. Often have visitors complimented me on the fine appearance of my pupils. When I left the public schools to teach for Prof. Lamb, I was surprised at the marvelous beauty of his pupils. This physical development of our schools is conducive to mental and moral growth.

MORAL INFLUENCE.

We are all more or less influenced by our association. Gradually we acquire the habits and manners of those around us, and like them talk, think and act. How often we can judge of a child's home by observing it.

The grand and majestic oak towering heavenward in the valley differs no more from the dwarfed, distorted, and useless scrub growing on the barren hill, than the man whose mental, moral, and physical nature has been developed differs from him who has suffered the corresponding loss.

As a sponge cast into the gutter absorbs the filth and dirt, so a child cast among vile and corrupt companions acquires vicious habits.

The theory of exposing children to temptation to gain strength is most dangerous. Adults do not seek the companionship of the wicked to become morally strong. Our blessed Master taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation," and a wise man said, “Train up a child in the path he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

The wise in all times have understood this, and have sought for their children companions and instructors among the good and wise.

It is unnecessary to comment on the association children will have in the two schools. One of the principal objects of public instruction is to hunt out and improve the low and vicious, and to change this dangerous element into a law-abiding one. Unless it reaches this class it fails to accomplish its most important object. The good children attending these schools must come in contact with this objectionable class.

A prominent physician of Washington says vice of a nature to sap the mental and physical strength of boys prevails to an alarming extent in some of the public schools; he withdrew his son from them.

Much more might be said, but enough has been said to show the superiority of the moral training of our schools.

Friends' principles have been the admiration of the world on account of their purity and simplicity. People recognize it, and many times send their children to Friends' schools in preference to others. In consequence of this superior moral and physical training of the private schools, of which none are more careful than Friends' schools, the intellectual development is greater.

INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT.

But aside from these advantages there are others. The principals and teachers of private schools exercise more liberty in the selection of text-books and in the use of methods; they work not under the direction of some one who occasionally visits the school,

but, directed by experience, and exercising their own judgment, provide for the necessities of the pupils of that school.

Their work is an evidence of their ability. They are responsible to every parent. The dull pupil must receive the same attention as the bright one. They must exercise their intelligence in making use of agencies which will improve each child.

As the wise farmer regulates his sowing, cultivation and reaping by the seasons, conditions of the soil, and markets, so the wise teacher in cultivating the intellect, governs his work by existing circumstances.

Even those who have entered the profession for the monetary consideration will see the necessity of doing their best in order to receive the highest compensation.

The plan in many schools of employing special teachers for special work enables them to give better instruction. A teacher who has made especial preparation to teach a few branches, for which he has a peculiar fondness and talent, will be able to teach them more successfully than one whose study has been given to many branches; the former finds little difficulty in awakening an interest; he has a storehouse to draw from, and imparts his zeal to others; the latter, depending much upon his text-book, will find it difficult to awaken much interest in subjects

for which he has no fondness.

Another advantage our private schools have is that of providing a teacher for every twenty or twenty-five pupils, whereas the public schools allow one teacher for forty or sixty pupils.

The atmosphere of private schools is more conducive to study. The students come from homes where important subjects are discussed, and in consequence, their conversation is instructive, English good, and manners more worthy of imitation.

Private schools in following more closely nature's method of teaching, introduce many objects and employ apparatus to illustrate many things which would be imperfectly understood without. The instruction is not simply for the ear but for all the senses. They can adapt the course of study to each individual pupil, taking into consideration his age, health and ability. The parent is consulted and a course pursued which in the judgment of those most deeply concerned will best meet the case of each child. If the child is to be prepared for college or the university, or for a profession, from two to three years time can be saved in the preparation. There is no necessity of overworking some or of retarding the progress of others.

In the public schools this is unavoidable where all are required to do the same work. It also follows that some must have too little and others too much to do, and that there must be a sacrifice of health or the work done superficially.

I have now tried to give some reasons why persons of means should place their children in private schools. In doing this it has been my desire not to stand as one opposed to the public schools; not to claim, as some, that it would be better if they did not exist; not to find fault with or to criticise those

who are engaged in them,-for be it distinctly understood, I would under no circumstances take from the poor this opportunity given them by the munificence of our government. I would have them enjoy to its fullest the blessings of enlightenment, and would aid them to resist any movement to deprive them of it— but in all sincerity I have desired to show why it is better that people who have the best interests of their children at heart, and who desire to do the best for them, should send them where they will secure the highest mental, moral and physical development and the best preparation for time and eternity.

THE WORK OF REBUILDING.

THE renewed interest apparent in many places in regard to the growth and continuance of our religious society, should arouse us to earnest thought and watchful care as to the best methods of rebuilding.

