The importance of making young persons acquainted with the elements of human physiology, and the laws relating to the physical well-being of the race, has long been felt; and many enlightened and ardent physicians, and others, have frequently urged that these subjects should form part of the regular course of instruction in all our schools. Here and there a schoolmaster, more than usually active in his profession, and feeling that no portion of his tuition is second in importance to this, has given lessons upon it, but the efforts have been comparatively feeble and the result consequently small. It is earnestly to be hoped that the important deputation of the Council of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, which a few months since had an interview with the Vice-President of the Council, for the purpose of urging the advisability of including elementary natural science among the subjects for which payments are to be made, under the authority of the revised code, will have succeeded in making such an impression upon that minister, as that ere long, in all schools which receive Government assistance, the principles and application of natural science may be taught; and that every school board in the kingdom will also provide for the same kind of tuition. The editor of the Lancet exclaims, What an amount of suffering might be saved or mitigated if the most elementary laws of physiology were generally known and acted upon by the next generation of men and women!" How true this is will be at once appreciated by those who reflect upon the great amount, according to the statistical teaching of the Registrar-General, of physical suffering and premature death which spring from preventible causes, due not only to the want of general sanitary arrangements, but to the gross ignorance of the people, who do not understand the importance of such arrangements when provided by the authorities, or sufficiently appreciate the necessity of putting into practice the most elementary scientific truths regarding air, light, water, warmth, and the preparation and use of pure and wholesome food. As upon the due observance of the laws of Hygiene so much of the comfort and happiness, and, it may be, morals of the people largely depend, too much stress cannot be laid upon the importance of teachers affording this instruction by means of short and simple lessons or lectures; and when this shall be done, the relation of intoxicating liquor to the body must take its due place in the round of instruction. As the teacher would necessarily explain the action of the atmosphere upon the lungs, and its result in the circulation of the blood; the important function of the skin, and the necessity for cleanliness and frequent ablution; so would he explain the expenditure of force in the motion of the body and its parts, and the need of food to renew the energy from time to time; and would explain the delicate organization of the nervous system and brain, showing the rapid and direct action which spirit always exerts upon them, taking care at the same time to show that the same intoxicating principle exists in fermented drinks as well as fortified wines and distilled spirits. He would, of course, necessarily warn his pupils against their effects, and it would be of the utmost importance to their young minds that he should force home the lesson by exhorting them to avoid the risks, which so frequently follow upon their use, by abstaining from them altogether. The mischiefs following the use of strong drink are so great, that no one will question the importance of lessening the consumption of it. It swallows up the earnings of the labourer and artisan, and too often prevents him from obtaining a due and sufficient supply of wholesome and nutritious food for the sustenance of his own strength, and for that of those dependent upon him; hence a large proportion of the weak and ill-nurtured children, who speedily succumb under attacks of epidemic and other diseases, and thus the death-rate of the country is raised in no slight degree by the quantity of beer which is imbibed in it. It is not an entirely hopeless task to win men from their pernicious habits, as is proved by the results of the self denying labours of numerous warmhearted men and women who devote much time to their reclamation; but, how much better would it be for the State, if the money uselessly expended upon these drinks was diverted into channels of industry, and laid out in the purchase of good food, upon articles of clothing, for books, or in paying for the education of children: all of which advantages and many more would necessarily follow, were the children of the present generation trained so as to ensure their being sober men and women. It is scarcely necessary, although to prevent misapprehension, we may here stop to remark, that it is by no means intended to be implied that all children who may drink intoxicating liquors as their daily beverage will grow up to become intemperate men and women; but, we think it cannot be too often insisted upon, that drunkenness is of slow growth, no human being probably ever having become drunk on the first occasion of taking the drink. Very many of the youths of the day will, we do not for a moment doubt, even should the habits of their father be perpetuated in them, grow up and worthily fill their several stations in life; yet it is not to be denied, and should not for a moment be shut out from observation, that if the present state of things continues, the intemperate drinkers of to-day will be replaced by those who are now innocent of the slightest suspicion of taint in this matter, and the experience of the past warrants the assertion that very many of these will by imperceptible stages, more or less slowly as the habit fastens upon them, fall into the condition of the intemperate. To prevent this sad calamity of any one healthy, vigorous, and joyous because innocent child, becoming the miserable, dejected, trembling, wretched, and unhappy being, known as a drunkard, is surely worthy of the efforts of every lover of his kind, and especially of those who will, to a very great extent, stand in loco parentis to a large number of the children who, by the compulsory powers of the Elementary Education Act, will be taken from the streets, or from their worthless parents, and forced to observe the discipline, and receive, as far as possible, the tuition of the school. That it is possible to convey to children such instruction in this matter as will enable them to see the evils of intemperance, and the advantages of temperance, their young and susceptible natures leave no doubt. No training is so successful as that begun soon, and