1841.
Morrison Education Society.
565
Yale College, who, from its first establishment, have taken a serious interest in the Morrison Education Society, and exerted themselves to promote our views, at length succeeded in procuring a teacher, the Rev. Mr. Brown, who brought such testimonials as any man might be proud of. His talents and attainments are of a high order, and with these are combined presevering industry, habits of teaching, and well directed zeal.
"Mr. Brown came out accompanied by his lady, and although I ap- proach this subject as one almost too delicate to be discussed at a public meeting; yet I feel it a duty to express my opinion of the very great advantage received from Mrs. Brown's presence. She is equally with her husband devoted to the good cause, aud coöperates with him in every way to insure its success; but this I almost con- sider secondary in importance to the example the pupils have daily before their eyes of domestic virtues and happiness, which cannot but exert a most salutary influence on their own social habits. Ill health rendered a visit to the Straits desirable, which, while it has hap- pily been of advantage in the principal object, has not been unprodac- tive to the Society, as Mr. Brown had thereby an opportunity of per- sonally inspecting the Chinese schools and mode of teaching in other places. Nor was any detriment experienced here, his place having been most efficiently supplied by the gratuitous services of the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Boone, and the Rev. Mr. Milne ; and although I am well aware that to them the satisfaction of having done so much good is a sufficient reward, yet not the less are the grateful acknow. ledgments of this Society due.
"All particulars connected with the present state of the school and the progress of the boys, which are most satisfactory, are detailed in the report.
The number of pupils has been small, but the object was to teach a few well, and not to make a display of numbers; nor has it been from want of applications, but they were necessarily refused, so that those admitted begin to consider it a privilege. One of the most advanced and intelligent boys, formerly under the care of this Society, was, I may call it, inveigled away by commissioner Lin to act in the capacity of interpreter, and it may be presumed of adviser as to the cus- toms and opinions of foreigners; and he remained with Lin during the whole period of his holding office, and was fully employed in translating English papers and books, and well treated. This is a very good proof as well of the proficiency of the boy, as of the soundness of the system of education, that combines western with Chinese learning. This is the second or third instance in which boys known to be edu.