That we have passed through a period of inactivity, trusting for our perpetuity to the great value of the truths we profess as represented in what we are pleased to call our principles and testimonies, is beyond doubt, and now that the awakening has come and we see the poverty that exists in too many places as to spiritual vitality, it is our duty to ponder well as to the outward means and methods to be used in seeking for a renewal of spiritual power. We well know from whence the "increase," if any, is to come, but we do know that there is "planting" and watering" too, ere it will come. Let us seek to know the best way to do this.

It is useless to dwell on the causes of our present condition of weakness longer than to satisfy ourselves of a need and a desire to renew our strength. We want to go to the root of the matter by each member amongst us putting the queries to himself, Do I want our religious body to live? Is it still capable of nourishing my spiritual nature? and, What can I do to promote its growth?

If in any locality there are the "two" or the "three" who feel it a duty to gather for the worship of the Father, and for moral and religious improvement, there is a nucleus whereon to work, and if only the right work is done, this duty will soon become a blessed privilege that few will willingly surrender.

The need of our continuance is as a religious body, and all of our movements should be based upon this fact. First a recognition of our allegiance to God as given forth so earnestly in the reply of Jesus to the lawyer in Matthew, 22; 37,38 verses. Then in the next commandment which quickly follows we can embrace the whole range of work needful to be done for the improvement of others.

In bringing in close connection the First-Day schools and reading classes with our meetings for worship, let this devotional feeling ever be kept prominent, for it is this element we must foster if we expect solid growth. It is by the performance by each one of us, at our home meetings, of our religious duties that the rebuilding will be of value. We are apt to over-estimate the work and influence of others, especially those called to the ministry. These have a place, and an important place, but it is only one place. Often we see in meetings where gifted speakers dwell there is not fulness of life. And why? Because there is too much dependence upon the spoken word, and not enough on each one doing his part for the general good. Let love for one another's best welfare, and a desire to do the right, (finding some service wherein all can work) actuate us, and the rebuilding will be effectual.

If we could, like Joshua of old, exclaim with an earnestness born of conviction, "as for me and my house we will serve the Lord” and not give so much of our time and thought to minor matters, however good in their place, we should advance in a knowledge of the things of the spirit and be able to do our part in the advance of the world towards the truth.

WHILE we are considering what are the best means of promoting the welfare and continuance of the religious society of Friends we find presented two lines of thought from two distinct lines of thinkers; and, interwoven between them, the various gradations and mixtures of both. Of one extreme we would say a word.

Starting out with the wish to propose the right and best course to revivify the lukewarm members amongst us, the accepted principle that "God is the teacher of his people himself" is brought forward as the unanswerable argument against attempting anything beyond inward and individual work. We all agree to the proposition that each one is to be taught of the Lord; but after we have received our lesson, what then? We are told to practice introversion of spirit, to withdraw our thoughts from worldly things, which we grant to be most helpful to the spiritual nature, but we ask how long can the average man or woman sustain a complete withdrawal and introversion, and after we come down from the heights, what then?

In meeting affairs we are to strive to be "empty vessels" waiting to be filled with the Divine influence; but when our measure, be it great or small, is filled up and we long to work under this leadership are we to understand that the impulse to offer intellectual and moral help to those whose spiritual natures are dormant is out of harmony with the Divine plan?

We must acknowledge that whatever works in the direction of goodness is good, even though it be not the highest good. There are but few who attain to the perfect and uninterrupted communion with the source of spiritual life, but many have sights or glimpses which comfort and encourage them. When Jesus went up to the Mount of transfiguration he took but two with him, and they were the most advanced spiritually, and even these tarried but a little while. Though the spirit is the highest, the most divine part of man, yet his moral and intellectual and even his physical nature are altogether indispensable in the working out of the problem of a revival of Quakerism. We find a large body of people amongst us who have not become interested in the society to which they belong by birthright, and the question is how to awaken an interest in these. Certainly not by offering them that which finds no response in their hearts.

THE SOUTHERN COLORED PEOPLE.

IT is to be hoped that Friends will not feel themselves ready to abandon the colored people ofthe Southern States. The work of education there is itself enormous, and must be aided in every possible way by all who can give aid, if it is to be successful. But there accompanies it other work of equal or greater importance-that training and development of character without which education is an injury rather than a help. This is especially needed among the colored people. Their own leaders see the need, and are anxious to have it supplied. They see that a great mass of people, so recently freed from bondage, must be helped to go forward in the paths of industry, sobriety, and virtue, or the blessing of freedom will be only in part realized.