no example is so forcible as that which is placed before them in early life, by those whom they respect for their knowledge, and love for their goodness. The vast numbers of children and youths joined together, to strengthen each other in resisting a common habit, in the innumerable Bands of Hope scattered throughout the country, abundantly prove that the question is not only capable of being understood, but that the practice may be followed without inconvenience, or rather with positive pleasure, and with benefit to young people. The teachers of elementary schools will, in the course of their duties, have frequent occasion, while explaining the doctrines of social economies, to show that money expanded in the purchase of articles which fulfil no useful purpose is so much capital diverted from productive channels, and that even if it be conceded that intoxicating liquors are luxuries which mankind are entitled to use as a solace or enjoyment, yet the expenditure for them in this country is so out of proportion to that for any other single class of productions, that the economist cannot but regard with dismay the amount of the earnings of the people which are absorbed by these so-called luxuries. And the teacher who would show his pupils the right method of disbursing the wages he may hereafter receive for his labour, must surely feel the importance of teaching that this is a head of expenditure which ought to be restained within the narrowest limits, and that it would be still better if it should form no part whatever of the many demands which must be met from his earnings. If further it can be shown that these drinks are dangerous luxuries, having a manifest tendency to lead those who take them to an increasing indulgence, which, in a large number of instances, culminates in drunkenness and its concomitant crimes and evils, then it becomes the duty of all instructors of the young, not only to urge them to take care of their earnings, but to warn them of the consequences which it is more than probable will follow if they form and continue the habit of taking these drinks. The subject, it will be seen, is of wide application, comprising sanitary or dietetic relations, the repression of crime and violence, the right use of money, the moral training of the young, and, it may be added, intellectual power, inasmuch as it requires no inconsiderable amount of decision or force of character to be enabled to resist the influence of a very prevalent custom, and the too often injudicious-although it may be well meant-recommendation of friends or companions not to be singular, but to do as others are doing: such friends forgetting that while singularity is not excellence, excellence is frequently singular. It remains only to be said, that it is not desired or meant to be suggested, that temperance teaching should be instituted as a separate branch of tuition in elementary schools, but only that managers of schools of all grades, and for both sexes, should see to it, that the teachers have such an enlightened appreciation of the importance of this subject as to be both able and at all times ready, in giving general and collective lessons in those branches of ethics or physics to which the matter properly attaches, to add words of instruction, counsel, or warning, as the occasion may be seen to demand. It is to be hoped, further, that in preparing future editions of reading-lesson books, the editors will eliminate from them the erroneous matter pertaining to the production and action of intoxicating drinks which too many of them yet contain, notwithstanding much improvement which has of late years taken place; also, that those school-books may have introduced into them sounder scientific knowledge in relation to these drinks, and by apt illustration, by narrative and incident, awaken the interest of the pupil in reference to a matter which must be regarded as of the first importance to the future physical and moral development of the English people. Reviews. Truths versus Shadows; or, the Real and ferred upon them. The book is far too posed. Men with a mere smattering of knowledge-for the wisest have no more -set up to judge the infallible word, and to cast doubt upon the teachings of God himself: such would-be-wise men deserve to receive, in themselves, all the ridicule and contempt which they would fain cast on revelation. Our author, therefore, has small blame from us when we find him scorning the scorners; but still, to most readers there will appear to be a considerable degree of incongruity between his subject and his style. In a pamphlet, we tolerate the lighter artillery of humour, if we do not even admire it; but, in a great work like the present, jokes are not looked for, and to many will seem out of place. The work is a repertoire of striking things; some so striking that they ought to have been struck out altogether. It will be useful to those who know how to use it. The popular controversialist may derive great advantage from a judicious reading of the volume. Aphorisms from the Poets. Second | man, who, while in court on one occa- sentences. A VERY useful collection of weighty The author has evidently used much care, in order to quote accurately and arrange appropriately. To the author and the preacher this compilation will be very serviceable. "He who never quotes will never be quoted," but he who quotes much, needs at his elbow just such a little prompter as this work. We place it among our literary tools with respectful thanks. For Ever; an Essay on Eternal Punishment. By Rev. M. RANDLES. Wesleyan Conference Office, and 66, Paternoster Row. sion, for which, on being brought to Maclehose. To all who are troubled upon this THIS is no ordinary volume of rhymes. important question we recommend a A poetess is before us, who writes with perusal of this Essay. Notwithstanding the advantage given to the holders Hamilton is not unknown to fame, and a purpose and to good purpose. Mrs. of the short punishment theory, by has no need of our commendations. having the run of the Christian World Her genius has surmounted great diffipaper, and by their triumphant conculties, and enabled her, as the shoequest of a certain eloquent doctor, we maker's wife, to emulate, and even to are convinced that their cause has not excel, the daughters of learning and advanced, and that the attention drawn to the subject has served to establish of God has made her muse always pure, of wealth. Best of all, the grace queens more firmly than ever the old orthodox so that no line of hers will ever pollute, faith. and many will instruct and elevate. May the latter days of this sweet singer among the lowly be bright with the dawning