Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 593

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Morrison Education Society.

Oct.

pleasing results to the observer. It contains not far from 50 scholars, all of whom with one or two exceptions, are Chinese, and all are boarding, not day-scholars. If any one doubtful of the expediency of teaching English to the Chinese were to visit this school, he could hardly fail to have his doubts removed. Honorable mention has fre- quently been made of it, and its success certainly deserves it. It is now under the care of Mr. A. North, who exhibits much skill and enthusiasm in his employment.

"In reviewing all that I have seen of schools for the Chinese dur- ing my absence, I am more than ever convinced of the fitness of the spot chosen by the founders of this Society for their operations. Schools in the colonies will benefit their people, but they will I am constrained to think, exert little influence upon the mother-country. Many reasons might be adduced for this opinion, but I cannot en- large. This view is not confined to myself, but has been expressed by all with whom I have conversed upon the subject abroad.

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"In conclusion, then, may I not hope that the foregoing statements will serve to strengthen the determination of the committee to extend the benefits of education, as far as possible, to the multitudes of Chi- The invisible hand of Providence is even now at work pre- paring to break up new avenues into the midst of the darkness you would disperse. All things around us conspire to say, a change is at hand. A magnificent train of events seems to be coming up in the future. May we be prepared to meet it, bearing to those on whom it is to come, the proffer of a still better boon, the pure and peaceful culture of the mind."

Of those youth who were under the patronage of the Society pre- vious to Mr. Brown's arrival, only a few words need be said. The interruption of friendly intercourse between the Chinese and fo reigners in March 1839, drove them all from their studies, excepting the one at Singapore, who has of late received his whole support there, from those under whose tuition he is being educated. After a short absence, the three, who had been with Dr. Parker, came back and continued with him, till he embarked for the United States of America in July 1840. Probably some or all of them will resume their studies with him, on his return to China. Of the others, none have since engaged in their studies as formerly. One of them, having been sought out while residing in Macao, in the sping of 1839, was by the strongest persuasions and promises induced to enter the service of his im- perial majesty's high commissioner, who employed him as English. ́interpreter and' translator, and through him obtained translations of