Within the past fortnight, two appeals have come from the South, in behalf of work already well begun, but now urgently needing assistance. The destruction of the school-house at Mt. Pleasant, S. C., and the weight of the burden upon our friend Martha Schofield, at Aiken, join in time and circumstance to press the whole subject upon Friends' attention. Both of the schools, we believe, well deserve the help of those who wish to see the southern colored people aided in the maintenance of intelligent and virtuous conditions, and it is to be hoped that the reproach will not rest upon us of neglecting to respond to their call.

Several considerations unite in bringing the whole subject very forcibly to the regard of our religious body. No other was more earnest or more persistent in asking for the emancipation of the colored people, and it would be a surprising inconsistency for us to cease our interest in their welfare when their liberty has been accomplished. It is, too, a work particularly suited to the temper and character of Friends, who have always been strong in the patient training to industry and morality. It is the good habit of life which so many of the freed people, especially the

younger amongst them, need, and such work as is done at the Mount Pleasant and Aiken schools, elevating the character, developing the better elements, repressing vice and sloth, encouraging industry, showing the way as well as the beauty of a clean life, is a work that appeals most powerfully to the sympathies of those of us who believe that true religion must show itself in good works, and a well-ordered course.

Whether there should not be a more general, systematic, and persistent labor by Friends for the colored people we submit as a query to be now considered. The question was suggested in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, the present year. Our field of philanthropic work is now limited, since the labors for the Indians have been curtailed under the later policy of the Government; and it will do our Society good to keep its benevolences at the fullest practicable outflow. Such giving is twice blest: it is the giver who profits, as well as he who receives,

It should be explicitly understood that the editors do not accept any responsibility for the views of correspondents and contributors who sign their articles. The signature-whether by a full name, initials, or other characters-must be the voucher for an independent expression. We do not intend publishing anything which, in our judgment, would be harmful to the interests of our religious body, but, while avoiding this, we wish to give a fair representation of the thought of its membership.

DEATHS.

BIDDLE.-At the residence of her son, Joseph W. Biddle, near Mansfield, N. J., Ninth month 12th, 1885, Sarah T. Biddle, in her 83d year.

CRONK.-On Eighth month 16th, in Pictou, Prince Edward county, Ontario, Mary, wife of Jacob S. Cronk; a lifelong member of West Lake Monthly Meeting of Friends.

ERVIEN.-Near Shoemakertown, Pa., Ninth month 17th, 1885, Mary L., wife of J. Howard Ervien and daughter of the late Watson and Mary G. Comly, in her 34th year.

PALMER.-On the 5th instant, of typhoid fever, Katie May, daughter of T. Ellwood and Hannah L. Palmer, of New London, Chester county, in the 15th year of her age.

PARRY.-Ninth month 21st, Lydia Parry, of Horsham Monthly Meeting, in her 71st year,

PHILLIPS.-At Newmarket, on the 22d of Sixth month, of paralysis, John D. Phillips; elder of Yonge Street Monthly Meeting of Friends, Canada.

SHOEMAKER.-On the morning of Ninth month 17th, 1885, Rachel Mather, widow of Charles Shoemaker, in her 71st year; a member of the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia.

TYSON.-Ninth month 16th, at his late residence, Abington, David Tyson.

SWARTHMORE COLLEGE.

THE reopening at Swarthmore, on the 10th inst.,

was very satisfactory to those connected with the institution. The number of students in the College classes shows an increase over last year, and while the total number is somewhat less, this is explained substantially by the omission of the lowest class-C-in the preparatory department, and the advancement of the admission age to fourteen years. The number reported at the opening was 240 (this will show some increase as later arrivals are added), and it is quite curious to note that not only is the number equally divided between the College proper and the preparatory school, but just one-half the whole are children of Friends. The Freshman Class shows about 40 members. The Senior Class, to graduate in Sixth month, 1886, has eight, which will be double the size of the last graduating class.

Numerous important improvements have been made in the system and course of study. The corps of instructors has been strengthened, and a new department established, that of Biology, being an extension of the course formerly given in Natural History. A Biological Laboratory has been opened under the direction of an experienced instructor just from Zorn's Biological Laboratory of Naples, to be furnished with dissecting tables, microscopes, etc., including all of the best modern appliances for carrying on successfully this important study. It is made an elective branch for all the students in the College, and is sure to become a popular one, being of especial service to all young men and young women who intend, after graduation, to pursue the study of medicine. In connection with this work the complete courses in the Chemical Laboratory, already established and fully equipped with apparatus, will be found invaluable. The College has also during the past year greatly added to its efficiency in the Department of Mechanics and Engineering by the addition of several instructors, and our young men need no longer go to Troy or Hoboken for a thorough course in this Department. The excellent facilities now offered to students of Swarthmore in all of the branches of a scientific course, and the success in practical work of a number of her graduates, should encourage the friends of the College, and bring to it students from far and near to prepare for the increasing number of positions of trust and responsibility opening.to our young men in the development of the almost boundless resources of our growing West, Nor are the students of Science alone well provided for; but the Classical Department has been strengthened by the appointment to the Professorship of Latin of a valedictorian of Amherst of five years stand

