where a novel and very interesting exhibition had this year, for the first time, been prepared, comprising a cabinet of minerals; a portable museum of natural substances, raw and manufactured, from the animal and vegetable kingdom, and also drawing-models, books, maps, &c., supplied by the National Society; specimen-books from the firms of Messrs. Rivington and Co., Dean and Co., Oliver and Boyd, Longman and Co., Baker (Doncaster), and Minipriss, many of which had been presented to the Association; specimens of writing, and also drawings, maps, &c., from the different schools, Society of Arts' cards used by the Association, schoolmasters' time-tables, and a variety of other articles, embracing in all about 1400 specimens. The Rev. R. Vincent, one of the Diocesan Inspectors of Schools, was called to the chair. Besides the schoolmasters, the meeting was well attended by the clergy of the neighbourhood.

The Report, read by Mr. J. T. Bowen, the secretary, stated, among other matters, that the Association had increased in the number of its members consequent upon its extension to the deanery of South Malling. The papers read and discussions held had been on the following subjects: "Teaching geography," Mr. Williams; "The difficulties peculiar to a village-school," Mr. Sargeant; "Singing, as a means of moral training," Mr. Bowen; "Mixed schools," Mr. Williams; "The duty of a teacher to cultivate a discernment and love of truth in himself and in his scholars," Rev. R. Mayo; "Teaching English grammar," Mr. Stidolph ; "Secular reading-books," Mr. Edwards; "The influence of evening lessons on the child, the home, and the school," Mr Bowen; "Regular attendance," Mr. Dungate; "The English verbs," Mr. Edwards; "The best method of obtaining the cooperation of parents," Mr. Bowen; "Education as a means of preventing crime and destitution," Mr. Jones; "On parabolic illustrative teaching," the Rev. A. Douglas; "The moral and religious position of the schoolmaster," Mr. Stidolph. The Report proceeded to state, that during the past year some valuable additions had been made to the library; and the committee begged to record their best thanks to the Diocesan Board for a grant of 51. towards the expenses of the books. The cash-account was considered highly satisfactory, although a balance of a few shillings only remained in the hands of the treasurer.

After the reading of the Report certain resolutions were adopted; and the Rev. B. F. Smith, Rusthall (one of the Diocesan Inspectors), read an exceedingly valuable paper on "The schoolmaster abroad," or, in other words, the religious, moral, and social influence exercised by the schoolmaster on society at large, more particularly in the district in which he is located.

The Rev. R. Mayo said, that in consequence of a wish expressed at the last monthly meeting in Tunbridge, he had applied to the Religious Tract Society, and also to the Christian Knowledge Society, to know if they could furnish the Association with any tracts which might be of service in impressing upon parents their duties in furthering the efforts of the schoolmaster for the good of their children. He had since been informed that neither of the above societies had tracts of that nature now by them; but that the matter would be taken into consideration, and possibly the want might still be supplied by them.

Some little conversation then ensued in reference to the private prayers written for the use of children by the Rev. Mr. Mayo; and as several of those present bore testimony to the good effects of the prayers in their respective districts, Mr. Mayo promised to lay them before the Association at their next monthly meeting, in order that, if deemed advisable, they might be reprinted, nearly the whole of the first copies having been already expended. Several members were added to the Association, and the meeting then dispersed to examine the collection before alluded to.

At half-past three, the members and their friends re-assembled at the Town Hall, where they partook of dinner. The chair was taken by the Rev. H. Lindsay, jun., one of the Ruridecanal Inspectors for the deanery of Shoreham. The dinner concluded, and cloth removed, a series of toasts were given which elicited many remarks well suited to the occasion.

The proceedings terminated with the presentation of a very handsome Inkstand in Tunbridge ware to Mr. Bowen, the secretary.

METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATION.-The usual monthly meeting was held at the Sanctuary on the 3d of May; Mr. Daintree, of Highbury College, in the chair. Five new members were elected, and four proposed for election at the next meeting. Mr. F. W. Richards, head-master of the Central School, gave a lesson to a class of boys before the Association on the "Physical Geography of Australia." One of the series of diagrams published by the Working Men's Educational Union was used with good effect by Mr. Richards, whose pleasing manner in giving the lesson was the subject of general remark, and called forth an unanimous vote of thanks for the lesson.

At the monthly meeting on Saturday, the 7th of June (Mr. George J. Stevenson in the chair), four new members were elected, and five proposed. Mr. Cooke, of Trinity School, Lambeth, read a paper on "Natural history." The walls of the room were hung with some life-like drawings of animals, together with an endless variety of minor illustrations of the animal frame, all from the brush and pencil of Mr. Cooke, who seemed thoroughly at home on the subject of the paper read before the Association. By an advertisement of the Association, it will be seen that the committee have fixed the 23d of August for the annual excursion.

BARNSLEY.-The Church schoolmasters of this district held their monthly meeting in the National School, Monk Bretton, on Saturday, June 14th. The day being showery, the attendance was not so good as anticipated. Mr. Mitchell, of Dodworth, read a paper on the "Life and prophecies of Elijah." A second paper was read from Mr. Shipley, of Wakefield, on the "Art of reading, and the various methods of teaching it." This gentleman was unfortunately prevented reading his very interesting paper himself, for which he wrote a suitable apology. The next meeting was appointed to be held at Woolley, on the 12th of July.

BIRKENHEAD AND WIRRAL ASSOCIATION.-A meeting was held in connection with the above Association on Saturday, June 14th, at the Church-of-England Institute, Birkenhead. Mr. Groome, of New Brighton, occupied the chair. A paper was read from the Vale-of-Aylesbury Association, on "Moral and religious influence," which was kindly forwarded to the Birkenhead Association, at the request of the committee, by the writer, Mr. J. Worrall, of Little Gaddesden School, Buckinghamshire. The paper was read by Mr. W. H. Hollaway, honorary secretary, and received high commendation from the teachers present: a further report was given in the Monthly Paper for May. "Teaching writing" formed the topic for discussion, which was introduced by Mr. Hall, of Higher Bebington.

GLANDFORD BRIGG ASSOCIATION.-The last quarterly meeting was held in the National School, Brigg; the Rev. the Vicar of Wrawby-cum-Brigg in the chair. A lesson on "Money," by Mr. Thomas Fyles, of Scotter; and one on the "Armada," by Mr. Hanly, Brocklesby Park School, were given to the upper classes. The Association continues to prosper, and gains new members from the surrounding district. A magic lantern has been purchased out of the funds of the Society: several of the members liberally assisted to purchase slides. The secretary begs to acknowledge the receipt of cash to purchase two additional slides, one each, from the masters and children of the Scotter and Brocklesby Park National Schools. It is hoped that the state of the funds will soon permit the purchase of a microscope

MONMOUTHSHIRE SCHOOL-TEACHERS'ASSOCIATION.-This Association held its fifth general meeting on Saturday, the 7th of June, at the Pondygof School. There were sixteen masters and seventeen mistresses present. In the morning, Mr. Reynolds, the master at Brynmaw, read an essay on the" Pupilteacher system," which was followed by an animated discussion. At the next meeting, which is to be held at the school of Mr. Lewis Rhymney, Mr. Muskett, of the Nantyglo National School, will read a paper on "Music;" and Mr. Thomas, of Newport, will give a lesson.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE AND WEST LINCOLNSHIRE ASSOCIATION.-The annual meeting of this Association was held at Trinity Schools, Nottingham, on Saturday, the 14th inst. The members assembled at eleven o'clock, A.M. After the election of officers for the ensuing year, and transacting other business, a lecture on chemistry, accompanied by experiments, was given by Mr. R. Cockrem, of Lenton. At the conclusion of the lecture, the members and friends, twenty-seven in number, sat down to a substantial dinner in the girls' schoolroom. After dinner, the annual report was read by the secretary, Mr. R. Thurlow, master of Trinity Schools, which showed the Association to be in a very prosperous condition, there being now thirty-six enrolled members,-seventeen belonging to the parent Society, eleven to the Grantham branch, and eight to the Newark branch. Votes of thanks were given to the retiring officers; to the Rev. T. M. Macdonald, for the use of the schoolrooms; to Sir T. Parkin, for the supply of flowers and vegetables; and to the Rev. Murray Wilkins, on account of the harvestmeeting to be held at Southwell. The members, with the exception of those who resided at a distance, and were obliged to leave by the trains at four o'clock, took tea together, and then separated, highly pleased with the proceedings.

