ceased brother, which I think will serve to illustrate the following words of Scripture, found in Isaiah, liv. 8, 9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." I met the deceased for the first time in the spring of 1853, at his father's home in Lancaser, where I was then a boarder and an inmate, His, apparently, was a sad case. Previous to this he had been connected with a large mercantile establishment in Philadelphia, where by his energy and his fidelity to his trust, he had gained the confidence of his employers. His prospects for promotion and future success were flattering. Had his health therefore been spared, the probability is that, by his native energy, intelligence and diligence, he would have arisen in the course of time to honor and wealth among the merchant princes of the metropolis. But God ordered it to be otherwise. Providence had a higher and better work for him to do in his day. His employers trusted him, and at times allowed too heavy a burden to rest on his shoulders, In the heated season of 1852, as a consequence, his nervous energies gave way, and he was brought home to his father's house paralyzed, which soon afterwards left him with the use only of his head and of one of his arms. Thus the bright prospects before him seemed to go out in utter darkness when he was only twenty-eight years of age. The skill of physicians was called into requisition, but his peculiar case baffled their science and wisdom. It is doubtful whether any one of them fully understood it, or perhaps ever met with one exactly like it. When we first met he had no hope of recovery from the disorder which had seated itself deeply in his system. Naturally gifted with a strong constitution, he was more helpless than a child. He was, however, resigned to his lot, and apparently happy-at least as much so as could be expected of one in his circumstances. He was fond of conversation, able to converse on almost any topic that might be introduced. He was an attentive reader, and from this he also derived a truly rational enjoyment. Thus he passed his time with some degree of comfort and satisfaction to himself, which otherwise must have been sad and dreary. Never did I hear from his lips a murmur or a word of complaint over the sad dispensation of Divine Providence with which he had been visited. On one occasion he inquired of me what I thought of his studying Latin. I encouraged him to undertake it, assuring him that I would give him such help as he might need. It appeared to me that this would be a healthful exercise to his intellectual faculties. He went to work with his Latin grammar, and with his one hand he literally carried out the precept of Horace, in poring over the classics with "a nocturnal and diurnal hand." It turned out that he needed little assistance from me. his own teacher. He was In less than six months he had the old Roman language, and perhaps, few college graduates, after studying it for five or six years, could read it with greater facility. He then concluded to try his skill with the Greek, where he met with the same success. Our opinion is that few clergymen could read the original language of the New Testament with a better understanding of the meaning of its words. After studying French in the same manner so as to gain access to its beautiful literature, he was urged to take up the German language. To this at first he was somewhat reluctant, but it was not long before he found a new world, and a new source of profit and pleasure in the study of the German classics. He was always wont to express his surprise at the beauty and strength of this great and noble language. So far as we remember, Mr. Andrews never spoke of any practical use which he expected to make of his knowledge of these languages. Probably no such a thought ever entered his mind. God, however, in all His all-wise providence, opened up the way by which he was enabled to turn to rare account these acquisitions, so as to make himself eminently useful in his day and generation. His worthy father and mother, who were his principal earthly support, were unexpectedly called away by the hand of death. This was a fearful blow to him, to his brothers, his sisters, and many others. I distinctly remember the early morning when the sad intelligence reached us that the father was no more, and, soon afterwards, that the mother had also fallen asleep. Their memory is still green in this community. The sisters felt their responsibility, and together exerted themselves in various ways to sustain themselves and their afflicted brother amidst the rude shocks of adversity. But James, the brother, a man, we might say, with only one arm, but a vigorous brain, likewise essayed to support himself, and one also whom he had loved in his early youth, in the useful and honorable profession of teaching. Friends and acquaintances in this part of the county secured for him pupils, and he soon established a school of high grade, which for many years from 1859 to 1885-he sustained with