recesses of the heart, being the most perfect realization of the new covenant.

Christ declares, "I come to do thy will, O God," and his mission will never be completed, and his work in the human heart ended, until all branches are united in the one true and living vine, through the agency of the vitalizing sap circulating therein.

God wills not the death of any, but provides the way, and offers the means for the preservation of life, but leaves it with us to utilize the means, which must be done in the prescribed manner if the reward is to be obtained. So the writer of this Epistle pleads with the Hebrews to no longer depend upon the observance of the outward law, through sacrifice and burnt offering, but to yield their wills to the operation of the Holy Spirit, and know the reward of peace.

The Song of Songs, read in the Synagogues, at Passover ; Ruth, read at Pentecost; Lamentations, read on the Anniversary of the Burning of the Temple; Ecclesiastes, read at the Feast of Tabernacles: Esther, read at the Feast of Purim.

Topics for study: 1. What was the origin and meaning of these feasts, and how were they celebrated? 2. What moral or spiritual lesson is contained in the Book of Esther? 3. What is the chief value of Ecclesiastes?

References: Gladden, pages 84 to 86, 161 to 166, 177 to 180, 184 to 191; Sunderland, 88, 92, 99, 115 to 118; Teachers' Bibles; Bible Dictionary.

"The individual as against the Church. A priest of the Roman Catholic religion recently said to a Quaker: 'After all, we are not so very different, for we both believe in the guidance of the spirit.' 'Yes,' said the Quaker, 'but with you it is the spirit of the Church; with us it is the spirit of the individual.' We believe that the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in a man make for peace and love and universal brotherhood. We are wholly against war and the shedding of human blood. If conscription ever became the law in England, I am convinced.it would drive many thousands to the ranks which have numbered such men as George Fox, William Penn, Joseph Gurney, Benjamin West, Thomas Young, Edward Pease, John Greenleaf Whittier, John Bright, and Lord Lister."

"How many Quakers are there at present in the Kingdom?"

"The number this year has been set down as 16,674, of which 2,500 are within the London district." This is against 100,000 English Quakers in Penn's time.

There are no fewer than twenty-six Quaker meeting places in and about London, the chief, of course, being Devonshire House, which, in addition to a hall accommodating 1,100 members, also boasts an excellent library. The missionary labors of the Quakers, which are extensive, are directed from other quarters in Devonshire street.

Is the form thee' and 'thou' altogether abandoned among the Quaker fraternity?" was asked. By no means. It is frequently employed. I myself always use it in the bosom of my family, and when conversing among certain Friends. At Fritchley, in Derbyshire, there is a Quaker community which still holds strongly by the practice. I remember once addressing a letter to the late Sir Robert Fowler, beginning 'Dear Sir.' The next day I received the following rebuke by post: 'Dear Friend, Thine, Robert Fowler.'"

"Does the Quaker still insist on keeping on his hat in meeting places?"

"Not unless he feels he would be catching a chill if he kept it off. But nobody would object if he did so."

"And the broad-brimmed hat?"

"I fear that has virtually disappeared."

Other things have also disappeared, such, for example, as the Quaker's absolute abstention from the drama, his dislike of travel, and his prohibition of marriage outside the Society of Friends. Nevertheless the modern Quaker is, as were his forerunners and forebears, a peaceful, temperate, order-loving man or woman, with wide sympathies, and whose prejudices were only strong when they ran counter to a spirit of war. They are not fanatics of any sort, and any man of a pacific, conciliatory, domestic, and industrious temper, who recognizes the working of the Holy Spirit in his own soul, is already, if not in name and subscription fees, then in deed, a Quaker.

WE might oftener save ourselves from heavy hearts and gloomy faces when early morning shows gray in our lives or other lives about us. Mists are left over from a storm yesterday. The day closed on a misunderstanding. Why talk about it? Let the weather alone. Fog is shallow. "It will burn off before long." There is a good warm sun of love at work, and the blue sky will soon be over us.-Sunday School Times.

FIND your purpose and fling your life out to it; and then the loftier your purpose is, the more sure you will be to make the world richer with every enrichment of yourself.-Phillips Brooks.

GOODNESS and love mould the form into their own image and cause the joy and beauty of love to shine forth from every part of the face.—Swedenborg.

