spreading the Gospel, are here apparent! A strong Mission at once undertaken at Lagos, will necessarily exercise a most beneficial influence throughout this part of Africa. Well may we rejoice to hear of thirteen able labourers awaiting the arrival in Africa of the Bishop of Sierra-Leone, that they may be ordained and sent forth to evangelize their

countrymen. But what are these, in prospect of the new Missions that need forming, and in contemplation of existing Missions that need strengthening? May many more labourers be raised up to go and labour in this wide harvestfield ! May liberality abound, that means may never be wanting!

GENTLEMEN,

Do the children of the upper and middle classes of society receive an adequate amount of religious instruction? Who will venture to answer in the affirmative? Common experience and observation prove the negative; and yet, is it not written that the "soul be without knowledge, it is not good,"

"this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent; "? and of Timothy it is said "that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Classical, mathematical, and general learning, with, in some cases, the externals of religion, such as evidences, catechisms (by rote,) and Church history, may be imparted to our young friends of the upper and middle classes; but from various causes how few receive that which is worthy the name of religious instruction in their schools!

But secular knowledge, however great, worldly position, however high, will not avail in place of spiritual teaching; and yet what provision exists

for the religious training of the former,

at all commensurate with the necessities of the case?

Moreover, laying aside the consideration of their own personal necessity and benefit, may it not be asked, Is there not a cry for more labourers, from every portion of the christian vineyard? "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few." Educated Sunday school teachers, with Scripture knowledge, and acquainted with the art of imparting instruction, how greatly needed! Clergymen for our vast masses of untaught heathens at home, and Missionaries for the world that lieth in wickedness, where shall these be found in sufficient numbers? Support and countenance for societies whose object is to exhibit a practical obedience to the command "to preach the gospel to every creature, beginning at Jerusalem," where is it to be sought? Surely the classes from which such labourers should come forth, and such support and countenance be afforded, are the upper and middle-bringing position, influence, and education to the service of their Redeemer.

But will they care for the souls of

others who have not yet learnt to value their own? and when and where are they to learn those lessons, which, through the blessing of God, may bring them to the foot of the cross, and make them earnestly desirous of "teaching transgressors the ways of God, that sinners emay bconverted unto Him?" Shall it be left, as now, till they have entered into the snares and temptations of the world; till the passions are strong, and, alas, the judgment yet weak; or till the cares and concerns of busy, active life, the worship of Mammon, or the habits, ways and opinions of the world have cast their magic spell upon the soul? Shall the inculcation of religious truth and saving knowledge be put off to such times as these? Surely common sense as well as Revelation answers, "In the morning sow thy seed,"-"Train up a child in the way he should go."

But is the lack of religious instruction for the upper and middle classes overstated? let the following apposite remarks from an impartial and well informed source testify. In an article of the Times newspaper for the 8th of January last on the subject of the Manchester educational deputation, it is

said:

"There is everywhere an abundance of teachers who have no objection to teach all the usual branches of a commercial and even a classical education, without saying one word about religion; the fact being, that religion is just the point which most generally goes to the wall in such arrangements, as far as the higher and middle classes are concerned. The schoolmaster cuts it as short as possible; the private tutor often shirks it altogether; the parents leave it to the paid instructor; the clergyman thinks two sermons a week as much as can be expected from him. What we have

...

said before, we repeat now-that nearly all the really good education of this country--good enough to be paid for, and to fight its own way -is distinctly either secular or religious; and far more secular than religious. In all our commercial schools religion occupies a very small part, and even that is seldom of a very doctrinal character. In all our public schools nineteen-twentieths of the weekly routine are not so much secular as profane; consisting mainly of heathen writers, some of them in

differently moral. The remaining twentiethselections from the old Testament in Latin, the Gospels in Greek, and, now and then, the Catechisms. But ladies who have been present at "University" theological examinations, have often declared that the first-class in their own village schools would give better answers to more difficult questions."

How then can the want be met? Is it possible that clergymen, single-handed, are equal to the necessity any more than they are to instruct our hosts of Sunday school children? An occasional Bible class is not sufficient alone, either in frequency, individuality, or freeness of instruction. As to home teaching, who can say it is generally given with any degree of efficiency? or if given in form, not neutralised by family conversation and practice? If it be otherwise, where are the evidences in multitudes of pious young people, or even those simply well-informed in religious matters? Besides, if parents have a command to teach their children, has not the Church an injunction to "feed the lambs," whatever be their position or education. Neither the one nor the other may be neglected-neither the one nor the other is unnecessary; both are commands, each has its distinct office and work, and may most materially assist the other. Again the question arises, how is the want to be met? May not the answer be, By a new developement or adaptation of the Sunday school system to the necessities and circumstances of the upper and middle classes? Such a developement has been attempted; and so far, by the divine blessing has been successful.