TESTIMONIALS.-TO ELEANOR PERCIVAL, on the Completion of her Apprenticeship, a Bible and Prayer-Book, by the Committee of the Walmer Schools; also Cowper's Works, by the Children. To the Rev. HENRY BOLLAND, B.A., Secretary of St. Mary's School, Bridgnorth, on resigning his Curacy, Bagster's large Fac-simile Bible, with Book of Common Prayer, and Cruden's Concordance, by the Teachers and Scholars of the Parish-Schools; and a Silver Pocket Communion-Service, and several Volumes of Books, by a few Friends of the School.

To Mr. JOSEPH PICKARD, Master of the National School, Measham, an embroidered Purse, containing a handsome sum in gold, on the 13th of May.

To. Mr. ROBERT SOUTHWICH, Barnes's Notes on the New Testament, by the Inhabitants of Wansford, Great Driffield, including the Children of the Schools.

To Mr. J. E. HOLMES, late Master of the Market Rasen National School, an Eight-day Dial, by the Inhabitants of the Parish.

APPOINTMENTS.-Mr. EDWIN ADAMS, from Sheldwich, to North Cerney School, Cirencester. Mr. S. T. BALDRY, from Whorlton, to St. Mary's School, Dalkeith.

Mr. and Mrs. BROOKE, of Sproughton National School, Ipswich, to be Master and Mistress of the National Schools, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.

Mr. S. WYNN, from Appleton Roebuck, to Christ Church Schools, Bridlington Quay.

Mr. JOHN GILLARD, from St. Mary Church, Torquay, to St. James's, Exeter, and not St. Sidwell's, as previously reported.

Mr. J. CONSTABLE, to Chrisleton School, Chester.

Mr. ROBERT SOUTHWICH, from Wansford, to Silsden School, Keighley.

Mr. H. W. HUMPHREYS, from Shaftesbury, to the Central School, Weymouth House, Bath.
Miss GOYNE, to the Infant-School, St. Mark's, Dukinfield.

OBITUARY. -25th May, Mr. DAVID BERRY AUTY, aged 26, Master of the School at Barrow-in –

Furness, Lancashire.

13th June, RICHARD BENNETT, Senior Pupil-teacher in the Rhydberth National School. He was highly valued; and it is said of him, that " few lives so short have been so useful."

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

We cannot undertake to notice anonymous communications, nor to insert letters or information received, after the 20th. The name and address of our correspondents should always be sent, though not necessarily for publication.

"St. M. C." We are clearly of opinion that there is not time during a course of training to attain any sufficient knowledge of the system you mention.

"W. J. L." We received the "Notes," and shall be glad to make use of them when we can find

room.

"R. Taylor." The insertion of your letter would be inconvenient as a precedent, and subject us to many similar applications.

"J. de P." You, or the managers of your school, should make inquiry at the office of the Committee of Council on Education for a solution of your difficulty.

"Saladin." Presuming that you had no intention of making any further request with respect to your letter, it has been put aside, and is not now forthcoming.

"Alverstoke." Our space is too limited to admit two rejoinders at such length.

"A. P. T." We regret that we are unable to give the notice in full. To insert more than we have done would be most inconvenient as a precedent.

The Llandaff Board Report in our next.

"W. G. S."

See pages 6 and 37 of the January and February Numbers of the Monthly Paper for Subjects of Examination at December 1856.

X.,

," "W. Millward," "T. P. L.," and "A Teacher of Youth," declined. "Proof." We should hope that such cases as you describe are the exception, and not the rule. We need hardly add, that the style of your letter is not suited for our pages. "J. W." Thanks; our correspondent has already been supplied abundantly.

"W. J. S." The Manual of Educational Requirements necessary for the Civil Service, published by Groombridge, would give you valuable information. We conclude you would have to get nominated for examination by some person of influence.

"J. B." You had better consult with the managers, if you made no agreement for the additional travelling expenses.

Several other letters, not acknowledged above, are in type, and we hope may appear in our next.

SUNDAY-SCHOOLS.