credit to himself and with great benefit to this immediate neighborhood and surrounding country. All this is well known, and it is not necessary for me here to dwell upon it in its details. One who was well acquainted with his work-his pastor, the Rev. Dr. C. W. Stewart -on a public occasion some years ago thus spoke of it, and no doubt truthfully: "I speak advisedly and without exaggeration when I say, that there is not a school of the same grade in the State, where superior advantages are offered in thorough drill and faithful teaching." But whilst he was thus a diligent teacher in this community for many years, he was all the while also a diligent learner. He continued to improve his mind and to extend his knowledge in various directions. He searched thoroughly the different branches of mathematical science and of natural philosophy, read intently in history, and became, in fact, a learned man. One of the most learned in this country, as a teacher or principal of a classical High School, he brought the highest and best qualifications to his work in the instruction of youth. He was familiar with all the arguments which skepticism and infidelity bring against the Bible and the Christian religion, but they made no permanent impression on the mind of Prof. Andrews. He saw clearly how superficial they were, and was always ready to answer and refute them. He had an unshaken faith in Christianity from his youth upwards; yet he did not see his way clear to make a public profession of his faith in Christ until he had approached the meridian, so to speak, of his years. Accordingly, with his mental faculties well developed, his mind clear, he devoted himself fully in body and soul, in life and death, to the service of Christ, his Lord and Redeemer. It must have been an impressive sight when such a man as he, in the spirit of a little child, appeared before the Church Council to profess his faith in Christ; and no doubt it continued to be so, when from time to time he appeared in the church of his fathers to unite with others in celebrating the dying love of his risen Lord. From all this and much more that might be said it is evident that Prof. James W. Andrews did not live in vain. He has left behind him a good name, an honorable fame. He reflected honor on this part of our great country and upon the church in which he was baptized, trained for usefulness in life, and prepared for a happy death. Though dead, he yet speaketh. He has shown for us a bright example. We all have, at one time or another, our trials and tribulations, for it is only through these that we must enter the kingdom of Heaven. Sometimes we grow weary, faint-hearted, discouraged, but let us remember that others have also had their trials, and yet have stood erect to the end, fighting the good fight of faith. So it has been with our departed friend and brother. Through storm and sunshine he calmly pursued his course, and now, as we have good reason to believe, he has gained the unfailing crown of life. THE MERCHANT PRINCE. THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. THE 'HE name best known in Philadelphia is that of her merchant prince, John Wanamaker. He is a very Napoleon of energy and enterprise among the business men of that great city, and it would seem to most men that all his time and thought must be absorbed in the management of his vast mercantile and other interests. On the contrary, few men have given more active personal aid to Christian and humantarian work. He has for a generation been identified prominently with the work of the Young Men's Christian Association in the city and in the State, and for upwards of thirty years has been the active Superin tendent of the Bethany Sunday-school-in great probability the most important work of his busy, useful life. On Sunday, June 10th, a special programme of exercises was arranged to celebrate his fiftieth birthday, of which the Phila. Ledger gives the following account: Mr. Wanamaker knew nothing of the celebration until he entered the school building, when the members rose to their feet and greeted him by singing a verse from one of Miss Havergal's poems. On either side of the reading desk were floral designs in the shape of vases-one bearing the date 1837, the other 1887. Various parts of the school room were also appropriately decorated with flowers. Rev. Arthur T. Pierson, D. D., Pastor of Bethany Church, welcomed the Superintendent. Dr. Pierson said that in the past Mr. Wanamaker himself had conducted the school in a very satisfactory manner, but to-day the order was reversed and he found others in charge. Dr. Pierson, in behalf of the school, gave the Superintendent a cordial greeting, and commented on the success which had crowned Mr. Wanamaker's long and faithful services as an officer of the school. After a prayer, Wm. H. Wanamaker was introduced, and tendered his congratulations to the Superintendent. The speaker said whatever good he had done in his life had been inspired, encouraged, and directed