Joseph Price, (2d Street), was an overseer of the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, then held on Cherry Street, but his wife and children belonged to Twelfth Street Meeting. T. CARROLL.—At his home, 546 Linden Avenue, Avondale, Cincinnati, Ohio, Twelfth month 17, 1897, Robert Williams Carroll, aged 71 years, 5 months, 19 days.

He leaves a widow and family, not in membership with Friends. He was himself a birthright member, long of Cincinnati Monthly Meeting, and since its discontinuance, of Miami Monthly Meeting. For a number of years he was engaged in the publishing business, and the book trade; was a man of wide information and much literary ability.

His parents were Dr. Thomas and Anne Lynch (Williams) Carroll ; he was born in county Antrim, Ireland, she in Lynchburg, Virginia. Both were descended from long unbroken lines of Quaker ancestry. Her grandparents were Micajah and Sarah (Lynch) Terrell, the former an eminent minister, and the latter a sister of Col. Charles Lynch, from whom what is called "Lynch law" took its name, and sister also of John Lynch, the former of Lynchburg, Va., who died there at an advanced age, in 1820. This John Lynch traveled some with and assisted Margaret Cook in her journeyings as a minister in the then wilderness lands of Virginia, and was the appreciated elder she speaks of lovingly in the journal of her travels and labors, as some time ago so acceptably found in the pages of the INTELLIGENCER. Therein she mentions also numerous Terrells (generally spelling their name incorrectly), especially in Caroline county, all of whom were relatives of the aforesaid Micajah Terrell. C. B.

CONARD.-At Norristown, Pa., Twelfth month 30, 1897, Sarah Ambler, widow of the late Peter Conard, in the 82d year of her age; a member of Gwynedd Monthly Meeting. Interment at Plymouth, on the 4th instant.

HOAG.-At his residence in Quaker Street, N. Y., Twelfth month 31, 1897, Francis Hoag, in the 78th year of his age; a member and for many years an elder of Duanesburgh Monthly Meeting.

The funeral was held at Friends' meeting-house, Quaker Street, on Third-day, the 4th inst., and was largely attended by Friends and relatives. Isaac Wilson, of Canada, being present, delivered a powerful sermon from the words: "I am the Resurrection and the Life." He bore a loving testimony to the worth of the deceased, and spoke words of cheer and comfort to sorrowing hearts.

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LOTT.-At Quakertown, Pa., Twelfth month 20, 1897, Eliza M., widow of Dr. Charles F. Lott, in her 89th year. Interment at the Friends' burial ground.

MORGAN.-Near Quakertown, Pa., on Sixth-day, Twelfth month 24, 1897, Antrim F. Morgan, in his 80th year; a valued member of Richland Monthly Meeting.

Interment at Quakertown Friends' ground.

MOSS. At the home of her daughter, 2410 Copeland Avenue, Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Eleventh month 10, 1897, Frances Matilda Moss, aged 80 years, 5 months, 16 days; a member of Miami Monthly Meeting.

She became a member of Cincinnati Monthly Meeting, (now discontinued), upon convincement, Fifth month 20, 1880. B.

PASSMORE.-At Concordville, Pa., Twelfth month 20, 1897, Benjamin W. Passmore, aged 71 years; a member of the other body of Friends. He was born on the Westtown Boarding School farm, and was some time Superintendent of the School.

SHOEMAKER.-First month 4, 1898, after a brief illness of paralysis, Emily Peirce, wife of the late John Longstreth Shoemaker, of Philadelphia, and daughter of the late Charles W. Peirce, of Bristol, Pa., in her 62d year.

She was one of the efficient managers of the Home for Aged Colored Persons, Philadelphia. For several years her home has been at Oak Park, near Glenside, in Montgomery county, Pa.

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SUTTON.-In Denver, Colorado, Twelfth month 17, 1897, Silas H. Sutton, son of the late Aaron Sutton, of Dutchess county, N. Y.

NEWS OF FRIENDS.

FISHING CREEK HALF-YEAR MEETING.

TWELFTH month 22d, 1897, Millville Monthly Meeting assembled at Millville, Pa. It was pleasant to sit down once more with our Friends, in the capacity of a religious gathering, and note the attendance of Isaac Wilson, Margaret P. Howard of Philadelphia, Owen and Anna M. Underwood from Centre Co., Pa. It was also gratifying to have with us at this time William and Elizabeth Burgess, who had been absent in distant parts of the country for many years.