Principles and systems remain the same by whatever name they may be called. The plan referred to is based on the Sunday school system, although, for two reasons, another title has been adopted; and as at present provision has only been made for the instruction of boys, its name is " Church Sunday Bible Classes for young gentleThe reasons for adopting this title were, firstly, to prevent even the appearance of antagonism with the

men.

Sunday school; and, secondly, to conciliate the wishes and feelings (prejudices or not, as you please,) of the classes of life under consideration.

The plan pursued is as follows. The classes meet in a private school-room which is kindly lent for the purpose, and are under clerical supervision; in fact, they may be regarded as the Minister's Bible classes taught by lay curates. They commence in the morning at past 9, and conclude at about

past 10; when the scholars are dismissed to attend Church with their friends. In the afternoon they commence at 3 and conclude at about past 4. In the morning the lessons are doctrinal, and in the afternoon passages alternately from the Old and New Testaments are explained.

The undertaking has been commenced and carried on as quietly and as unobtrusively as possible, that nothing might be done to cause even apparent antagonism to the Sunday school. The scholars are requested to bring Bibles, and to purchase the Institute hymn books; and this, with any lesson books they may hereafter require, is the only expense to which it is wished to put them or their friends. Scripture lessons are learnt, but it is a voluntary act, as the aim is to make the Bible classes a source of interest and pleasure to the scholars; thus relying on their sympathies rather than on any extraneous influence, such as parental command. There is also a lending library, which is in great favour. The success which has attended the effort may be judged from the following stastistics. In 14 Sundays 79 scholars have been admitted; and of these all remain save 6, and for the leaving of at least three of these there have been satisfactory reasons. For the 9 Sundays from the commencement of the year, the average number on the books has been 66; with an average morning attendance of 37, and afternoon 51. The attendance is very regular, and teachers of some

years' experience can testify that they have never known scholars, as a body, more interested and pleased.

The attention of the scholars has been directed to the objects of the Church Pastoral Aid, Jews, and Church Missionary societies; and a box of each society is placed to receive their contributions. The number of Bibles, prayer books, and religious periodicals which have been sold to the scholars is also very encouraging. Not only, however, has the feeling among the scholars been favorable, but without, the result has been similar; where opposition was feared or approval unlooked for, support and countenance have been cheerfully afforded. In the account thus given it has been assumed that the principle of separate instruction is agreed in; nor can it be here further referred to than to remark that the scholars for whose benefit these classes have been formed are unwilling to come to our general Sunday schools; that their parents will not allow them; and that a perfectly distinct class-room is far less invidious than respectable classes in our ordinary Sunday schools, which some have suggested. Nay more, there is perhaps less invidiousness in the course adopted than even arises in mixed classes, where necessity compels you to manifest a kind of familiarity to your scholars of the higher class, which it is not desirable to show to all.

Would any pursue a similar course to the one now made known, in addition to the details submitted, one or two more remarks might be added. Do not let the hours of instruction be too long, and let the law of kindness, with gentle firmness, be the discipline of the classes. Avoid, as much as possible, all that savours of task or schoolism. Let your lessons be specially upon the fundamental truths of Christianity; aim not to impart that knowledge" which puffeth up," but to win souls for Christ. Let all things be under ministerial supervision. The name of Sunday

Bible classes should be adopted, as it may be found that otherwise attendance at a minister's monthly Bible class will be pleaded as an excuse for absence. The use of the words "Bible classes is not intended to exclude the young children; surely the term is as applicable to infant classes, where a Bible story is told, as to senior classes where the Scriptures are read.

In conclusion, let the double object of such classes be borne in mind. Firstly, and chiefly, the glory of God in the personal salvation of the scholars themselves; and secondly, the raising an efficient band of Bible-taught and educated labourers for the various departments of Christian exertion and useful. ness. And, to adopt one of your own mottoes "who knows but that the sal

vation of ten thousand immortal souls may depend upon the education of one child" thus taught. Thus may those classes of society, who mould public opinion, be leavened by the blessing of God, with the principles of Gospel knowledge; and the real wants of our poorer brethren, and of the world at large, receive that consideration which their importance demands. Surely it may be said, "the work is great." Shall the call for assistance be made in vain ?

