jointly for the public good. This "Last spring, the missionaries lent every agricultural implement which they had to the people for digging and tilling the ground. The crop was more than an average one. A day of thanksgiving for the abundant harvest was appointed, and observed at both places with much apparent gratitude. According to a mutual understanding among the missionaries, the opportunity was embraced of instructing the people on that day in the nature and duty of Christian charity; and a mode was pointed out by which they also might exemplify their gratitude to God for his unmerited mercies towards them, and extend their compassion to their ignorant countrymen. The people of Lovedale immediately made a collection of what they had to give, corn, which far exceeded the expectations of the missionaries. It amounted to about four bolls of millet. Mr. Thomson did not intend calling upon his people, as they were engaged in gratuitously building his new church. He was unwilling to press upon them too heavily. They were apprised however of the transaction at Lovedale; and to his surprise the whole body of the people presented themselves one morning at his door, each one with an offering of corn. The blind, the lame, and the aged came with their gift. Little children borne upon the shoulders of their parents, if they had strength to hold it, had a little basket full of corn in their hands. Upwards of twelve bolls were received from them as their free-will offering. The whole is to be sold, and the money sent, as they express it, to their friends beyond the sea, that they may send out more teachers among them." PROGRESS OF EDUCATION IN EUROPE. THE following is the substance of the intelligence collected by the correspondents of the British and Foreign School Society, relative to the progress of education in various parts of Europe under the system of mutual instruction. France. There are now in France between 500 and 600 schools on the system of mutual instruction: the reports from the provinces are generally of a favourable kind, and the schools in Paris are said to be prosperous. The committee have received the gratifying information, that there is a prospect of introduc ing the system into Egypt, through the medium of a number of youths, who have been placed under the direction of M. Jomard, the secretary of the society at Paris. These youths have been confided to his care by the governor of Egypt, in order to be instructed in European arts and sciences. The committee state, that those parts of France, where the people have received the greatest assistance in forming pri mary schools, are generally those in which the country is best improved, where industry displays its greatest activity and obtains the greatest Infant success, where happiness is more occupied in the publication and abundant, and where good morals distribution of cheap school-books are more general. In forty-three in the French language. departments, comprising those where schools are about to be established instruction has made the smallest at Brussels; and the king has enprogress, and in which the schools couraged the attempt by a liberal provide for only 177,420 scholars, donation. the number of illegitimate children, compared with the adults, is considerably greater than in forty-three other departments, where instruction is more extended, and where 885,589 children are taught. We regret to learn, that, out of 31,600,000 inhabitants of France, from fifteen to sixteen millions can neither read nor write. Three-fourths of those who are of age to be admitted into the schools, are deprived of every kind of education. This deplorable want is however very unequally felt. In some departments of the north and the east, the number of children who attend the schools may be onetenth of the population; while, in others, it is not more than the twohundred-and-twenty-ninth part. The committee strongly recom. mend the system of mutual instruction, by which, with the same sum which is annually devoted to the support of about 27,000 existing schools, they could extend the benefits of education fourfold. It is therefore the more distressing to learn, that the number of schools on this system has progressively diminished. The cause, we fear, is obvious in the political and religious bigotry which has taken such deep root in some of the most influential quarters. Switzerland.-In Switzerland the system has been introduced with happy effects. At Geneva, Fribourg, Lausanne, and other places, schools have been established, and are reported to be prosperous. Netherlands. In the kingdom of the Netherlands, education enjoys the royal favour. The model schools at Brussels are reported to be successful and well attended. Societies for the promotion of elementary instruction have been formed in the provinces of Luxemburg, Namur, and Liege: the two latter are chiefly CHRIST. OBSERV. APP. Germany and Prussia.-The accounts of the progress of popular education, in the greater part of Germany, are most gratifying. In the Prussian dominions especially, the greatest efforts are made, both on the part of the government and by private individuals and communities, to extend the benefits of early instruction, and to prevent any class of society from being excluded from them. In most of the large towns the schools have, within these few years, been re-organised and the number increased; and since the king has placed considerable sums at the disposal of committees, selected and appointed by the communities themselves, a public spirit has been excited, and a general interest called forth, which promise the best results. Some of the smaller States of Germany follow the example of Prussia; and have, of late, much enlarged and improved the establishments for the education of schoolmasters. The system of mutual instruction is in many schools partiallyadopted, and dailygains ground. In all these schools the holy Scriptures are daily read, and the formation of pious habits in the youthful mind is considered as the primary object of education. It is to be lamented, that, in some districts of Germany, especially in the dominion of Austria, a very different spirit actuates the ruling powers; but some of the Catholic States, and especially the Government of the kingdom of Bavaria, promote the cause of universal education. Denmark. In no country has the British system made such rapid progress as in Denmark. The system of mutual instruction had been introduced into upwards of 2000 schools, probablycontaining 100,000scholars. 