In compliance with the request contained in the subjoined letter, every facility will be offered towards rendering this Paper more useful to Sunday-school Teachers and Managers. The Society has always attached great importance to Sunday instruction; but the success of any endeavour to diffuse information on the subject, through the Monthly Paper, must depend upon the willingness of managers and teachers to make use of its pages as a medium for communicating such plans and suggestions as have been proved to work well.

MANAGEMENT OF SUNDAY-SCHOOLS.

The Importance and Requirements of Sunday-Schools.

DEAR SIR,-He who selects a fitting object for his exertions, and desires to engage the zeal of others in advancing that object, may render his best attempts abortive by an unworthy mode of bringing it before the public. In his anxiety to establish a point, he may state it too dogmatically, or fail to support it by a sufficient number of reasons and authorities; or, what is perhaps worse than either of these courses, impart to it a colouring which is not its own. I shall endeavour to avoid all these faults; at the same time I would crave the charity of yourself and your readers, in case I may be found offending in one or all of the instances to which I have alluded.

I cannot conceal the truth, that for the last ten years there has been a growing tendency among zealous educationists to undervalue the importance of Sunday-schools. It has been argued, that in the present day, when week-day schools have made such great advances towards efficiency, the Sunday-school has become a matter of secondary consideration. Some persons have even gone so far as to assert, that as Sundayschools originated at a time when a general system of education was not contemplated, it is now of little or no use to attach value to an instrument which, to a great extent, has been superseded. Perhaps, sir, I may be alone in my opinion,—and if so, I am extremely sorry for it, but I do nevertheless object to what appears to me a most fallacious mode of arguing this question. I am so far from supporting such assertions, that I feel bound to affirm the simple truth, that the increased efficiency of week-day schools is the strongest reason which can possibly be adduced for establishing and improving Sunday-schools all over the country.

The communications which from month to month appear in your invaluable journal recognise either directly or indirectly the great importance of keeping up a connection with our scholars after they have left school. Inquiries are made by clergy and teachers which plainly indicate their anxiety to solve this grand problem in parochial work. Many have unhesitatingly confessed, that until this difficulty is set at rest, the good which a well-conducted day-school may be expected to effect is, to say the least of it, extremely limited in character. I quite coincide in this opinion; for I believe that few things are more discouraging than to see those for whom we have laboured and expended both time and money forsake church as soon as they have left school, and either swell the ranks of dissent or rush with fatal precipitancy into the unhallowed society of those who are indifferent to the claims of religion and worse than infidels in practice. This, however, is too frequently the case with those who, having left school, have entered on the deadening and engrossing pursuits of everyday life. Can no well-organised scheme be devised by which we may assist each other, and bring our forces to bear upon the masses with telling effect? I do think, sir, that it is in our power, under God's blessing, to do something towards this most desirable end; and this belief has induced me to solicit your powerful and rapidly-increasing influence in the matter.

I fear that our Sunday-schools are very often conducted in an immethodical and languid manner. There is an immense amount of Christian zeal and latent talent among our voluntary Sunday-school teachers; but both require to be stimulated and directed into the best channels. System, sympathy, and suggestions are needed. Hundreds (I may say thousands) of clergy scattered throughout the country are fully cognisant of the importance and requirements of Sunday-schools; but, owing to their ignorance of the technical elements of school-management, they are quite unable to or

