Mr. Poole enforced the importance of taking heed to both what we read and what we hear, and to treasure up the Word, that it might be of profit.
Mr. Ellis, the Secretary, followed with a few affectionate and earnest words, at the close of which, Mr. Hull proceeded to distribute the prizes—the most interesting event of the afternoon. Before distributing to the scholars, Mr. Hull called on three teachers, namely, Miss P. Funnell, Miss M. Funnell, and Mr. Jesse Vine, to receive a present from their respective classes—a proceeding most heartily received by the whole school. And now, class after class filed past the President to receive the book prize awarded to them; and though the list was long, and the recipients many, he had a kindly word for all. Mr. Hull does not spare himself on these occasions, and by his pithy remarks and enforcement of precepts, suggested by the proceedings, contributes in no small degree to the success of the gathering.
Tea was now announced, the arrangements for which—both for scholars and friends—were excellent, and most heartily did the assembly respond to the invitation.
At the close of the tea, the scholars again took their places in the chapel, and proceeded to carry out a plan wholly devised and arranged by the Superintendent. In introducing the subject, Mr. Trimming spoke of the importance of the study of the Word of God—a study which he had reason to fear was sadly neglected; and with a view to show the Word of God as a harmonious whole, and to bring into prominence the Book of Proverbs, he had prepared a subject, or a series of subjects, which he called, "The Crown of Glory." He read Proverbs iv. 7-9, as the basis of his plan. In a crown there are precious stones, the precious stones in this crown being—first, the fear of the Lord; secondly, repentance; thirdly, seeking God; fourthly, shunning evil; fifthly, obedience to instruction; sixthly, waiting upon God; seventhly, acknowledging God's sovereignty; eighthly, truthfulness and honesty; ninthly, guards for the temper; tenthly, guards for the tongue; eleventhly, God's power over all hearts; twelfthly, true friendship.
To illustrate and bring out into bold relief each of these precious stones, each class had prepared portions of Scripture, hymns, or poems to recite as each subject was announced. It must have repaid the Superintendent for all the trouble he had taken, and given the friends much pleasure to hear the manner in which the different classes acquitted themselves, the Young Men's Bible Class especially. Throughout the entire proceedings, hymns, specially selected for the occasion, were nicely sung by the scholars, and contributed much to the heartiness of the gathering.
The school-room was decorated in the usual manner, namely, with garments destined for distribution among the deserving poor. These garments have been made, as in former years, by the scholars and friends—in fact, the School Dorcas is now an established institution, and shows what may be done by kind hearts and nimble fingers.
The meeting was brought to a close, shortly before nine o'clock, with the usual acknowledgments, the singing of "Shall we meet beyond the river?" and prayer, every one feeling that another pleasant and profitable meeting had been held.
C. E.