humbled to the dust. And when all the force that could be brought against them in the cause, as they believed, of an intolerant hierarchy and an arbitrary government, was scattered and subdued; and Presbyterianism, in the two kingdoms, displayed a disposition to go up into the place of prelacy, and to lord it there too much as other lords had done before them; then these same men humbled Presbyterianism south and north, as they had humbled the power which preceded it.”* During this stirring period the power of true religion was deeply felt, and the purity of truth remarkably preserved among us. To the learning of our ministry, and to the good order of our churches, even Richard Baxter, who disliked us strongly, bears an ample testimony. It was in these times that those holy and wonderful men, Owen and Howe, lived and ministered and wrote. Many other great names might be mentioned, who, spreading the pure light around them, filled up the interval till Watts and Doddridge --and, in our sister land, Edwards and Dwight are seen still holding the undying torch.

Enough has been said to show that these principles have already done some good in the world. There is more for them yet to do. Baptize them then, with the spirit of firm and thoughtful piety, and carry them forth for greater usefulness.

To one other topic we must refer. It is very delightful for us, in searching the early memorials of our history, to find this recorded as one of the chief motives which urged the first settlers of New England to their high and adventurous design-"An inward zeal and great hope of laying some foundation, or making way for propagating the kingdom of Christ to the remote ends of the earth, though they should be but as stepping stones to others." That these exiles, and others like them, generally entertained this great thought is further corroborated by those beautiful words which Andrew Marvell makes them sing :

"Oh! let our voice his praise exalt,

Till it arrive at heaven's vault,

Which, thence perhaps rebounding may
Echo beyond the Mexique Bay."

The echo of the Redeemer's praise now returned from every region of the globe. What a change has passed over the face of the world! How came it to pass?

• Vaughan's "Religious Parties."

At the close of the last century, missions to the heathen began to call forth the energies and enlarge the hearts of christians: and we have borne our share, but has it been large enough? Look around you, dear friends, on this wondrous age! What a DAY is dawning before you! What glories shall not its light reveal? The church cleansing herself from idols, growing vigorous in truth, putting on the beauty of holiness! Nations turning to God! Princes bowing to his throne! His empire spreading rapidly! What great things now there are for a christian to do! And if, by the mercy of God, WE may be permitted to arm you with unbending principle, to strengthen your faith, to inflame your zeal, to send you forth the better prepared for the conflict; then will many prayers find their answer, and our unworthy labours their rich reward.

THE PROGRESS OF SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

Since the time when Robert Raikes hired two dames to teach poor children to read, and keep them from playing in the streets on the Sunday,* sabbath schools have made a rapid progress. The first step in their advancement was the introduction of voluntary agency instead of that which had been hired. At once a new and living spirit began to pervade the system; a wide field was opened for the efforts of christian zeal; the sabbath school spread everywhere. The genius of dissent took hold of it: and from that time it began to outgrow its first mean rudiments. Intelligent men became superintendents. In every school pious teachers were found. The exquisite catechism and hymns of our great and holy Watts were brought forth to aid the movement. The Sunday School Union was formed. Class books were prepared. Improved methods of instruction were advocated far and wide. At length the jubilee was kept; and thousands of sabbath school children, with their teachers, walked in long processions and joined in happy feasts to celebrate that joyous day.

Still it was chiefly the children of the poor who were taught; and the arts of reading and spelling, with a little recitation of hymns and catechism, formed, in most places, the chief business of the sabbath school. One or two active men, assisted by the

* See an account of this important and praiseworthy effort in the 'Teacher's Magazine," 1841.

"young people" of the congregation, took the management. The ministry and the church looked on: they regarded it as an important "charitable institution," which demanded their constant approval and their occasional support. The ancient practice of catechetical examination by the pastor had fallen into disuse, and the new sabbath schools either did not encourage the admission of the children of church members, or did not supply instruction of such a quality as would offer them any advantage.

There are signs that a new order of things is arising. We are slowly returning to the old catechetical system with the addition of lay agency. The duty of laying, in the minds of our own children, deep foundations of religious truth is everywhere spoken of. We are beginning to teach the children of the poor something more than reading and repeating. And, in sundry places up and down the land, PASTORS are tasting the pleasure and reaping the fruits of the loving aid they render to the teachers. If these things be true, then indeed is a new era dawning for the children of our land, and honour be to those by whose efforts it has been thus far advanced. The zealous officers of the London Sunday School Union, with the Editor of the Teacher's Magazine well deserve our thanks. Mr. Todd of Philadelphia—whose invaluable book,* "designed to aid in elevating and perfecting the sabbath school system," is now so well known— claims our highest gratitude. Nor can we omit to mention the manly thoughts and fervent appeals which, in "Jethro,” and other works, Dr. Campbell has sent forth among our churches. Many other honourable names have appeared in the same field— names which our space will not permit us to record, however strongly our grateful feelings may prompt us to do so. But the work of reformation is only commenced. We desire to share in the labour, and to dedicate a portion of our Magazine to so truly great a cause.

THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF SUNDAY SCHOOL REFORMATION.

Ten thousand copies of the following paper have been printed, by the liberality of a christian lady; and on Good Friday last it was widely distributed, through the post, in every county of

* See a beautiful edition, with preface by Mr. Althans, S. S. Union.

England. The correspondence which it originated is extensive and deeply interesting. It abundantly proves that a radical change in the sunday school system is not only required, but generally expected by thoughtful persons throughout the country. The paper was entitled, "Essential" (not useful or important merely, but) "ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES OF A SUNDAY SCHOOL REFORMATION." The proprietors of this Magazine wish them to be recorded here, as the principles which shall guide their advocacy of the sunday school cause.

"The Sabbath School System, as hitherto worked, must, by no means, be reckoned a failure. It has fully accomplished all that a knowledge of its past history, and of its present constitution, would warrant us to expect. Its extension has been rapid beyond example. It has covered the land with its blessings. Equally quick has its march of improvement been. Higher aims and better plans have been widely adopted. It has gathered around it the choicest zealthe purest devotion of our churches. It is loved by all. All eyes are upon it. Pastors and people stand astonished at its mighty growth. There has been no failure hitherto.

But the Sabbath School now is taking a new and more responsible position. It is developing greater power. It is cherishing larger designs. It claims to be called the hope of the church, and the church's strength. To the church it looks for help and sympathy; from the ministry it asks the same. And the church and the ministry know, that the appeal of one hundred thousand teachers they cannot, they would not, disregard.

In this transition state, some "NEW MODEL" is required, by which all friends to improvement may guide their efforts. For such a purpose these simple principles are offered. They are not new or untried, but gathered from the experience of thoughtful and discerning men. They require only the cordial consenting voice of the churches to pronounce them just in theory, and then they will be easy in practice. Let the sabbath school root itself firmly in the parental sympathy-the zeal—the intelligence-the devotion of our churches; and then let it be seen to what a height of dignity and power it can reach-what measureless good it is able to bestow.

I.-The chief aim of the Sabbath School is Conversion. When this is admitted into practice, piety will be sought for as the first qualification of a sunday school teacher: lessons prepared by study and sanctified by prayer will be given; children will no longer misspend their sabbath hours on spelling books, when it can be shown

that they may learn to read the Bible without: a spirit of cheerful piety will be seen in the order and full activity of a school that is studying the scriptures and applying them.

II.-The first and proper objects of its care are the Children of the Church. Thus will that precious covenant be duly honoured which is "unto us and to our children." But, as in the more public ministry of the word, so here also, christian generosity will not be exclusive. It will seek to make all partakers in the same blessings. It will bring the rich and poor together, and teach them from childhood, the salutary lesson, that "God is no respecter of persons." The more systematic lessons of the sabbath school-its power of classification-its mighty "sympathy of numbers”—will prove a help and stimulus to family training; while its near relationship to the church, will endow it with a sanctity and importance which must greatly extend its influence.

III.-The Sabbath School is, next to the Pulpit, the most appropriate and important sphere of Ministerial exertion. Here is "the ministry of the word" most needed, and here may it best be bestowed. The training of teachers-the selection of scripture lessons -and the collective examination of the children, are duties which none can perform to such advantage as the pastor. The superintendent's duties need not be lessened, nor the teacher's liberty infringed. Wherever the pastor aptly guides the instructions of the sabbath school, and cordially fosters its zeal, a spirit and energy is diffused, which is felt in the vigour of every part, and in the unity of the whole.

IV. The Teachers should be trained by the Minister, and ap. pointed by him, with the approval of the church, to their sacred office. The teacher's qualifications are these three; piety-skill-knowledge. Knowledge may be gained from the pastor's instructions, and skill acquired from his example and training. Piety is the first and most important; and in this respect it is well that the church should express its confidence in the teacher. The office of teacher will thus become one of higher dignity and greater usefulness.

To effect such a reformation may be the work of years. But not of many years. For sabbath school teachers are a thinking race; in the church there is piety; in the ministry there is judgment and devotion. All things favour it. Already the dawning is begun. Let us cheerfully hope for the day.

May these simple principles, thus intrusted to public opinion, be found, like the "bread cast upon the waters," after many days! JOHN CURWEN.

April 9th, 1841."