ganise and place them on an efficient footing. I may also say, that upwards of 10,000 persons, independently of clergy and teachers in our day-schools, give their gratuitous services in instructing classes in Church Sunday-schools. What is wanted for these is a journal, published monthly, which shall contain articles and suggestions specially adapted to assist them in the work in which they are engaged. Such articles and suggestions ought to be essentially practical in character, and should embrace short notes on the collects, epistles, and gospels; hints as to time-tables, and the discipline suitable for Sunday-schools; remarks as to the best mode of conducting monthly or weekly meetings of the teachers for self-improvement; together with statements of plans which have been found to succeed in attaching to the Church the younger portion of the community. In most parishes it is the usual practice for the clergy to assemble their Sunday-school teachers, in order that they may study the lessons which are afterwards to be taught, as well as to discuss matters bearing upon their duties. Now, it seems to me that if we had a journal containing heads of subjects which might be taken into consideration at such meetings, and which the teachers might themselves take in, we should be better able than at present to work as a body with definite plans. Our attempts under the present system of things are too desultory and vague. In our day-schools we work with spirit, and the Church is certainly the practical instructor, or rather educator, of the great bulk of the people up to a certain point; but let us take heed that we do not lose our ground by a slight for Sunday-schools, and a fancied superiority in organisation over other religious bodies. This superiority may perchance prove to be less real than we suppose. Our pupils will quit the National school in a few years, too few, alas !-and if we do not take care, we shall have to mourn over the fact, that while we had the power we suffered the period of budding manhood and womanhood to pass by without making a united effort to follow up our exertions. The chasm of dark infidelity and indifferentism is ever yawning to receive our youth of both sexes; the profound depths of vice and infamy, into which no salutary ray of light can find its way, except that which emanates from Divine truth, are ready now as ever to be the resting-places of the young: let it not be said, that the lack of spirit and hearty cooperation has limited our success in training aright the rising generation, and guarding them from these dangers. I believe many well-ordered Sundayschools exist, in which plans have originated which only require to be known to be at once appreciated and generally adopted. I see no way of bringing them before the notice of clergy and teachers, unless through the medium of a journal having an extensive circulation; and such a journal have we already, namely, the National Society's Monthly Paper.

Presuming, therefore, upon your readiness to fall in with my suggestions and insert this letter, I venture in all humility to make the following propositions :

I. That a portion of the Monthly Paper be regularly set apart for the insertion of articles of a practical kind relating to Sunday-schools, as one means by which "the education of the poor in the principles of the Established Church" may be still further promoted.

II. That clergy and teachers be respectfully invited to contribute each month articles for this portion of the Paper.

III. That the readers of your Paper be solicited to recommend it to the notice of all Sunday-school teachers, and to request each one to subscribe regularly to the Journal, or, in other words, to take it in: the cost is very trifling.

This last proposition appears to me to be highly important; for we have to benefit the Sunday-school teachers as a body and individually, and to excite among them increased interest in their work and labour of love. If these hints can be carried out, I believe great good will ensue, and the Society's Paper will gain some five or six thousand additional subscribers before the termination of the current year. Help us, sir, with your powerful aid and accustomed ability, in this important undertaking. Continue to press the subject of Sunday-schools upon the attention of your readers; and I feel assured you will receive the gratitude and best wishes of the Church at large, and be supported by all who peruse your journal. If you allow us to make a beginning in your next, we may perhaps discuss the following points :

(1) The best time-table for a Sunday-school of five classes.

(2) The best mode of conducting monthly or weekly meetings of Sunday-school

teachers.

(3) The best prizes for Sunday-schools, and the best system of awarding them. Leaving the subject to your kind consideration, and the Paper to the support of Sunday-school teachers, as well as those in day-schools,-I am, sir, &c.

A.

THE Meetings of the Committee of this Society have been attended during the past month by the Bishops of Bangor, Oxford, Bath and Wells, and Salisbury; Lord Lyttelton, Rev. Lord John Thynne, Right Hon. J. W. Henley, M.P.; Rev. Sir Henry Thompson, Bart.; Sir Thomas Phillips, C. B. Adderley, Esq., M.P.; the Ven. Archdeacons Sinclair and Harrison, Rev. Canons Wordsworth and Jennings.

The Society's Triennial Letter

IN LIEU OF A QUEEN'S LETTER.

The following is the letter of his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Bishops in his province requesting them to issue a Pastoral Letter on behalf of the Society. The Archbishop of York has also addressed a similar letter to the Bishops in his province.

Lambeth Palace, May 12th, 1856.

MY LORD,-I am desired to communicate to your Lordship the request of the Committee of the National Society, that, in consequence of the withdrawal of that source of income on which the National Society has been chiefly dependent, your Lordship should have the goodness to recommend to the clergy of your diocese that a collection be made in their churches in behalf of the Society during the course of the current year. It is also suggested that each clergyman should be at liberty, if he see fit, to appropriate a portion, not exceeding one-half of the collection, to the Diocesan or Local Board of Education.-I am, &c.

J. B. CANTUAR,

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and many of the other Prelates, have already issued letters to the clergy of their several dioceses.

VOL. X.

I