1842.
Report of the Morrison Education Society.
555
not go at all, though he lives near to Macao, until the idolatrous ceremonies of the festival were past, and then he remained only for a single day.
Their attachment to us is also shown in their obedience. There are of course some boyish irregularities anong them from time to time, but as a general thing, it is sufficient to express a wish, and it is done. It is true they have a monitor over them who keeps a daily account of behavior in school, but the monitors are all in turn subject the supervision of each other, and the very fact that this supervision is attended to with so much fidelity and promptness is a sufficient testimonial of the general good order that prevails among them. They have learned to pass the Lord's day in quiet while they are under no physical restraint, and have merely to commit to memory some portion of the Sacred Scriptures, and recite it at the close of the day. They are exceedingly fond of western music, and I should have yielded to their repeated solicitations to instruct them in vocal music, had the pressure of other duties been less. When I shall have the happiness to welcome an assistant to China, this branch of education must not be omitted, both because of the habits it in- spires, and the softening, elevating influence it exerts upon the minds of the young.
As it is, they are now familiar with quite a number of English melodies. There are many other proofs of the good which this Society has conferred upon these interesting lads, but I fear to trespass upon your attention much longer. I would not omit to say, however, that their fondness for general reading has become quite manifest. It is no uncommon thing to find the elder lads, seated in my study, or elsewhere out of school-hours, with some juvenile book in hand, which they had rather read, than join the sports of the junior boys abroad.
By the kindness of Mr. Slade, they have been furnished with a copy of the Canton Register, for some weeks past, and keep it filed in the school-room, proud of their property in a newspaper, and pleased when they can understand it. The gift has awakened in them more than their former interest in the news of the day, especially what relates to their own country. About four months ago, the boys of the school having noticed 1 remark, that if they did not speak En- glish, they could never learn it, unanimously resolved, (both classes,) that Chinese should be laid aside in conversation, and nothing but English used, except to other Chinese persons, and when engaged at their morning recitations with the Chinese teacher. To secure at teation to the rale, they laid a fine upon the more advanced pupils,