Sunday the subscribers place their little gifts. Between £15 and £20 per annum has been the average amount of these collections. An interest is kept up in the details of missionary work by regular half yearly meetings of the Association, at which a report of the collections is read, and addresses delivered by missionaries or others. Much of the interest which is felt by the children in this work, arises from the special object to which their contributions are applied, the support, that is, of an orphan school under the auspices of a former Rector of the parish, who is now labouring in one of the colonies. There is also a penny-bank in active operation. This is not limited to the scholars-although they and their friends chiefly make up the depositors. £200 or £300 per annum passes through the hands of the managers, and the effect is thought to be very beneficial ́upon the neighbourhood around. Frugal habits, and prudent use of money are by this means inculcated and encouraged, and cannot fail to be productive of the best results. The infant class, consisting of fifty or sixty children, meet in a separate building, and are taught by a teacher specially fitted for the task. These children, too, have a separate service specially for their benefit. It occupies just an hour, and consists of a liturgy framed on the model of our morning prayer ;-sentences, exhortation, confession, chants, &c., &c., all being represented in a simple form. There are first and second Lessons from the Old and New Testaments, not read, but told and catechetically enforced by the conductor of the service, each lesson occupying about a quarter of an hour. Thus with three or four lively children's hymns, the hour passes without the slighest flagging of interest on the part of the infantile congregation. Indeed, the more common feeling amongst them is one of regret that the service is so speedily over. Some of the happiest seasons I ever spent have been when these little ones have thus been gathered round me. And not only were they themselves pleased and happy at the time, but they remembered their little meeting for worship, and the instruction then given to them; many of them having their young minds stored with a knowledge of Scripture, both in its narratives and doctrines, which would be remarkable in children of twice their years. This is, I believe, the true way of training children very early to love the public services of our Church. The school, I suppose, was peculiar in having no system of rewards. The approbation of their teachers was almost the only stimulus to regularity and order. And although it would be untrue to say that the aspect of the school during the hour of instruction was stiff and prim, or excessively quiet-yet all who know the school have admired the cheerful earnestness, and general good order always visible. There was a tolerably loud hum of voices, but it was always the noise of hearty work, and animated catechising, and never of unruly inattention. A triennial treat is given, in the form of a summer excursion for the entire day. The arrangements are on a liberal scale, and without any charge to the children whatever. None are allowed to participate in it except such as have been admitted at least six weeks prior to the day of the treat, and have merited it by regular attendance and good behaviour. This less frequent holiday is more desirable than an annual excursion. The excitement is greater, it is more highly prized, and is looked upon less as a right which the children may claim. One other subject, and I think I shall have then detailed all the striking features of my Sunday school. Our meetings of teachers were less frequent than they should have been. A monthly meeting in various forms was at different times attempted, always with greater or less failure. The only meetings held are: 1. a Quarterly Meeting for the transaction of business, as the removal of scholars from class to class, and the consideration of plans and management; 2. a fortnightly meeting for prayer on Sunday afternoon after the school is closed, and the children dismissed. This last is most seasonable and refreshing. With hearts newly warmed with the day's labour, the sounds of the children's voices yet lingering in the ear, their smiles newly in the mind, the prayers have gone up so earnestly and fervidly, that the service has had about it an air of reality and life, which could hardly be at any other time. Besides which all the wants and aspirations of a teacher's heart are just then more fully awake, and more ready to give earnest utterance than in colder times, more remote from the actual work. Prayer is after all the strength of the Sunday school teacherwithout it, individually and collectively, our Sunday schools must lack power and usefulness for God. May He of His great mercy, pour out upon every one of us the spirit of supplication, and thus prepare us to receive those richer measures of His grace which will assuredly follow its united expression ! %. IN continuation of the plan of uniting Teachers together to supplicate for the Divine blessing on their work and on each other, on the morning of Tuesday in each week, we append a list of special subjects for the next quarter. April 7.-For the presence and aid of the Holy Ghost, to guide both Teachers and Scholars in the way of truth. April 14.-For the Church of England, that it may ever hold fast and make known the pure Word of God. April 21.-For the ministers of Christ, that they may both by their life and doctrine set forth the truth of the Gospel. April 28.-For the Sunday School Institute, and especially that a blessing may rest upon the Anniversary Meeting of its members. May 5.-For all Superintendents, that they may by meekness and patience win both teachers and scholars to the obedience of Christ May 12.-For all Sunday School Teachers, that they may lead their scholars to a saving knowledge of the truth. May 19. For all Sunday Scholars, that they may hear and receive God's Holy Word, and be doers of His will. May 26. For the Sunday School Institute, that its plans and operations may advance the Saviour's kingdom, and improve Sunday schools. June 2.-For the Queen and the Royal Family, that they may be endued with all heavenly gifts and prospered with all happiness. June 9.- For the due observance of the Lord's day, that it may be one of holy rest, and spiritual refreshment to the souls of men. June 16.-For Scholars who have passed into the world, that they may never let go the things which they have heard. June 23.-For the parents and relatives of Sunday Scholars, that they may form households abiding in the fear of the Lord. June 30.