of the everlasting day. Lucy, the Light Bearer. By GEORGE E. Antidote against the Unscriptural and Unscientific Tendency of Modern Geology. By PATRICK MCFARLANE, Esq., L.M.V.I. Passmore and Alabaster. THE author is determinately opposed to the teaching of Hugh Miller and others, and abhors what he believes to be the erratic and God-honouring speculations of modern geology. We are not qualified to give a verdict; but it is clear that our author is very reverent to Scripture, very firm, and very much in earnest. We should think his work would be interesting to all who care about geology, whether they agree with him or not. Here and there he gives us a good story, as, for instance, upon page 360-"A religions Dublin newspaper, the Statesman and Record, always took an active part in these discussions, on the anti-geological side; and boldly affirmed, as in a number now before me, that geology had the devil for its author!!' We have read of an Irish SARGENT. Religious Tract Society. A story for girls, which might have for its motto, I will save you, and ye shall be a blessing." It shows how a little maid, in very difficult circumstances, may greatly glorify God, and influence others for good. Scripture Object Lessons and Outline Teaching for Sunday Schools. By Rev. H. C. McCook. Shaw and Co. WE have often tried the system here more fully developed with the best results. By all means, let teachers give object lessons as often as they can. The black board, chalks, and crayons should be in use in every school. We earnestly urge every teacher to read this book and make much use of it. It is invaluable. front seat in the gallery, near the pulpit. A pew opener informed him that the seat be longed to a family who usually attended, and therefore he must not remain, and they would find him another; but he positively refused to move, and told her that, For many years he had longed for the op portunity of hearing Mr. H., and had at last come over seventy miles for the purpose, and being there, he would not be turned onst, either by men or Devils! The pew opener, astonished at his earnestness and determination, explained to the family on their arrival, and he was not disturbed. He heard that morning with deep feeling, having, indeed, 'an ear to hear what God had to speak to him, by his servant; and, to the joy of his We were pleased with the former series, and can speak very favourably of the present. Boys will, by reading these stories, get an accurate idea of the manners of the age between the wars of the Roses and Charles I. These are not idle tales, but facts truly represented. The Celebrated Coalheaver: or, Reminiscences of the Rev. William Huntington, S.S. By EBENEZER HOOPER. Gadsby, 18, Bouverie Street. A CHATTY, gossipy book upon one who heart, found his expectations granted, his had, and still has, both ardent friends prayers answered, and his soul set at liberty, so that he went home rejoicing in God his and fierce detractors. This collection Saviour. The change was as manifest to his of original anecdotes, letters, and re- family; depression was turned to prace and marks is entirely new, and to some per- gladness, that they also could testify to the sons will be exceedingly interesting. Christian life for many years, a firm adhemercy he had found. He lived a consistent The compiler is a grandson of three of rent to the Truth of God's distinguishing Huntington's most intimate friends and grace, and as might be expected, an attached correspondents; and has thus possessed disciple of Mr. H. This happy result was peculiar facilities for gathering up the not more than a fulfilment of the promise in odds and ends of the renowned coal-Jer. xxix. 13: Ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heaver's remarkable history. We know heart."" the editor and esteem him much. All unsophisticated personal stories attract readers. Boswell's Johnson is a stupid book, and yet the very model for a biographer; and, in the present case, incidents of the most common-place order are recorded, and yet our curiosity led us to read the book right through from beginning to end. The engraved portrait is capital; and the spirit displayed by the editor is admirable. On the whole, we do not think so well of Huntington as we did before perusing this highly impartial compilation; he would certainly be a very sad example at home, if the plate-breaking stories are accurate. Two of the incidents here recited may serve as specimens of the rest. "Mr. Eedes, of Ramsgate, was in much distress of soul, under conviction of sin, and had found relief in reading some of Mr. H.'s books, which had fallen into his hands. He there saw his case entered into, and felt a strong persuasion that, if ever he could hear the writer preach, it would be the means, by God's blessing, of his deliverance from trouble. In those days, travelling was difficult and tedious, and not easy for him to leave home. However, at length he was able, with this object in view, to undertake the journey. He arrived at Providence Chapel as soon as the doors were opened, one Lord'sday morning, when he went in, and took a "A young man from Lincolnshire, named John Blinkhorn, during a visit to London, was much blest under Mr. H.'s ministry, who took much interest in him, and allowed him several interviews. After taking leave to return home, he found to his regret that he had neglected to name a subject that had been much on his mind, and resolved to make an effort, by using the only opportunity left, to obtain Mr. H.'s views for his gu dance. Accordingly he walked to Cricklewood, a distance of six or seven miles, but unfortunately it was Saturday, a day on which he would not see visitors, so he was refused. Apologising for his importunity, he sent word that if Mr. H. tain him with but one question, which he was would kindly see him this once, he would deanxious to submit. Mr. H. still refused, on the ground that others might claim the same breach of his rule, but offered to send a reply by the footman, to whom, as a confidential servant, he might en rust his enquiry. Well, then,' said Mr. B. Will you say that I have been much exercised about Baptism, and how sorry I am that I did not ask Mr. H. his opinion; but, being so desirous to know, as I shall have no other opportunity, I have come up on purpose to ask. The young man left and returned with this excellent and memorable answer, well deserving the consideration of all other enquire rs on this subject: That if he wished to know his mind, he had only to go home and read carefully the eighth chapter of the Acts, where he would find enough to satisfy him, or any one else, on that matter.' Mr. B. returned his respects and thanks." |