By Rev. J. H. VINCENT, D.D., SUPERINTENDENT OF INSTRUCTION.
Readings for March: “Preparatory Latin Course in English,” by Dr. William
C. Wilkinson; half of the book. Required Readings in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.
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There is no Memorial Day in March.
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There are many persons, members of local circles and individual readers,
who do not join the central office at Plainfield. The C. L. S. C. is
what it is to-day because of the PLAN by which it is conducted. But for
the central office at Plainfield, it would never have been. But for
the central office at Plainfield, it could not continue. It seems but
fair that the slight annual fee required of persons who enjoy the PLAN
should be paid to the central office. THE CHAUTAUQUAN, the work of the
“Counselors,” the postage, the correspondence and general supervision by
the Superintendent of Instruction—all these involve expenses which can
be met only by the fee appointed—a fee appointed not by the managers of
the C. L. S. C., but unanimously recommended by the members of the C.
L. S. C. themselves in 1878, when the Circle was organized. There are
also many advantages which accrue from membership in the central circle;
valuable communications, memoranda, addresses, cards of membership,
calendars, maps, outlines, catechisms, vesper-services, Chautauqua songs,
the memorial-day volume, and sundry hints. Pleasant fellowships and
alliances, which constitute the charm of the college life as adopted by
the C. L. S. C.—all spring from the relation to the central office. The
diploma and the seals to be added are enjoyed only by those who join
the central circle. Hereafter there will be an official bulletin which
will go out from the central office at least bi-monthly, to be entitled
“Our Alma Mater,” which will in itself be worth the trifling annual sum
of fifty cents. I really think that it is slightly unjust for persons
to avail themselves of the benefits of the PLAN of the C. L. S. C. and
decline to help support the central office.
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Can there be any objection to the simple invocation of the divine
blessing in opening a meeting of the local C. L. S. C.? Long and
elaborate devotional services may be considered out of place. A simple
invocation of the Father, whose word and works we study, and the reading
of a choice gem from the great book itself would require two or three
minutes; and unless strong opposition is expressed to it, it seems to me
well to commend with emphasis such provision in the program of the local
circle.
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One of these days when our C. L. S. C. books are all published, as we
intend they shall be, we shall be able to give greater unity to each
year’s course than is now possible. One year’s study, for example, will
embrace a good Roman History, the Preparatory Latin and the College
Latin. Another year will study Greek History, Old Greek Life, Preparatory
Greek and College Greek. Another year will take up English and American
History and Literature, and another General, Oriental and European
History and Literature. Among the four years will be distributed the
readings in art, science, philosophy and mathematics, so that the course
will be less fragmentary than now. Stand by the Circle in the formative
years.
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The local circle is not necessary to the profitable and acceptable
reading of the required books. Let this be well understood. Local circle
work _is exceedingly valuable_—but not indispensable. I say this over and
over, because I wish members who read alone to be encouraged to read on.
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Messrs. D. Lothrop & Co. announce that they have now ready an edition of
“The Hall in the Grove,” by Pansy, in paper covers, which will sell at 75
cents per copy to members of the C. L. S. C.
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The class of 1887 numbers over fourteen thousand. Is the class of 1886
holding its own? Have you as a member of that class forwarded your fee
for the current year to Miss Kimball? And how about ’84 and ’85?
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I notice in our little book on “Good Manners,” that putting the knife
into the mouth is condemned by the regulations of so-called “society.”
A correspondent asks: “Have I not a right to put my knife into my mouth
at the table if I choose?” Answer: You have a perfect right to put your
knife into your mouth, to pick your teeth with your fork, and to draw
back from the table and tilt up your feet on the edge of the table.
There are many rights which, as American citizens, we may enjoy in this
country. But other people also have rights who are offended by such
violations of propriety, and who are tempted to think you a boor, and,
although they may say nothing, you lose by your vulgarity and wilfulness
far more than you gain in any way by such exercise of what you call
“independence.”
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All local circles should report promptly to Miss K. F. Kimball,
Plainfield, N. J. If there are but two members associated in study,
report as a local circle.