-For the Sunday School Institute, that its publications and meetings may strengthen teachers in their work, and promote God's glory. Copies of this paper may be obtained free on application, personally or by letter, at the office of the Institute, 41, Ludgate Hill, E.C. CHURCH OF ENGLAND SUNDAY SCHOOL CONGRESS AT MOSSLEY, LANCASHIRE. (From the Oldham Standard, and other Local Papers of Feb. 14th, 1863). ONE of the most important gather. ings, in connection with the Church, which ever assembled in this neighbourhood, took place on Saturday even. ing, in St. George's School, when about 1000 teachers, from the various schools in the Union, representing 5,400 scholars, partook of a most excellent tea. The school-room had been beautifully decorated for the occasion with festoons of evergreens, vases of flowers, garlands in great variety, mottoes (moral and Scriptural), and emblematical designs, which reflected great credit upon the Committee of management. After tea the Rev. J. C. Macdona, Curate of the place- in the absence of the Rev. J. Hextall, whose delicate state of health prevented his attendance-occupied the chair. On the platform we noticed the Revs. J. Bardsley, G. Venables, T. Floyd, W. H. White, G. D. Grundy, C. R. Brierley, J. T. M'Donough, and Frederick Norton, Esq., one of the Hon. Secs. of the Church of England Sunday School Institute, London. The Chairman, on rising, said that that was the first of a series of Meetings which the Committee had not inappropriately denominated a Congress -they were to be held annually. Representatives were present from the following schools, viz.:- Staley, Milbrook, St. Paul's, Holy Trinity, New and Old St. George's, Dobcross, Hey, Friezland, Hartshead, and Mossley. Having called upon the Secretary to read the minutes of previous Meetings, he said he had invited the Bishop of Manchester to preside over that Meeting, but unfortunately his state of health would not permit him to be out in the night air. The object of the Meeting was for the good and welfare of the Church Sunday schools in the Union, and he hoped that the example set by them would be followed in other districts, and the interests of Church Sunday schools throughout the kingdom be thus greatly promoted. It had been arranged that three Essays should be read to the Meeting that evening by the gentlemen who had been appointed to write them, on various points of interest in connection with Sunday school tuition, and which would afford much instruction to those engaged in teaching youth. A brief discussion would follow the reading of each paper, if any one felt inclined to engage in it. He then called upon The Rev. G. Venables to read the first paper. The rev. gentleman stated the subject to be "The Importance of the Church Catechism." It was one of some difficulty, and one which was not understood by Sunday school teachers in general. Many conflicting notions prevailed amongst Churchmen generally as to the doctrines propounded in the Church Catechism, but he believed the differences proceeded more from misunderstanding each other than any thing else. He believed that nine-tenths of the teachers did not understand the meaning of the words baptism, regeneration, begotten, &c. If men would condescend to explain to one another what they meant by the terms they used, many harsh words would never be uttered, and much anger and ill-feeling would never be displayed. He believed that the Church Catechism was Scriptural and apostolical; it had caused a deal of controversy among the most learned in the Church, but his object in complying with the request of the Committee was not for the purpose of creating unnecessary disputes. All that he might say he hoped would be productive of harmony and good feeling. He had the same object in view as the vast body of Sunday school teachers whom he had the pleasure of addressing. They desired to teach the scholars what was right and true. Under the old dispensation no one was admitted to the Passover but those who were baptised. The stran gers, that was those who were not baptised, were only allowed to approach the altar of burnt-offerings, but not allowed to enter the tabernacle, which to him was a most important circumstance. He did not wish it to be understood that he was of opinion that those who were not baptised could not be saved, but baptism was one of the means of grace, and ought to be encouraged in the Churches and Sunday schools. Nor, on the other hand, did he believe that baptism would of itself secure us from condemnation, but it was a privilege by which those who were baptised were admitted into covenant with God. Baptism ought to be encouraged in the Sunday schools, and the parents and scholars ought to be impressed with the importance of being baptised. It ought to be more generally practised and encouraged among parents and scholars. Many persons were of opinion that baptism was not at all necessary since the law compelling registration was passed, but the rite of baptism was just as necessary and important now as it was before that act was passed. Indeed, it is supposed that the rite of baptism had been previously performed. He then proceeded to explain the meaning of the phrase "child of God," as used in the catechism; the prefigurement in the old dispensation of the new; the meaning of the words, "a member of Christ," and other important passages from the Catechism. He pointed out the duty of godfathers and godmothers, and said he held s meeting every week, for the purpose of instructing the teachers in their duties, and wished for the speedy introduction of that parochial system which would enable the shepherd of Christ's flock to attend to the whole of his sheep. He next urged the teachers to set a good example to their scholars, and showed the force and power which precept and example had among the taught. He concluded a most elaborate and learned dissertation on the Church Catechism amidst loud cheers. The Rev. G. D. Grundy then said he felt very much edified by the paper they had just heard read. He be lieved baptism to be the sign and seal of God's future blessing. He would, however, remind them that baptism could not save them unless they carried out the Divine precepts in their lives and conversation. Many, knowing that they were baptised, remained in a kind of passive state, as if they were neither heathens nor Christians. They might treat such as Christians, but they should remind them of their duties; they should take their pupils by the hand, and encourage them to proceed on their Christian journey. The Rev. James Bardsley then said, with respect to the able paper they had just heard read, he believed in every word of it. There were too many Church of England schools, which were like little republics-the clergyman was scarcely recognised. There were too many masters. He did not wish to set up a minister as a despot; nor yet did he like unbridled democracy, for he was satisfied that schools would not prosper if the clergyman did not occupy a right position in them. After some pointed observations respecting the subject of baptism, and the prac tical teaching of the Ten Command |