5 N This success is chiefly owing to the effective patronage of the king. His majesty's support is connected with no compulsory measures whatever; but is solely expressed by recommendation, encouragement, and benevolent aid. In many of the schools the system is applied, not only to the elementary branches of learning, but also to linear drawing, music, gymnastics, and the Latin and French languages. Sweden.-Education in Sweden is proceeding with no lingering steps; and is warmly patronised by the king, whose generous views are zealously seconded by the council of state. the provinces. In the whole kingdom of Sweden there are at present 110 schools on the system of mutual instruction, in which 7728 children are educated, besides various schools of a higher class in which the system has been introduced. Russia. The schools instituted at Petersburgh for foreign children are thriving, and afford education to 300 boys and 200 girls. Among these children are the offspring of Germans, English, Flemish, Swedes, and Jews. Italy. The schools established in Italy and Sicily, though struggling with difficulties incident to their situation, enjoy considerable prosperity. The societies at Naples and Florence were proceeding successfully, at the date of the last intelligence, in their benevolent career. Sixty-six individuals have studied the system, during the last twelve months, in the schools of the society at Stockholm, and received certificates of their ability to teach it in KENYON COLLEGE, GAMBIER TOWN, OHIO. BISHOP Chase, in making his report to the trustecs of Kenyon College, gave the following among many other interesting statements. "I have requested your present meeting, that I might lay before you my proceedings during the past year, in relation to the institution of which, under Divine Providence, you are the guardians; and also to speak something of the prospects which God has most mercifully opened to our view. This done, we shall lay the corner-stone of Kenyon College, to be erected on these favoured grounds, to the glory of God and the good of millions yet unborn. Subsequently to the meeting of the convention at which it was determined to fix our seminary on these lands, six weeks were passed in clearing and surveying the grounds, and in fixing the site and boundaries of our habitation; and at the end of that period my health was impaired by sickness: yet I had strength to proceed to the Atlantic States, and commence the subscription to raise a fund for the erection of our buildings, which our own inability, and the increasing number of our students, so imperiously demand. Con cerning the collections from our friends in the Atlantic States, to aid in the erection of our college buildings, I cannot speak in terms of sufficient respect and thankfulness. The hearts of thousands were open to us; and of all classes many were found willing to assist us." The bishop then goes on to relate many interesting particulars respecting these benefactions; and to men tion his intended ordination of Mr. West, who had been sent out to him from his friends in England, and whom he has sent back, as he says, to expedite the sailing of such fami lies as were prepared to emigrate to Gambier, "and in the character of a clergyman of Ohio, in full orders, to plead the cause of religion and learning now so evidently suffering in the west, before those who, to the honour of mankind, and of our common Christianity, have hitherto so generously sympathised with us." At a meeting of the citizens of Mount Vernon, in the state of Ohio, some resolutions were passed, in which it is stated, "Whereas, through the generosity and benevo lence of the people of England and these United States, a college and theological seminary have been established at Gambier, in this county, we, the citizens of Mount Vernon and its vicinity, deem it a duty incumbent on us to make known our sentiments of gratitude towards those who have taken such lively interest in our welfare. To establish an extensive literary institution, in a new country, with funds drawn (in a great measure) from the benevolence of a distant nation, was an undertaking new in itself, and surrounded with many difficulties. We were, therefore, in the first instance, disposed to look upon the project of our venerable bishop as wholly impracticable; but, under the auspices of a bountiful Providence, the good work is going on in such a manner as warrants the most sanguine hope of its ultimate accomplishment and success. The site which has been selected for Kenyon College we consider one of the best which could be found in any country. It is situated on the bank of one of the most delightful streams of water which can be met with, between the Alleghany and the Rocky Mountains; and, though not yet rendered classic by the pen of genius, the transparency and coolness of its waters, and the richness and variety of its natural scenery, would seem to entitle it to equal celebrity with the vale of Arno, the Avon, or Wye. The face of the country, in the neighbourhood, is. beautifully undulating: it contains a vast number of pure springs of water, and is eminently calculated for a dense agricultural settlement. In