II THE CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. .A. JM J^IST TJ JLJLi, WITH DIRECTIONS FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGE- MENT OF SUNDAY SCHOOLS, ADAPTED TO THEBODIES AND MINDS OF THE YOUNG, AND CONTAINING Rules, Methods, Exercises, Marches, Lessons, Questions and Answers, Invocations, Silver-Chain Recitations, Hymns and Songs. ORIGINAL AND SELECTED. BY ANDREW JACKSON DAVIS. "A pebble in the streamlet scant Has changed the course of many a rWer; A dew-drop on the baby plant Has warped the giant oak foreTer." FOURTH EDITION'. BOSTON: Published by Bela Marsh, 14 Bromfield Street. 1885. Entered according to Act of Congress, by ANDREW JACKSON DAVIS, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the District of New Jersey. s, ' * j-, : CHILDREN'S PEOGEESSIYE LYCEUM, An Idea of the Human Mind. A child is the repository of infinite possi- bilities. Enfolded in the human infant is the beauti- ful "image" of an imperishable and perfect being. In the baby constitution we recognize the holy plans of Divine Goodness — the immortal impartations of Divine "Wisdom — the image and likeness of the Supreme Spirit — the pos- sibilities of the greatest manhood, woman- hood, or angelhood. The human mind is the most richly endowed. Its sphere of influence and action is the broadest. It is empowered to hold dominion over time, events, things, and circumstances. It draws its life unceas- ingly from the divine life of Nature. It feeds on the phenomena of truth. It aspires intui- tively alter perfection. It rises to the sphere of individuality and freedom. And it includes 4 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. all the laws and conditions of growth, variety, genius, renewal, progress, and completeness. "Man is the measure of all things," said Protagoras, one of the Greek sophists ; " and, as men differ, there can be no absolute truth." "Man is the measure of all things," replied Socrates, the true philosopher ; "but descend deeper into his personality, and you will find that underneath all varieties there is aground of steady truth. Men differ, but men also agree: they differ as to what is fleeting; they agree as to what is eternal. Difference is the region of opinion ; Agreement is the region of Truth : let us endeavor to penetrate An Idea of True Education. Harmonial spirit-culture is the noblest work of the sciences. Man, at first a frail and helpless being, waits and yearns for the revelation of inherent possessions. The wailing and pleading in- fant, a loving and confiding creature of sym- pathy and imitation, is bound to the Spirit of Nature by ties that cannot be severed. AN IDEA OP TRUE EDUCATION. g The divine image is within. It is the end of true education to develop that image, and so truly, too, that the child's individuality and constitutional type of mind shall not be impaired, but rather revealed in its own full- ness and personal perfection. "Be ye perfect even as the Father in heaven is perfect, " is an injunction of sublimest import. Every faculty and every function of the individual is amenable to that heaveDly principle. Every- thing has "a glory otits own.''' 1 The highest aim of education is to reveal the life and the form of that individual perfection which Di- vine Wisdom has implanted in the human spirit. Different minds demand different methods. The same questions do not arrest and unfold the intuitions of dissimilar persons. For this reason it is impossible for one teacher to quicken and instruct every type of character. Parents seldom find the true avenues of ap- proach to the inner life of their different children ; and thus, often, the young at home grow restless and discordant, and fail to vin- dicate the divinity of their natures, inherited from the infinite fountain of all Goodness. CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. True Method of Spirit Culture. Children are social. The ties of friendship are the ties of divine love. The life of the in- finite God flows through the social affections. There is no Life where there is no love. Heart touches heart in the sphere of heavenly friend- ship. The lips grow rosy and dewy with ten- der and eloquent words of wisdom under the magic influence of unselfish affection. The tongue and the eye are the true organs of instruction. Conversation I It is the heavenly method of teaching. The intuitions and the thinking faculties are touched and strength- ened by living words. The fields of Nature lend endless charms to the quickened intelli- gence. The realms of science, philosophy, literature, art, and music, belong to the spirit. The youthful heart is full of aphorisms. The infallible words of God's truth, on the wings of genius, come forth when the right questions are lovingly put. Forms and strict routine are required only for the external and fleeting purposes of education. Austere text-books THE TEACHER'S TRUE STARTING-POINT. 