by his elder brother. Rev. Thomas C. Horton, Assistant Pastor of Bethany Church, read a congratulatory letter from Rev. J. R. Miller, a former pastor. Addressing Mr. Wanamaker, Dr. Miller said in his letter: As God's angels look down on your life on your birthday, I verily believe that the part of your work which appears most radiant to them is that which centres in this sacred place (Bethany Church). I think all your money might be swept away, and all the fabric of business which your hands grasp, and you would not be poor while the work abides which you have wrought here on hearts and lives." Mr. Horton also read a paper prepared for the occasion by the session of Bethany Church. In this the session said to Mr. Wanamaker: "For thirty years you have been largely the inspiration and encouragement of this enterprise (Bethany Church), of which you were mainly the originator. Throughout its history your generous giving and personal sacrifices; your fertility in suggestion and zeal in execution; your identification with the poorest and humblest, and your ready acquiescence in the will of the majority, have gone far to promote everything good, and to shape unselfish character and stimulate energetic endeavors on the part of others." Mr. Wanamaker was then called, and said this had been the most perfect surprise of his life. He said he had not intended to allow any observance of his birthday, and this would not have taken place if he could have prevented it. Anything personal to himself he wanted to run away from, for I would sooner help one of these boys," he went on to say, "by putting a new thought into his heart, or giving a word of cheer to that struggling boy, than have the newspapers publish whole columns of any business enterprise in which I have taken part. I have had more credit in the work at Bethany than belongs to me, for there have been many helpful, patient, considerate teachers and others working with me. After all, Bethany School and Church owe their place not to any one or any six persons, but to hundreds who have joined hands and helped day after day. If I had my life to go over I would give greater adhesion to the things I chose thirty years ago than I have been able to give in my poor, disjointed work. I would have fewer things to do, and the things I did have my hands on I would do better." Mr. Wanamaker said it was to him a great joy that when the Sunday-school was younger and counted for less, the Lord led him to see of how great value it was and how much he could do in it and through it. The greatest philosophers and greatest statesmen on both sides of the sea have come to realize that the Sundayschool is one of the greatest powers known to the world for the education, not only of the heart, but the mind. Concluding, he said there was in his heart a great wish that in whatever years he had yet to spend, if he could not be with Bethany, he could at least spend them in a large manner for the school. The lesson for the day was then taken up. Each attendant was given a card printed in gold as a souvenir of the birthday celebration. The card presented to the Superintendent was printed on satin. ITEMS FROM REPORTS. BERKS.-Supt. Keck: Thus far I have heard very little complaint about the six months' law. The Tilden directors will build a new schoolhouse in the Becker district. Boyertown is building a very fine two-story school-house. The Kutztown directors improved the surroundings of their building very much, and supplied two rooms with patent furniture. The Womelsdorf Board changed the term to nine months. Muhlenberg will furnish four rooms with patent furniture. BUCKS.-Supt. Slotter: The Quakertown schools held their anniversary and High School commencement June 25th. Two boys and two girls graduated, and received the customary diplomas. The attendance and the attention on the part of the audience, gave evidence that the people are thoroughly interested in the schools. The Doylestown schools also held closing exercises, which were creditable to both teachers and pupils. Bensalem schools held their annual reunion. The exercises included recitations, class-drills, singing, and addresses by Dr. Charles King, President of the Board, and Supt. W. W. Woodruff. Southampton held a similar meeting June 14th. The people of both districts manifested much interest in their schools. CRAWFORD.-Supt. Sturdevant: Union town ship is erecting a substantial school house of brick, in place of the one destroyed by fire a few months ago. A number of teachers holding professional certificates have been preparing to enter the examination for permanent certificates. Cambridgeboro will take a long step forward in educational matters at the beginning of the fall term. A new department is to be added, a two-story addition having been made to the present building. Advanced students, intending to become teachers, will receive, daily, valuable special training and practice in the primary rooms. DAUPHIN. Supt. McNeal: Notwithstanding the fact that most of the country districts in this county have heretofore had only five months school, I hear very little dissatisfaction with the law increasing the minimum term to six months. The directors of Dauphin have increased the term in that place to eight months and raised the salary in the High School from $45 to $55 per month. In Hummelstown the term has been increased from seven to eight months. GREENE.