ing, who brings to the College the fruits of two years' travel and study abroad, and three years' experience as an instructor in a sister institution; and who is ably assisted by a former graduate of Swarthmore, who brings to his Alma Mater as a contribution the results of more than ten years of successful experience as an instructor elsewhere.

Among the various recent improvements we must not omit to mention the establishment of a course of Practical Physiology and Hygiene, to be given in lectures during the winter to the young men and women in separate classes; and which will be a valuable adjunct to the " Sargent" system of gymnastics, which was established last year. We may also mention courses of Home Lectures, upon various subjects, to be delivered during the year by the different members of the Faculty; and others by speakers of distinction from abroad.

NEWS OF FRIENDS.

MINUTE OF THE REPRESENTATIVE COMMITTEE.

"THE Legislature of

HE Legislature of Pennsylvania having passed a law on the subject of marriage, to take effect the 1st of Tenth month 1885, monthly meetings are desired to give attention to the necessity of procuring the proper certificate from the Clerk of the Orphans' Court of the county where the marriage is to be performed, and to see that the certificate is returned as directed by law."

Extracted from the minutes of the Representative Committee, or Meeting for Sufferings, of the Yearly Meeting of Friends, held in Philadelphia.

Ninth month 18th, 1885.

CLEMENT BIDDLE, Clerk.

TO THE MONTHLY MEETING OF FRIENDS OF PHILADEL

PHIA :

The Committee to whom was referred the matter of the recent legislation of the State of Pennsylvania upon the subject of marriage, report:

That in accordance with the provisions of an Act of Assembly lately passed it is the duty of persons contemplating marriage after the first of Tenth month next to obtain from the Clerk of the Orphans' Court for the county in which the marriage is to be performed, a certificate that there is no legal impediment thereto, and after the solemnization thereof to file with him a certificate of such marriage signed by the parties and attested by two witnesses.

The Clerk of the Orphans' Court for the County of Philadelphia is prepared to issue the certificate required from him upon proper application therefor by either of the parties interested. The Committee recommend:

First. That it shall be the duty of the Committee appointed to inquire into the clearness of the parties to proceed in marriage to ascertain and report whether the certificate required as a pre-requisite thereto has been obtained.

Second. It shall be the duty of the Committee to have the oversight of the marriage, to see that a certificate thereof is filed with the Clerk of the proper

Legal evidence having been furnished me in accordance with the act of Assembly approved the 23d day of June, 1885, this certifies that I am satisfied that there is no legal impediment to your joining yourselves together in marriage.

This is then signed by the Clerk of the Orphans' Court.

Having made themselves husband and wife, the pair first sign copies of a formal certificate, and keep one themselves, and file the other or duplicate in the office of the Clerk of the Orphans' Court within thirty days. This form of certificate reads as follows: No.

We hereby certify that on the sand eight hundred and eighty

day of -one thouwe united ourselves having first

in marriage at —, in the county of obtained from the Clerk of the Orphans' Court of said county a declaration that he was satisfied that there was no existing legal impediment to our so doing.

[Witnesses]

We the undersigned were present at the solemnization of the marriage of and as set forth in the foregoing certificate.

HADDONFIELD QUARTERLY MEETING. This was held at Moorestown, N. J., occurring on the 17th of Ninth month, 1885.

The day was of exceptional beauty and pleasantness, and an unusually large body of Friends gathered on this occasion. A goodly number of acknowledged ministers were in attendance and participated in the exercises.

Thomas Foulke, of N. Y., early in the meeting, spoke earnestly and forcibly of the faith which he had ever held in the value of the human soul, the supreme work of the great Creator. It comes into existence, not bearing a tainted nature, but enters life innocent of sin, yet with tendencies to sin which may, if not controlled and guided by Divine grace, lead it from its original innocence into positive sin, which kills the spiritual life. The speaker bore witness to the eternal and blessed truth, that the spirit of God is the inheritance of all his children, and this high gift is adequate for the salvation of every human soul.

Mary S. Lippincott expressed the conviction that to-day, as in the days of old, it might be seasonable to call a solemn fast, when the elders should mourn between the porch and the altar and the ministers should say, “Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach." This solemn feeling of