education of the masses-will most willingly subscribe. In the High School of Edinburgh, there is an approach to the secular system of education for which we plead, and of its practical working, Mr. Adam Black, late Lord Provost of our "Modern Athens," thus testifies

"In the High School of Edinburgh," says he, " we have an example of a national unsectarian school in full operation; the local board of patrons consist of men of all sects and parties; the teachers belong to all denominations. But this causes no unfriendly feeling among either the teachers or the taught— scholars, seated on the same forms, without any distinction except that of talent and good conduct, are led to form their friendships among kindred spirits, independent of creeds; and as they discover the virtues of their school-fellows of opposite sects and parties, they learn to value and appreciate the excellences of good men of all denominations. By such a system, all might receive a sound, intellectual, moral, and religious education, uncontaminated with sectarian bigotry, and where, from childhood, men might be taught to love one another."

Having now not only illustrated our views by references to other States, but proven their practicability by high authority, let us ask the reader to contrast, with these examples, the indifference of Britain in educational concerns? We hold it to be the predominant policy of our legislators, in dealing with crime, to punish and not to prevent. Instead of our juvenile

delinquents being cared for, as in America, Prussia, and Germany, they are let loose on society, in filth, poverty, and rags, to excite pity from the benevolent, or to plunder the unsuspecting. Most of the crime

perpetrated in Great Britain is the work of juveniles between the ages prescribed, in the States alluded to, for their education in the principles of morality. From the Quarterly Review we learn that, in 1845, 14,887 persons of both sexes, under twenty years of age, were taken into custody by the London Police. Of those summarily dealt with by the magistrates were

Making an analysis of the offences of these parties, we find there were

For assaults, 1 under 10; 58 at 10 and under 15; 714 at 15 and under 20

years.

For misdemeanors, with intent to steal, 3 under 10; 62 at

10 and under 15; and 128 at 15 and under 20.

For unlawful possession of goods, 22 under 19; 446 at 10 and under 15; 591 at 15 and under 20.

For wilful damage, 2 under 10; 142 at 10 and under 15; 500

at 15 and under 20.

Disorderly characters, 111 at 10 and under 15; 505 at 15 and under 20.

Drunkenness, 473 at 15 and under 20.

Reputed thieves, 2 under 10; 38 under 15; and 140 at 15 and under 20.

Vagrancy, 22 under 10; 242 at 10 and under 15; 548 at 15 and under 20.

What a fearful catalogue of crime-what a libel on the character of Britain is here unfolded! Say, then, have not the claims of a National Secular Education scheme been established beyond question? We have seen the good which has been brought about by it in other countries-not only in the moral and intellectual character of the people, but in their happiness and comfort. It has been satisfactorily shown, we hope, that it is practicable; and now let us, for ourselves, set about and work vigorously for a National Secular Education of our own.

Till education is more generally diffused, and till its benefits reach the ragged and filthy denizens of our closes, the millennial glory of "the good time coming" will not have dawned on Britain. That it will come, I feel certain-that it is rapidly coming, I can foresee-and that the present age will witness it, I would almost prophecy. Men of progress! men of

peace! help forward the period! Live in hope you shall see it and enjoy its blessedness. Only "wait a little longer," but WORK, work with energy-work

wisely, peaceably, and hopefully. Aid it by every

worthy human appliance-overcome the evil by active organization, and by the lever power of the pen and the press.

Y

WORDS FROM HOME.

O THESE words from home! from that happy home Whence my earliest thoughts took wing,

Gladly a pilgrim the world I 'd roam,

To cull the bright fruits that they bring.
Fair Paradise birds! they come with sweet wing,

And glory and gladness impart;

Or, tunefullest lispings of angel's tongue,

They thrill on the cords of the heart.

Words, honeyed words! from the home of my birth, Your sunshine while shedding around,

More brilliant by far than all pearls of earth,

Inspires with a rev'rence profound.

Than song, softly falling from woman's bright lips,

I know not a holier strain;

Home-words, in such strains, my gladdened heart sips, And longs for its childhood again.