-Supt. Herrington: A large number of the teachers of this county have lately attended the College and High Schools within our borders. The attendance at the "Five Weeks' Normal" of Waynesburg College, during the last three years, has been from 70 to 100. I am sorry to state that there is a tendency among many of our school directors to pay for six months' service what has hitherto been paid for five months. I fear the effect of this will be to cause more of our good and experienced teachers to leave the profession. JUNIATA. Supt. Auman: Besides the usual press of office work at the close of the year, I visited the Soldiers' Orphan School at McAlisterville, June 30th, and can only say, what I have had occasion to say on previous visits, that progress was plainly visible on every hand. The conduct of the pupils in the school-room and on the play-ground, and the prompt answers given by the pupils in the various branches taught, are evidences of success in the right direction. The teachers employed are live, energetic, and sincere in their work. Much credit is due to Prof. Sherwood for the able and efficient manner in which he has conducted the school. He is the right man in the right place. MCKEAN.-Supt. Eckels: The Lafayette School Board passed a resolution requiring their teachers to pass examination in Natural Philosophy, Algebra, Civil Government, and Book-Keeping. MERCER.-Supt. McCleery: Two new houses are being built in West Salem, one in Shenango, one in Wolf Creek, and one is being repaired in Findley. Ten of the old houses in Pymatuning, and six in Jefferson. are being reseated with the Sidney (Ohio) patent furniture. A great many of our teachers have resigned, and all being able and competent their places will be difficult to fill. MONROE.-Supt. Dinsmore: The citizens in the western section of our county propose to erect a building and open an Academy or Collegiate Institute. A meeting was held at Sciota, Hamilton township, June 28, to consider the matter. The meeting was addressed by the County Superintendent, followed by Geo. W. Dornbach, of Schuylkill county. They want to raise $5000 to begin with; $3500 has, I believe, already been subscribed. MONTOUR.—Supt. Ream: Three new schoolhouses are to be erected this season-one in the borough of Danville, to cost $11,000. SOMERSET.-Supt. Weller: I wrote an article for the county papers, setting forth the intent of new school legislation, and indicating the changes that would be made necessary in the school work of our county. The standard of teachers' qualifications has been raised about 25 per cent. All under sixteen years of age and all who cannot make an average of 2 on each of the ten branches, are rejected. Our teachers are working hard to keep pace with the advancing steps. UNION. Supt. Johnson: During the month, four young ladies of the Kelly township schools were examined by the County Superintendent, and awarded diplomas. The directors of White Deer township have decided to pay teachers according to grade of certificate and ability to teach. On account of the increase of the State appropriation, the Lewisburg Board has extended the school term from eight to nine months. VENANGO.-Supt. Lord: Sugar Creek township has adopted the continuous term system, and her schools will commence, on August 15th, an eight months' session. Cherry Tree has but three of her thirteen schools in operation this summer, and expects to have a continuous term of seven months in the entire district next year. New buildings are now in course of erection in five districts of the county, and all are to be first-class in construction, light and ventilation. Only one district in this county reports the minimum term of five months, and that was caused by making the change from the one-term to the two-term system last year. The new laws regarding Teachers' Institutes and length of term give universal satisfaction here. ALTOONA.-Supt. Keith: The contract for the erection of a school-house containing ten rooms has been awarded. This building will be located in the 8th ward, and will be ready for Occupancy August, 1888. CORRY.-Supt. Colgrove: Our schools closed June 17th. A class of twenty-two graduated from the High School. The Board has purchased a set of fine wall maps for each school building. Our experiment with the "no recess" plan has been very satisfactory. NANTICOKE.-Supt. Miller: A normal postgraduate course has been established and an additional assistant teacher employed in the High School. There were twenty-two candidates for teachers' certificates, seven of whom were rejected. NORRISTOWN.