addition to these advantages, it is situated near the centre of the state of Ohio, surrounded by a hardy, industrious, and enterprising population, who, even within the memory of our young men, have witnessed the fulfilment of an ancient prophecy, in seeing the desert and the solitary place made glad, and the wilderness budding and blossoming as the rose. Where, but thirty years ago, the poor emigrant was every moment in danger of being assailed by the tomahawk of the murderous savage, we are now blessed with every possible degree of personal security, which can be expected where justice is regularly and faithfully administered. In less than half the period allotted to man's existence, the territory now forming the State of Ohio has emerged from a dreary wilderness, where no trace of human existence could be seen (except here and there a roaming Indian hunter) to a state of improvement and civilization, which has seldom, if ever, been equalled in so short a time in any other country. But still much remains to be done. Through great toil and suffering the immense forests of the west have been redeemed from their native wildness, by the hardihood and industry of the emigrant; and comfort and plenty now prevail, where, but a short time ago, desolation alone held her unlimited sway. The first great work being accomplished, the period has now arrived when a larger portion of the people of the country can find employment in intellectual pursuits. Although we are blest with an abundance of the necessaries of life, still we are as a people in want of that monied capital which is required to found such literary institutions as are called for by the necessities of the people. This capital has, in a good degree, been furnished by the piety, benevolence, and liberality of another country; and so far as it has been furnished, has been faithfully invested, according to the intention of the donors." A traveller who was present at the laying of the corner-stone of the college, gives the following among other particulars:" A park of lofty trees completely surrounds the college, except at the north, and covers all the descending grounds, consisting of twelve or fourteen acres. Here, in this smooth and well-adapted area, seemingly by the hand of God prepared for the purpose, on this site, raised above, and for ever secluded from the noise and busy scenes of life, we saw the pre- the occasion, after which the writer parations for the commencement of continues:-"The day following this great, and good, and benevolent was Sunday, and I shall never work. As I approached it, after forget it; for on it I saw, for the having attended Divine service, and first time of my life, an ordination heard an excellent sermon under the to the Christian ministry in the spreading trees, by the Rev. Mr. woods. A congregation of ChrisMorse, I could not but feel as sel- tian people, not a small one, was dom I ever before have felt. I gathered together under the spreadblessed God for having permitted ing trees growing on the green banks me to see the commencement of a of Vernon river, which glides in Christian institution, the fountain of such purity and plenty in view of so many blessings to the present the college heights. Here the and to future generations. Filled Christian altar was raised; here the with these thoughts, which the pulpit, and here the chancel; and scene, of itself, was calculated si- here I saw Mr. West ordained to lently to inspire, I was called to the holy ministry of Christ's church: witness a most appropriate service, and when I saw him meekly kneelthe solemnity of which will be, I ing on the green turf, to receive the trust, imprinted on my memory so laying-on of hands, I blessed God long as life shall last.' that so much talent was consecrated to the service of the Redeemer of mankind." Then follows an account of the religious services offered up upon DUSSELTHAL JEWISH THE REV. P. Treschow, who visited this institution last year, gives the following account of it:-" Mr. Bormann lives among the proselytes as a father among his children, and is beloved and revered by them. The proselytes live in a separate house; but under the same roof are some workshops, and a school-room for boys. The Jews, under many inconveniences, have been brought into good order and cleanliness, and have lived peaceably together. The workshops are in full activity, and I was delighted, not only to see the proselytes cheerfully employed, but also to hear from their lips expressions of gratitude for the happy change they have experienced from a wandering life to regular and useful industry." "A clergyman, the Rev. Mr. Schmidt, lately arrived to labour in this field. His whole time is devoted to the work of the ministry, and the proselytes have their full share in it. Besides the regular services, and morning and evening prayers, he catechises them four evenings in the week; and from what I have seen and heard myself of his instructions to them, I can PROSELYTE SOCIETY. On Whitsunday last year eight converts were received into the Christian church, by baptism, in a very solemn manner. Thirty proselytes live in the house by themselves, of whom sixteen are baptized, and the others are receiving Christian instruction. Every Jew who promises to work, and to submit to the laws of the institution, is received. Some leave it after a short trial; but others, it is added, remain to the saving of their souls. Several of the eight proselytes, who were baptized on Whitsunday, came originally to Dusselthal with no other intention than that of working for a short time as journeymen, and were far from intending to become Christians. A few of these still remain in the institution: others of them have left it to exercise their trade in other places; and all of them have continued to do honour to their profession by their Christian conduct. |
