prove injurious to their health. Generally, they committed to memory larger portions of the Scriptures than he had assigned them. One boy actually mandated three thousand lines of the New Testament in a single week. An intense interest appeared to engage all present. The little monitors issued the word of command with an animation, and in classical language, which were delightfully amusing; and it seemed, universally, as though the pursuit of knowledge, generally a toil and torment to children, had become, in this instance, their most charming occupation.

The exhibition of such a school as this to the notice of the large population of Syra produced a most happy sensation. They had not only the good sense to appreciate the advantages of this mode of instruction, but they resolved to co-operate for its perpetuity. Accordingly, they determined to erect a building sufficiently capacious for so large a number of children. Funds were raised adequate to the undertaking; and very shortly after I left the island, in the same year, the edifice was completed, and employed for the intended object. At one period, there were no less than 550 Greek children, of whom a large number were girls, under the superintendence of Dr. Korck.

How great the confidence which was manifested by the Greeks towards Dr. Korck, may be imagined by this fact. Count Metaxas, the Governor

of Syra and the circumjacent Cyclades, requested, as a favour, that he would establish similar schools in the other islands of his jurisdiction. Accordingly, Dr. Korck accompanied the Governor in his boat, and set on foot institutions of the same character in Mycono, in Tino, and in Andro. The next request was, that he would prepare young men to fill the office of schoolmasters. Young men were sent him for that purpose: and Dr. Korck had an excellent opportunity presented him of imparting to them such ideas as were likely to prove beneficial to the children who would fall under their care. The following extract from the Courier de Smryne, a public journal published, as the name imports, at Smyrna, demonstrates a disposition to favour the proceedings of Dr. Korck, which could scarcely have been expected.

Syra: 11th of May.-A Greek priest, who makes it his practice to prejudice the common people against those who are endeavouring to diffuse knowledge, having been exiled on this account from Argos, lately arrived here. His first care was, to mount the pulpit, and to give himself very indecent liberties against the Public Schools under the direction of Dr. Korck, a German-a man worthy, in all respects, of public esteem and confidence; and whom we cannot sufficiently extol, for the attention and pains which he lavishes, without fee or reward, on the children whose instruction

H

he has undertaken. The most respectable inhabitants of Syra having remonstrated with this priest on his conduct, and pressed him to state his motives, he answered, that he could give no explicit answer, until he had consulted the bishop. It may be hence conjectured, that the bishop was no stranger to the design of discrediting the Public Schools, and the priest may be considered as but an instrument for that end. He has, however, been exiled by the Commissioner Extraordinary; though it were to be desired, that he had been legally arraigned before the Tribunals, as well for the sake of a salutary example, as to make that reparation to Dr. Korck which was due to him.”

We regret to state, that our expectations from this school have, in part, been frustrated. The machinations of foes prevailed so far, that an attempt was made last year, 1830, to introduce picture-worship amongst the school regulations. Hence Dr. Korck was compelled to withdraw from the institution, but not till he had reason to hope that much benefit had resulted from his labours.

These facts present us with pleasing anticipations in regard to the future state of Greece. The intellect which has gained such ancient and immortal celebrity has for ages been dormant. Successive generations of Greeks have been exercising no more than animal functions. But, at length, a mo

mentous revolution has been effected. The spirit which so long had been enslaved, in an enslaved body, has heard the cry-the ancient cry-of Liberty. It has partaken of the freedom which has been communicated to the soil and to its inhabitants. It has started from its protracted slumber. It has risen from its dark sepulchre. It has begun to put forth its ancient energies: and-delightful to contemplate!—it is saluted, on its new birth, by Christian Truth. It is cherished, strengthenedand will, we trust, be matured-by the lessons of a spiritual and sanctifying Religion. It is rising now-not to a Pagan eminence-but to a Christian altitude. And we may rejoice in the hope, that the following poetic description will be consonant with truth.

No proud Pantheon, flaming in the sun,
To claim for many gods that due to One;

No scene of tranquil grove, and bubbling stream,

For vain Philosophy to dream-and dream,

Till Reason shews a maze without a clue,

And Truth seems false, and Falsehood's self seems true.

Oh no!-upon thy temples, gladly bright,

The Truth reveal'd sheds down its living light.
Thine is no champion badge of Pagan shame;
But that best gift-the Cross of Him, who came
To lift the guilty spirit from the sod,

And point from earth to Heaven, from man to God.

BYZANTIUM, Cambridge Prize Poem.

CHAPTER XII.

PUBLIC PREACHING IN GREECE.

Sermons in the Church of the Panagia, in Ægina-Attendance of persons of distinction-Singular expressions of feeling-Sermon in Hydra-De scription of that island-Hospitality and friendship of Greeks-Appearance of the congregation in the "Church of the Monastery"-Feelings of the Author-Subject of the Sermon, derived from the passion for libertyAtrocious character of some of the Hydriotes-Massacre of three hun dred Turkish slaves-Sermon in the Church of Megaspelaion, with a description of that Monastery.

THE communication of religious truth, by every means which can be employed, is important; but that mode of proclaiming it which is usually designated preaching, is perhaps of more importance than any other. other. When I left my native country, I had scarcely ventured to anticipate that opportunities of this description would be afforded me in Greece but I met with occasions of the kind, which I cherish amongst my fondest recollections, and which will, I trust, not be deemed wholly unworthy of notice. During my interesting sojourn in Ægina, in the winter of 1827-28, I had frequent conversations on Religion with influential persons.

: