PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 171 



least by his own works, he restored Art to a high rank and respecta- 

 bility, which it has, with some fluctuations, maintained to the pre- 

 sent day. 



FEBRUARY 27TH. Rev. S. NICHOLSON'S Lecture on National 

 Education. 



In the commencement, the lecturer alluded to the inadequacy of 

 the existing provision for the instruction of the community with es- 

 pecial reference to the lower classes ; and submitted to the members 

 a plan for National Education ; in which suggestions were offered 

 relative to the following particulars : viz. 



The provision of schools throughout the kingdom in due proportion 

 to the population ; 



The authoritative appointment of a course of useful instruction; 



The training of masters of approved qualifications ; 



The government of the schools by local committees and superior 

 state functionaries ; 



The methods by which the education of the people may suitably 

 be enforced ; 



And the practicability of defraying the attendant expenses. 



In the course of his paper, the lecturer advocated in a skilful and 

 powerful manner, the importance of founding, on holy scripture, the 

 moral branch of national education ; the wisdom and equity of avoid- 

 ing, in measures intended for public benefit, all infringement on reli- 

 gious peculiarities ; and the reasonableness of rendering the fountains 

 of national intelligence and literary distinction accessible to every 

 reputable member of society. 



MARCH 6TH. Mr. PURDON, On The Practicability of Improving 

 Ireland. 



The Lecturer stated that the means of making improvements in 

 Ireland are completely within our reach ; that the dispositions of the 

 people incline them to industry ; moreover the people require security 

 and encouragement; and therefore, an efficient ruling power is the 

 first desideratum for Ireland. 



He proceeded to state that the next object required is the union 

 of capital and influence, and clearly demonstrated that the internal 

 resources of that country if adequately employed, would yield im- 

 mense profit. 



In conclusion the lecturer spoke of Ireland as being altogether 

 perhaps, the most favourable country in Europe for all the purposes 



