most of his class as they drop in. He will so realise the importance of his work as often to put himself to pains in order to do this. Few things tend more to the steadiness and good tone of a class than this readiness on the part of a teacher. It is just one of those things which children silently appreciate and respect.

Again, a good teacher will study the varied characters of the human items which make up his class. He will not merely, after a kindly and hearty fashion, try to make friends with the children who compose it, but he will seek to learn and remember the tone and temper of each. This will bring not a mere chorus of answers, but those responsive looks which show that a child feels that he or she is understood. Thus a powerful and silent bond will exist between the teacher and each individual in his class, and such order will arise in and influence descend upon it as no mere methodical teaching and general interest in the work to be done could ever possibly create.

Reproof, moreover, should as much as possible be private. A smart rebuke before a class hardens many a child whose heart would be accessible to a few kindly plain words spoken after school hours. Sometimes, of course, a scholar has to be checked or reproved openly, but the rebuke in these cases should have none of that severity which stings. A grave fault, while it cannot be passed over without immediate notice,

may in most cases be best and finally treated some little time afterwards, when the heat of its commission has passed away. I need hardly say

that "corporal punishment" is sorely out of place in a Sunday-school. A teacher who is led into "rappings," and "boxing of ears," and the like, is more than inefficient. Such procedure not only disturbs the school, but destroys the class. It is utterly subversive of the only influence which the teacher is there to exercise. Very often troublesome scholars may be touched and turned by being employed. Probably they suffer from intense vitality, and these eager fidgety little people are just those who frequently might be best employed when a message has to be sent to a superintendent, or a parcel of books to be fetched from the school shelf. It is hard for children to be branded as naughty" when they are simply filled with superabundant spirits. There is often more hope of them, when properly managed, than of the goody phlegmatic ones who always sit still and never "give any trouble."

Above all, the teacher will be patient, and not expect too much. He will always come to his work with the consciousness that he has honestly asked God for the right spirit in which that work should be done, and he will think more of sowing than of reaping. He will seek to do his best, and ever try to do better still; but he will leave results in the hand of the Great Father and Teacher of all. HARRY JONES, M.A.

COMPLETION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT IN JAPANESE.

HIS is an event specially deserving of notice, and we may venture to give it some prominence in our monthly record. The labours of the committee have at length been brought to a very satisfactory termination. It appears that in 1872 a translation committee was appointed, and the existing translations of the Gospels were carefully revised. By degrees, all the portions of the New Testament were added, till it has now at length been completed. The style is "popular," and so purposely, in order that the Word may come within the comprehension of the least learned. The result is that more than one hundred thousand "portions" of the Japanese New Testament have already been put into circulation, and an increase is expected. With reference to the foregoing, we have been put in possession of some statistics of the work done in Japan, which show us that the total membership of our churches last year was 2,701, an increase during one year and a half of 1,084. Besides the three Bible societies, there are now 16 missionary societies, 10 of which are Ameri

can, the rest British, supporting 140 and 43 missionaries respectively. Out of the 80 provinces of the Japanese Empire, 38 are in the enjoyment of continual and we hope permanent blessings from missionary work.

IN LAPLAND.

From this far out-of-the-way territory we hear but little of the progress made by Christianity, and we fancy but very few people give a thought to the spiritual welfare of the wandering Lapland race. But they are not uncared-for, for we learn from the far north, that the Princess Eugènie, the sister of the King of Sweden, has interested herself deeply in the spiritual welfare of the Lapps. This lady is, we understand, very anxious to form an association of ladies who will be willing to support a mission to Lapland. That this will require no ordinary effort can well be imagined when the habits of the people, and the features of their country, are considered. The country is indeed divided into parishes, but the fixed population is almost nil. The inhabitants are continually moving about, and to traverse a space of 120 miles to attend a church service is an ordinary case. The barns

doing duty for churches are tens of miles apart, and those who die after the few services remain unburied till the pastor again visits his parish-a period perhaps of three or four months. When these circumstances are considered, we can appreciate the good work now being carried out by the Princess Eugènie, and we may wonder that no helping hand has ere this been extended to the poor nomadic race with whom we have been familiar from childhood, and while giving our sympathy to the reindeer, have too often forgotten the spiritual welfare of the wandering tribes whose necessities are now pressing upon us, and in whose hearts are longings for light from above.