The Half Year, and the Youths' Meeting followed on succeeding days. The question relating to the welfare of our Society in this region were considered in the meeting for business, where the spirit of brotherly love seemed to prevail. A parlor meeting was held on the evening of the 23d at the house of Sarah L. Eves.

The ministerial labors of Isaac Wilson and Margaret Howard were effective in reaching the Witness within, and lay along a line of reasoning making the practical bearing of the religious truths they dwelt upon plainly appear, while abundant illustration, couched in language easily to be understood, opened up many a Scripture passage. Among these declarations it was clearly shown, that "the way" in the direction of religious advancement, "is so plain that the wayfaring man, though a fool, cannot err therein." Naturally connected with it is the thought of simple obedience to the law of righteousness written in the heart. "Obey and thy soul shall live." To obey is to live and make steady progress in the direction indicated by duty. This obedience is attended by an inward peace which is the perfect assurance of being in the right.

Isaac and Margaret attended the regular meeting on First-day the 26th, and one held by appoint

ment at 3 p.m. The latter was a favored opportunity. Isaac was greatly exercised. His earnest desire was that Friends be untiring in their efforts to overcome all influences having a tendency to promote decline in Society, and a loss of interest in the meeting. The religious element was fairly stirred, the feeling was deep, and responses in approval of what was said came from different parts of the meeting, after Isaac had finished his service by offering a prayer.

While attendant upon the several sittings comprised in these meetings, the writer felt impressed with a sense of the propriety as well as usefulness of our form of worship. Here as we come together, day after day, the period of silence seems so well adapted for communion with the Great Source of all good. By mental act we approach the Divine Nature, and as we wait under its quieting influence we may receive direction upon subjects pertinent to our secular and religious welfare. The stillness then is broken by the words of our ministering Friends, which rally the thoughful mind from its own reflections, to direct its attention upon the discourse, feeling its spirit, appropriating its thought, and enlarging upon its suggestions. As expression, fresh with spiritual invigorating power, fills out each topic, and the preaching nears a conclusion, the combined effect of all is to give rise

to impulses which may result in future good. The speaking finished, these religious opportunities are closed by a restful pause, when the words that have been uttered, standing in entire accord with the highest and best we know, have settled the meeting into a holy calm.

Margaret Howard, having a concern to visit the Friends of Roaring Creek Monthly Meeting, went in company with Sarah L. Eves, S. Jennie Kester, Perry Eves, and Griffith John in private conveyance to Roaring Creek, reaching Ruthanna Kester's on Second-day evening, the 27th. Next day a very satisfactory meeting was held at Mill Grove, where assembled a quiet,

attentive audience.

A meeting of the Young Friends' Association of New York and Brooklyn was held last First-day evening, 8th, at the Brooklyn meeting-house, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn street. Reports Reports of the

various committees showed a continued interest in all

departments. Reference was made in Current Topic reports to the discovery of the tomb of King Menes, -positively identified by name and inscriptions, and the point was made that this was a verification of traditional reports, and calculated to give us greater respect for traditions. The book "Hugh Wynne" was discussed, and the excellent review of the INTELLIGENCER referred to. It was the general thought that this and other books in which Quakers figured as characters usually showed ignorance and prejudiceespecially ignorance, the prejudice may be imagined. Perhaps some day from out the ranks of the young Friends' Association a new novelist may be born who will be better informed.

In

The Bible Section reports were presented. Brooklyn the subject of Christmas and its customs have been considered, also the views of Friends in regard to the observance of "Days and Times." Cora Haviland read an original and very sweet Santa Claus story, which was full of the spirit of Santa Claus, but presented it all in a truthful way..

The next meeting being the time for election of new officers, the following members were chosen as a nominating committee: Daniel T. Merritt, Edwin Cox, Cora Seaman, John Cox, Jr., Franklin Noble, Caroline Carder, Marianna Hallock.