-Supt. Gotwals: The schools closed June 28th, with commencement exercises in Music Hall, which was crowded to its utmost capacity by friends and patrons of the school. These annual exercises have become of such interest as to make it difficult to procure a room large enough to accommodate all who wish to see and hear. The class numbered thirty-ten boys and twenty girls. The exercises were highly praised by all who had an opportunity to witness them. The year's work closed in a satisfactory manner. The teachers have done good work and are justly entitled to their vacation. SHAMOKIN.-Supt. Harpel: The teachers' annual examination has been held. Twentytwo applicants presented themselves, seventeen of whom were granted provisional certificates, and five, professional certificates. The general improvement in the teachers' manuscripts and the average grade of certificates indicate that our teachers are endeavoring to qualify themselves better for their profession. Quite a number of directors, teachers, and citizens were present to witness the exercises. TAMAQUA.-Supt. Ditchburn: Our School Board met on the 17th inst., employed teachers for the next term, and increased the salaries all around 10 per cent. The schools have closed for a two months' vacation. BOOK NOTICES. For American ECLECTIC GERMAN FIFTH READER. Several months ago we noticed the four preceding volumes of this excellent series. The present volume is worthy of them, and is really a book of very superior merit. Unlike most readers, English as well as German, which are a compilation of miscellaneous scraps of natural history, popular science, history, poetry, etc., this volume proceeds on the correct principle that reading is a purely literary exercise, and concerned first and last with literature. Its selections and exercises are therefore almost exclusively specimens of the writings of the masters of German literature, the Grimms, Lessing, Goethe, Schiller, Körner, Herder, Hebel, Tieck, Uhland, Rückert, Wieland, Geibel, and in fact there is scarcely a prominent German author who is not represented. The arrangement, too, is excellent. A summary sketch of the history of the literature of a period is usually followed by a brief biographical notice of the leading authors-in many cases their portraits are also given; then follow the specimens of their writings. At the end of the volume are exercises, with rules, etc., for composition and translation. The book in every respect is an excellent one, and might well serve as a model for many English readers we have seen. PATTERSON'S ADVANCED GRAMMAR AND ELEMENTS OF RHETORIC. By C. Patterson. New York: Sheldon & Co. 12 mo., pp. 399. PRACTICAL RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION. N. Raub. Philadelphia: Raub & Co. pp. 320. Price, $1.20. 66 By A. 12mo., Mr. Patterson's work is the second volume of his Language Series," and is therefore a connected sequel rather than an independent volume. It is intended as an advanced and exhaustive treatise on the essentials of English grammar. Part I. is an inductive presentation of the parts of speech, and phrases, and clauses, and serves as introductory to Part II., in which the parts of speech are more fully discussed, and Part III., which is devoted to the analysis of sentences. Part IV. is given to Rhetoric, and is followed by an Appendix on Punctuation, Capital Letters, Letter-Writing, etc. Dr. Raub's book aims at practicalness in teaching and applying the principles and theory. It might therefore be regarded as complementary to Mr. Patterson's. The definition of the object of teaching rhetoric is excellent. "First, that of securing to the student ease, grace, fluency, and correctness of composition; and secondly, that of enabling him to discern, appreciate, and enjoy the beauties of thought and language that may be gleaned from literary fields." With the aim of fulfilling these objects kept clearly in view, the author has succeeded in producing a helpful work on this difficult subject. WENTWORTH & HILL'S EXERCISE MANUALS, No. I. Arithmetic. Boston: Ginn & Co. 12mo., pp. 282. A book such as this has its uses. It is simply a compilation of examples, problems, exercises, carefully made, and arranged under the respective heads of Integral Numbers, Decimals, Common Fractions, Common Measures, Percentage, Proportion, Mensuration, followed by a collection of Miscellaneous Exercises. Sensibly used, the book will be found helpful or suggestive to teachers. SHELDON'S ELEMENTS OF ALGEBRA. New York: Sheldon & Co. 12mo., pp. 363. The chief difference of this book from other elementary algebras lies in the clear manner in which it brings out the analogy between the processes of arithmetic and those of algebra by means of numerical illustrations. It also omits many of the usual demonstrations as beyond the comprehension of the beginner, and in their stead gives an increased number of exercises and examples for practice. A more advanced Part Second is soon to be published. The present work is a good elementary text-book. GILMAN'S HISTORICAL READERS. By Arthur Gilman. Boston: Interstate Publishing Co. No. 1. The Discovery and Exploration of America. 