GOOD NEWS FROM GREECE.

The observance of Sunday in Greece is, we are happy to state, becoming more general. The Governor of Patras has lately issued an order prohibiting the villagers bringing wares for sale on Sundays, and has also endeavoured to prevent the Sunday trading which has hitherto been so common. It is understood that this order has emanated from high official quarters, as a decree has already gone forth ordering the teaching of the New Testament in all the national schools. Let us trust that such laudable endeavours may be blessed with success.

TEMPERANCE WORK IN SWEDEN.

We spoke in a preceding paragraph of the good work being done in Lapland through the influence of the Princess of Sweden; and it is satisfactory to find that while distant people are not neglected, those at home are also attended to. At a time too when the Sunday closing of public-houses in England is occupying attention, the success of the experiment in Sweden must have an interest for us. The temperance cause has become quite a prominent question, and, taken up in conjunction with Gospel teaching, has been very successful. The people attend in numbers to hear the services, and the Town Council of Iön Köping, a town with 16,000 inhabitants, have set the example, and resolved to close the public-houses on Sundays and fair-days, and on Saturday evenings at six o'clock. The result is reported as most satisfactory—a difference in the appearance of the streets and a decrease in crime. The meetings are now better attended, and though the question is a difficult one, and much perseverance and tact are necessary in dealing with the masses, good workers have been raised up, and, in spite of all difficulties, the blessings of temperance and of the Gospel are making themselves felt in the Swedish towns where such influence formerly was almost unknown. Various useful institutions are being founded-a hospital for children, and a town mission at Wilhelmsro. A bazaar was arranged, lectures given, and numerous Bible-classes have regular attendants, so that the good cause is making way among the people.

CHRISTIANITY IN SOUTH AFRICA. Those of our readers who are interested in the progress of the missionary work in Caffraria will do well to procure and peruse a pamphlet written by Miss Bond, who has laboured for many years in South Africa. In that little book the writer gives us the history of the mission at Newlands, where her useful work has been carried on, and the results obtained are most satisfactory. Some of the natives who have been educated at the mission establishment are now engaged in teaching, and some have been ordained to the ministry. Others, we learn, are filling important situations, and bringing up their families in the fear of the Lord, and in virtue and godliness of living. In the schools connected with the mission native children are taught, and kept free from all contaminating influences. Thus the good work set on foot a few years ago is already bearing much fruit, and will doubtless continue to flourish. Copies of the pamphlet referred to may be procured, we believe, at 32, Cheapside, London.

TEACHING THE ZULUS.

Germane to the foregoing good work is the mission to our quondam foes, the Zulu Caffres, and though, not unnaturally, the natives are slow in giving their entire confidence to the preachers, they are beginning to show a decided interest in the work going on, and do not regard their teachers with animosity. The plan pursued amongst the Zulus appears to us to be a good one. The teachers go to the village or encamp near it, and there remain for a while, waiting until, by works of charity and kindness, the confidence of the natives has been gained. By conversing with individuals the good seed of the Word is sprinkled amongst them, and it takes root after the ground has been carefully prepared. By degrees, the people assemble, and then the preacher can address them collectively, and follow up his first success. The great want, apparently, is the establishment of proper schools within reasonable distance. Money for these is needed, and no doubt money will be forthcoming as soon as the want is made known. There are openings for ten out-stations, and £30 a year for each station would support the school for the teaching in which native evangelists can be obtained. The progress already made amongst the Zulu Caffres warrants the hope that a still greater success is in store for those labouring so disinterestedly in the good cause we all have at heart.

A USEFUL LIFE.

There is a touching interest added to the facts narrated in the paper entitled "An Hour with some Daisies," which appeared in the August number of THE QUIVER. The life closed in June last, of the Founder of the Home which has been so blessed in its tender ministrations to the outcast and the thief. He had enjoyed a life singularly free from illness,

or from even small ailments.

Ordinary aches and pains of humanity had passed him by, until, at the close of last year, an unusually severe attack of bronchitis tried his strength. He rallied sufficiently to leave his room, but at eighty years of age, recuperative power is small. Some of those whom his efforts had saved from ruin-one especially, married, and settled at some distance, travelled just to see him once more; " but his strength did not permit of many interviews, and he gradually failed. Quietly as he had lived, so he quietly and peacefully died, and, according to his own request, had an unadorned and most unostentatious funeral; but as a token of respect to his memory, some of his leading fellowtownsmen formed themselves into a little procession, and accompanied the coffin-borne on a plain hearse, without even the slight covering of a pall-to its resting place in the adjacent cemetery.

"He rests from his labours, and his works do follow him."

Within a fortnight of the death of the Founder, even whilst the preceding lines were being penned, the Home has sustained another blow in the death of her who for many years has been its active, loving, energetic matron, and its inmates are doubly orphaned. The garden and the daisies survive, but who will tend them now the gardeners have been themselves transplanted? But God will not fail them.

GOD'S WORD IN SAVAGE ISLAND.

We cull the following from an interesting speech on the spread of God's Word throughout the world:"What has the Word of God done for Savage Island? It has brought life and immortality to light. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. Out of 5,000 people on that island there are now 1,670 communicants, members of Christ's Church, men and women who have a clear perception of the great central truths of Christianity. The reality of their faith is seen in their changed lives, and one of the greatest characteristics of this is their love of sacred Scripture. It has given a light in the hour of death. An old man who had grey hairs upon him before he heard the name of Christ, and who had patiently learned to read in our schools, was, a few years ago, brought suddenly near to death. He failed to recognise his dearest nearest relatives. His wife he knew not. Soon after he was asked if he knew Christ. Know Jesus?' he said, 'Oh, yes, I know Him. I learnt of Him years ago, and all my hope and trust is in Jesus now;' and soon after he passed away, as we believe, into the presence of that Lord whom he had learned to love, and whose name had come to occupy so dear a place in his affections. 'And at eventide there shall be light.' The Word of God has laid the foundation of social order; law and government have been established, and in their native Parliaments the Word of God is always the book of appeal. Recently Her Majesty's High Commissioner for Polynesia, Sir Arthur Gordon, visited

the island and strengthened the hands of the native legislators by entering into a sort of treaty with them that their law against the introduction of spirits should not be repealed without consulting Her Majesty's representative. The Word of God is the source and foundation of education. The entrance of Thy Word giveth light.' The foundations of their literature were laid in the Word of God, and on Savage Island to-day there is perhaps a larger proportion of those who can read and write in relation to the whole population than in any other part of the civilised world. The Word of God established commercial relations with the big outside world. No sooner does Christianity come in than new wants are created, and that leads to development of industry and of character. While formerly Savage Island was dreaded by the navigator, now many vessels visit its shores, regularly carrying away the native produce, and giving in return the trade of the civilised world. Homes of comfort are now to be found on this barren rock, peace and plenty have taken the place of war and famine, and all this blessed change the people attribute to the Word of God."

NEWS FROM NORWAY.

In connection with the preceding paragraphs on the subject of Lapland and Sweden, we have noticed some extracts from a letter respecting the progress being made also in Norway. Notwithstanding some police opposition to open-air gatherings, the energetic Mr. Radcliffe obtained leave from the officer commanding in Bergen, who granted the use of the parade ground for a Sunday service. There an immense congregation assembled, and the glad tidings of the Gospel was preached to them through a willing interpreter. Nor did the work stop here. At other places, by means of tracts and other openair services-though there is much opposition to any but the State Church-the people have been reached, and the good seed sown in their hearts. That there are difficulties and many serious obstructions to be overcome no one will doubt, but the power of prayer has opened out a way, and the barriers are being broken down in many places.