The paper of the evening was by Cornelia Shoemaker, the subject, "Inspiration." It was a sweet and beautiful sermon, fervent and uplifting, and the thoughts of the hearers were led by simple arguments, and illustrations to a very full appreciation of

all that Inspiration is to us as individuals and as a people. "Each new fact added to the sum of knowledge," says the paper, "broadens our vista, and opens other avenues to truth, and every thought that lifts us above the petty and finite into realms of eternal truth is an inspiration from the Infinite. Not alone in the sanctuary of the soul may God be sought and found. He greets us in the mysteries of his creation; He walks our streets to-day. He breathes upon the scientist, the artist, the musician, and from their great creations the breath divine goes forth, filling man's heart with love, his thoughts with reverence, and revealing half hidden links in the endless chain of life.

In the wealth of accumulated wisdom which is our heritage from ages past, in the reformer's earnest plea, the minister's appeal, and the decisions of the people, may be heard the voice of God. Thus is the soul embosomed with infinite, and like the plant, from its environment gains nourishment for its unfolding. With the inbreathing of the life of God, it expands to a new knowledge of its kinship with creation, and at each inspiration it knows a closer union with the soul of souls.

"Every new and beautiful thought which the Eternal Spirit has entrusted to our care is not ours alone, but has become a part of the possessions of humanity, and was given that through its fruition in our words or deeds mankind might gain new glimpses of that divine ideal into which it is developing. Though the universe is full of a divine unspoken message, each alone is fitted to receive his inspirationhis in trust for all mankind, that through these rays from that eternal sourcè, man's thought may root more deeply in the infinite to blossom forth in God-like words and deeds. Hence, 'Mind the Light,' the oftquoted admonition of George Fox, has become the watchword of our Society, and it finds renewed expression in the words of one of this century (Emerson): 'A man should learn to detect and watch that light which flashes across his mind from within, more than the lustre of the firmament of bards and sages, for 'we lie in the lap of immense intelligence, which makes us receivers of its truth and organs of its activity'-organs whose growth and very life depend upon their use."

The next meeting of the Society will be held at the New York meeting-house, on the 23d inst. The Brooklyn Bible Section meets at 243 Dean street, on the 16th inst. V. W.

The Committee appointed by Burlington Quarterly Meeting to establish a Friends' Boarding Home have accepted the generous offer of A. Crozier Reeves of a property in Trenton, rent free, and expect to open soon.

"THE only worthy end of all learning, of all science, of all life, in fact, is that human beings should love one another better."

If I ever feel like envying any one, it is not the world-famous author, but some serene, devout soul who has made the life of Christ his own and whose will is the divine will.—Whittier.

Educational Department.

VALUE OF THE SMALLER COLLEGES.

AT the recent convention of educators of the Middle States, at Poughkeepsie, the subject of the value of the Colleges,—as distinguished from the large Universities,—was one of the questions considered.

President Sharpless, of Haverford, in one branch of the discussion, undertook to define the sphere of the college work. He maintained that the college should abandon the attempt to follow the university in its standards of admission and methods of instruction and administration; that it should gradually differentiate itself and form a definite part of our educational system. He called attention to the very pertinent fact that while at every previous convention of the Association college and university men have insisted upon a decrease of the age at which pupils are prepared for academic work, and while there is much public criticism of the system which delays entrance upon business or professional life until an age thought by the critics to be too advanced, the recent changes in college entrance requirements have been such as to induce a number of leading preparatory schools to add a year to their courses of study.

Commenting upon this, the Citizen, (Philadelphia, representative of the University Extension work, etc.), says:

That the small colleges have a distinct mission is undoubted. They stand for the personality of the teacher as against the reality of the great buildings, libraries, laboratories of the universities. They have their dangers of provincial and sectarian narrowness, but they are sources of light at the very doors of the communities in which they stand, for the loss of which no distant light, however powerful, would compensate. Manned by university-trained men, the small college need not stagnate, need not teach discredited theories. Endowed with the advantages of healthful location and a system of living in common, it offers opportunities for the cultivation of manly virtues and the affections of brotherhood which are apt to be lacking in the great universities of cities. The position of these latter in respect to the technical professions is undisputed. That the small college can afford equally good training in preparation for the general activities of life is likewise indisputable. The differentiation of the methods and curriculum of the small college, that it may attain its real scope, is, however, essential to the success of its mission."

FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOL, PHILADELPHIA.-The addition of a standard barometer to the equipment of the physical laboratory and the recent production of some Roentgen ray photographs of more than usual excellency are both typical of the progress the school is making in the department of science. This progress is by no means spasmodic; it is a quiet, steady growth. Since the remodeling of the school building the physical and chemical laboratories have been removed to the top floor, and furnished with appliances more complete and practical than can usually be found in institutions of high school grade.

With this improvement has come an advance in requirements and an increased employment of laboratory methods. For many years, the boys of Class A have enjoyed practical applications of mathematics in their work with the transit instrument. In English there is constantly less dependence upon text-books and a closer study of the original sources.

For several years the Girls' Department has given a classical course fully equal to the most rigid college entrance requirements. The development of a fondness for the classics among the boys is of more recent date and is due very largely to the influence of Prof. Garrett W. Thompson. The classical sections are enthusiastic and growing in numbers, and their work is of a character to secure their admission to any American college.

The Principals attended the sessions of the Association of Colleges and Preparatory Schools of the Middle States and Maryland, at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, Eleventh month 26 and 27, 1897.

During the Christmas holidays Prof. Birdsall attended the annual meeting of the Head Masters' Association, in Boston.

At the beginning of the afternoon session of school on Fifth-days, pupils of the Boys' Department assemble in the lecture room. One of the members of Class A presents a summary of the news of the week, and another gives a declamation or an oration. The occasions have been made both pleasant and profitable to those who listen as well as those who participate. C.

Swarthmore College Notes.-College opened after the Christmas holidays, on First month 4, with nearly all of the students returned. Rachel Hicklin, the girls' matron, has resigned her position, on account of poor health, and her place has been filled by Ella Michener, of Wilmington, Del.

Alice Titus, '90, is assisting Dean Bond in her duties as Dean of the College, as well as aiding in the President's office. The regular meeting of the Joseph Leidy Scientific Society was held in Science Hall, Fifth-day evening, the 4th. Dr. Day gave a description of the Germless Food Company's establishment, in Baltimore, and a discussion as to the methods. used by the Company followed the report. As a result of this discussion, Dr. Day and Prof. Hoadley will perform a number of experiments along this line and see what results are obtained. Prof. Hoadley gave a very interesting report upon recent progress in micro-photography. A paper on Iron-mining at Edison, New Jersey, was presented by Gilbert Hall, '99.

Frederic F. Wilson, '98, and Eva T. Rengier, '98, have left college on account of poor health.

On First month 9, Dean Bond read a very interesting and instructive paper before the students.

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MARTIN ACADemy, Kennett Square, Pa.—The pupils of Martin Academy gave an entertainment on the 24th of Twelfth month. Quite a number of patrons and visitors were present, and expressed themselves as well pleased with the exercises.

The first two weeks of this year have been taken up with final examinations preparatory to the beginning of next term, which will be on the 17th inst. The school has been quite prosperous during the past term; the attendance has been over 50 per cent. above what it was last year. The work done by the pupils has been of a high order, and very gratifying to those in charge.

Conferences, Associations, Etc.

NEWTOWN, PA.-Newtown Friends' Association met as appointed on the 5th of First month. The president being absent, the meeting was called to order by the vice-president, Abbie K. Rice. After a few moments of silence and the routine business, the question "What was the rise of the Friends' Associations and what has been their progress and benefit ?" was answered by Ellie J. Burroughs. The Young Friends' Association of Philadelphia was the first, and that was organized from the thought of one of the younger members of the Society. The first meeting of the Association was held in Eleventh month, 1888, eleven signing the constitution. Two hundred and fifty members are on the roll at present. The work is growing throughout the country; there are now forty-five organizations of the kind. In a paper kindly presented by the Philadelphia Association, written in 1889, occur these sentiments:

"It is desirable that such a movement should be made. Every one who calls himself a Friend should be assured in his own mind of the faith that is in him, and should have a more intimate knowledge of our history, our literature, our discipline.

"The Society of Friends has done something to bring men to the practical observance of the injunctions of Jesus. Will it do more, or leave it to other hands to evangelize the world?"

The question, “What practical thoughts were gained at the last Conference of Friends' Associations held at Newtown?" was answered by Maud S. Kenderdine. The most prominent thought perhaps was "that when tradition is not effective for the needs of the present time it might be laid aside, and that line of action which will produce the most good be wrought out." Also "that we should strive to do away with the selfishness of keeping to ourselves that which