Apologizing for trespassing to such an extent on your valuable space, I remain, Gentlemen, Your obedient servant,

Islington.

6. A.

never

ALTHOUGH much has been said, and much has been written on this subject, the only conclusion yet arrived at seems to have been the very indefinite one of "something ought to be done." Some are all in favour of Separate Services, and others are as equally averse to them. But in the meanwhile, they who are most concerned in the matter, i. e. the children, are growing older, and year after year is removing some from us, many of whom we shall see again on earth. This is essentially "a children's question," and as children of all ranks attend Church, some of whom sit in the children's gallery, and others in the seats and pews below them, any plan which may be proposed must include all of the children who attend Church, or else, it will only be a partial remedy, which will hardly meet half the evil. We say evil, because every Sunday school man must know that the present system is an evil, which we cannot, ought not, and must not suffer to continue any longer than we can possibly help.

Especially when we know that the remedy is not a complex one, neither is it open to those objections, which are justly made against the proposed plan of Separate Services; which, however advisable, or even necessary in those cases, where accommodation cannot be provided for the children in Church, are in all other cases, either more or less objectionable. The principal objection now raised against our taking children to Church, is an unanswerably true and serious objection, i. e.-They do not comprehend or understand either the Service or the Sermon. All other objections hinge upon this one; remove that and all the rest will follow.

Children will find employment of some kind, and if they do not understand our Service and Sermons in Church, they will have recourse to other occupations, which if they do not annoy the congregation, effectually employ the attention of those who "sit up" with them. If they are prevented from behaving themselves indecorously, and are compelled to sit, stand, and kneel

with military precision, then, however such an orderly sight may please the eye, yet there is the danger of making them either formalists, or utterly careless. Whoever has paid any attention to the subject, must have been pained to observe, with what gladness many of our children will avail themselves of the most trivial excuses for stopping away from Church; and thus, instead of looking forward to Service-time as a time in which their young hearts might praise their Maker, Redeemer, and Friend, those who attend look at it, much as they do a task; something to be "got through," and they are "very glad when Service is over." The truth of the foregoing remarks must be evident, and the consequence naturally to be expected is, that a dislike to Church is generated in their young minds; which dislike is increased as they grow older, to positive aversion. And when they are able to throw off all parental restraint and influence, they seldom "darken our Church doors."

We have, indeed, very large numbers of children passing through our schools; but instead of finding them, as they cease to be children, exchange the children's gallery for the seats below, the scholar's form for the teacher's chair, where are they? Where? Alas! too many are outside, serving their Master's enemy, and embracing destruction.

Speak to young persons who have attended Church from their infancy, hear what they say, I do not mean those who have been kept in the visible fold by the powerful influence of Bible classes, &c., but I mean those who are reckoned amongst the careless, giddy, and gay; many of whom have been very regular Church goers, but who have been drawn aside by companions. Ask them a question on the matter of personal religion, and will they not turn away with a light-hearted laugh and say, "Time enough yet, we must wait till we grow older, then we will think of these things? "

multitudes of sermons that we have heard in our youthful days? How many of us longed to hear the lastAmen! The solemn appeals-the earnest calls-the loving invitations→ the comforting instructions; no doubt our parents and seniors heard and understood them; but they were not addressed to us, as children. And as hardly ever anything is addressed to the children of the congregation, is it a wonder, we say, that children suppose, that religion concerns old people, and only old people? and then as the necessary consequence, they will not think about it, but "put it off," perhaps for ever.

So also with Sunday school children; the same remarks apply to them. True, there are monthly lectures, and catechetical lectures; both desirable, but these hardly touch the evil, and certainly will never cure it. What then can be done? What we propose is,

That every child that could attend, should attend in Church every Sunday.

That every child that could read, should be provided with a Prayer Book and Hymn Book, in addition to a Bible; and as many children could not purchase them, even at the very reduced prices at which they are now sold, it would be advisable for a few individuals to subscribe a few shillings, not to purchase the Books and give them to the children, but so as to supply them at a greatly reduced price.

Then, having provided them with Books, and taken them to Church, they should all be permitted to read and sing to the best of their ability. A little regular training would soon remove all objections to so large an addition to the responses and psalmody, which in too many cases are left to the clerk, the choir, and the Clergyman.

Then, having trained them to read out distinctly, and sing softly, and placed them in the Church, the next