IN THE PRAIRIE PROVINCES.

Far away in the North-West territory a great movement is going on, and from Manitoba cheering accounts of the growing influence of Gospel truth continue to reach us. In Winnipeg alone there are nine Protestant churches, and there is scarcely a settlement in the province in which-in one way or another-the Word is not proclaimed. In addition to these a Christian Association has been established, there are Bible classes and prayer-meetings; services are conducted in the gaols and hospitals, and even the newly arrived immigrants are not left without spiritual care. These great advantages speak highly in favour of the energy and practical character of

the missionaries of the North-West, which have conduced to the descent of so many blessings upon their exertions in the cause of Christianity.

MISS WHATELY IN EGYPT.

For no less than twenty years the gifted daughter of the late Archbishop of Dublin has been toiling amongst the poor of Egypt. The success of Miss Whately's mission can hardly be over-estimated. From various sources we learn that the Medical Mission, established under a qualified practitioner, has in one year alone relieved upwards of 2,000 patients. Nor is her school less deserving of attention. This is attended daily by more than five hun dred Copts and Moslems anxious for instruction. In the noble efforts made by this lady she has expended health and resources, and when we consider the great influence for good which her labours have exercised, the bodily and spiritual relief which poor suffering souls have so often experienced at her hands, we feel sure that the appeals already made through the public press have not been made in vain. Travellers in Egypt testify to the great good which she has been sustained in doing, and Christians at home will do well to ponder upon the great blessings which have ensued, and which they can help to increase, and so extend the Gospel in Egypt, and into even more distant provinces of the African continent.

SYRIAN SCHOOLS.

A subject germane to the foregoing has been brought to our notice-namely, the successful establishment of the schools at Jaffa-the far-famed Joppa. This ancient city is built on a sloping ground, and from the summit of the hill the prospect is beautiful and extensive. Here the schools have been established, overlooking the fragrant orange-groves of Sharon, and more than fifty girls are now resident in the school-house. But Jaffa is not alone in this good position. At Beyrout is another "colony of schools," and here is the training-school whence pupils are passed out, after a competitive examination, to other establishments in the Lebanon. All sects are under

tuition, and even should no other benefit arise from the teaching, the youth of the various tribes are led to a better feeling of toleration, and such terrible scenes as have occurred are not likely to be repeated, for the old animosity will give way to peace. At Damascus again even Jewesses are being taught the Word of Christ; and the Protestant form of worship appears to be preferred by the children, whose education in Christian truths is countenanced by their parents. At Hasheza (Baal-gad), and at Nazareth, many praiseworthy and successful efforts are also being made, and will we trust (notwithstanding some animosity on the part of sheikhs) continue to flourish.

NEW

SERIES.

12. Where was the altar Ed situated, and for what purpose was it built?

13. What information have we of the brethren of Gideon?

14. What man was expelled from his home, and afterwards brought back to be ruler of the country? 15. What foolish vow was made by Jephthah? 16. What people were punished by death for looking into the ark?

17. What was the name of the grandson of Ruth?

18. What tribe of Israel was all destroyed except six hundred, from whom descended one of the kings of Israel?

19. In whose memory were four days of each year kept as days of mourning?

20. At whose prayer did God send an angel the second time to deliver a message?

21. Did either of the sons of Saul reign over Israel? 22. On two occasions our Blessed Lord spoke of death as being a sleep. Mention them.

23. From whose writings did our Lord quote the words, "I will have mercy and not sacrifice?"

24. In what words does Jesus tell us that little acts of mercy done for His sake are known and remembered by God?