12mo., pp. 128. Price, 36 cents. No. II. The Colonization of America. Pp. 160. Price, 48 cents. No. III. The Making of the American Nation. Pp. 192. Price, bo cents. Why such books as these are put upon the market as "Readers" we fail to understand. They are simply "Histories," and good enough not to be ashamed of themselves as such. They form, in fact, very excellent introductions and incentives to the fuller study of American history; as such they give causes and results rather than details, though by no means in a dry and uninteresting style, but quite the contrary. The volumes are graded so that No. I in subject, language and arrangement is well fitted for the youngest boys and girls; No. II being somewhat fuller and less simple in language, for children a little more advanced; and No. III for still more advanced pupils, being considerably fuller as to matter and more difficult as to words and style. It is a very well written, and equally well printed and bound, series of introductory histories. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE JEWS, Since the Destruction of Jerusalem. By Rev. Bernhard Pick. New York: Fno. B. Alden. Pp. 46. 15 cts. The ancient history of the Jews is very much better known by the general public than the more modern. In this little volume Dr. Pick gives the latter, in a clear, concise, accurate and interesting manner. It is a book that will be welcomed by many, and its merely nominal price makes it accessible to nearly everybody. THE HOUSE I LIVE IN. An Elementary Physiology for Children in the Public Schools. New York: Van Antwerp, Bragg & Co. 12mo., pp. 96. Price 30 cents. Another addition to the list of Physiologies "with special reference to the nature of alcoholic drinks," etc., which have appeared within the last few years. It must be said, however, that this attractively written, printed and bound little volume is in some respects better than a good many of its predecessors and companions. One of its excellencies is its brevity. It does not try to make medical students of our primary scholars. LITTLE FLOWER-PEOPLE. By Gertrude E. Hale. Boston: Ginn & Co. 12mo., pp. 85. Illustrated. Botany more than any other science has had the advantage of being popularized and made attractive by the graceful pens and pencils of some of our most gifted lady writers. Such has been done in this dainty little volume, which is a collection of half a dozen chapters by a flower-lover, as scientifically correct as she is poetically fanciful, in flowers, ferns, grasses, rushes, and all the beauties and wonders of the vegetable world that lie nearest to us, and can be seen and studied by any one with loving eyes and an interested mind. It is a book that will especially delight the girls. TWILIGHT THOUGHTS. Child-Lovers. Stories for Children and By Mary S. Claude. Boston: 12mo., pp. 104. Edited by Mary L. Avery and introduced in a preface by Matthew Arnold, this book would attract notice even though it were far less worthy than it is. Yet such is its own intrinsic merit and excellence that it could very well have dispensed with such aids to notice and favor. It is a collection of fanciful little essays, prose poems, fables, parables, and simple descriptions of the lovely sights and objects in nature, and breathes the spirit of one gifted above the ordinary to be an interpreter of nature to man. Its deep insight now reminds us of Wordsworth himself, its charming simplicity next intimates a spiritual kinship with Andersen. Altogether it is a very delightful little book, full of wisdom and truth, and is full of literary grace and beauty. ALDEN'S MANIFOLD CYCLOPEDIA OF KNOWLEDGE AND LANGUAGE. Illustrated. Vol. I, A to America. New York: John B. Alden. Crown Svo., pp. 630. The publication of this combined cyclopedia and dictionary is announced as the most important work upon which Mr. Alden has yet ventured. It is to be based upon Chambers' Cyclopedia and Stormonth's English Dictionary, with, however, such recasting, additions, emendations, etc., as will make the work of special worth and usefulness to Americans, and of considerably fuller proportions than both Chambers and Stormonth combined. Mr. Alden promises to make this the fullest and most complete work of the kind in the market. It is to be completed in not less than 30 volumes, to be issued at the rate of one every month or two. The first volume is as well made a book as any one would wish. Its size makes. it much more convenient for reference than if it. were the usual large octavo. The paper is good, type a clear brevier, and binding either in cloth or half-morocco and marbled edges. The cloth edition is offered at the marvellous price of $7.80 for the 30 volumes for all who subscribe before August, and slight advances every month afterwards. It is the cheapest work of the kind ever offered, and we shall probably refer to it again. |