7 and solemn teachers are adapted to schools where children are to be instructed and ' ' fin- ished" for an outward work in the busy world of things and sense. But we are reminded that "Wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness." True education is addressed to the Reason, through the social affections; whereby the child-nature is made to grow in goodness, and to bear the fruits of righteousness. The Teacher's True Starting- Point. The spirit of a child is free and undefiled. The God-code of everlasting truth is written in its attributes and intuitions. Whateverjts parentage or nativity, and however much' nt' nature may be warped, twisted, and embit- tered by circumstances in early year3, the young immortal spirit is pure and spotless as is the heart of an angel. From this point we start — affirming the interior purity of the child's spirit, and denying that the infant na- ture inclines to everything that is evil and wicked. Theology teaches that "the little foibles and peevish freaks of the infant are 8 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUTt early workings and manifestations of corrupt and depraved human nature." And further, the creed teaches that a supernatural "Grace is necessary to convict, convert, renovate, and sanctify a person, so that he may enjoy the heavenly kingdom of Christ." Our starting-point is radiant with the gos- pel of ' • good news :" that the life of a child is a pure stream — flowing unceasingly from the God-fountain of infinite perfection ; that the human soul is the product of an infinitely wise and good Father; and that there is in every nature, however depraved in condition and manifestation, an immortal spark of holiness, a pure principle of self-redemptiveness, from which the perfect image and state of angel- hood may be unfolded. The intrinsic goodness of the infant spirit is the basis of the celestial superstructure we laoorto erect. The government of Father-God through the love-spirit of Mother-Nature, is one and uni- versal. The heavenly government, although varied in its forms and adaptations in the different spheres and societies according to the varied condition of the countless inhabit- THE TEACHER'S TRUE STARTING-POINT. 9 ants, is purely and simply one of universal Love and Wisdom. The life of everything is Love; but the form thereof, the shape in which that love appears, is determined by "Wisdom. The impulse to look up toward heaven is as natural as the beating of the heart; and it is equally natural to feel and acknowledge dependence upon the eternal Soul of things. Children first learn this les- son at home in the tender ties of love that bind them to father and mother; and sub- sequently tbe lesson is enforced by every re- lation of life and society. To teach in ac- cordance with the Divine Government, is our aim and plan. 10 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. ORIGIN OF THE [On the 25th of January, 1863, at Dodworth's Hall, No. 806 Broadway, Mr. A. J. Davis made the follow- ing remarks and suggestions, explanatory of the origin, organization, and objects of the Children's Progressive Lyceum. Phonographically reported.] FRD3NDS OF HUMAN PROGRESS: We have assembled this afternoon to inaugurate an association for the physical and spiritual im- provement of both sexes, and of all ages. The plan is not original with me. It is an attempt to unfold and actualize on earth, partially at least, a progressive juvenile as- semblage like those in the Summer-Land; whither children are constantly going from earth, and where they are received into Groups for improvement, growth, and grad- uation. In those heavenly societies an* ITS ORIGIN. 11 spheres the young grow and bloom in Love as well as in "Wisdom — in Affection as well as in true Knowledge. Thi3 Sunday Meeting of the Young may, therefore, be appropriately styled the "Child- ren's Progressive Lyceum." It i3 something truer and higher than what is ordinarily called a "Sunday-School." It embraces within its plan the healthful development of the bodily functions, the conscientious exercise of the reasoning faculties, and the progressive un- folding of the social and divine affections, by harmonious and happy methods. Here let me mention that in the Summer- Land these "Groups" are arranged, classified, and designated in accordance with the im- mortal laws of Music. A Group at first simply represents a note: afterward, when the members are more advanced, it repre- sents an octave; and ultimately, when har- mony is established, the whole assemblage constitutes, so to say, a musical instrument of twelve octaves, instead of six and# half or seven, as we have here in the popular piano or church-organ. It is beyond the power of earthly language to describe the celestia 12 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. melody, "the fairy-like music, "of this human musical instrument ! Truly, by such a com- bination of angel- voices the "morning-stars" may be taught to sing their part in the an- them of the spheres. In these assemblages the children are always enthusiastic, mutually affectionate, and full of beautiful happiness. Those who never truly sung a note on earth, soon learn to sing harmoniously as well as to think in- tuitively and accurately. The little ones sing and think with as much spontaneous melody and healthful happiness, as do birds in the forest-trees, or children in the glee and enjoy- ment of their common sports. Music, therefore, is to be an invariable and prominent element of our terrestrial Pro- gressive Lyceums. The plan is to unfold the Groups into a "Harnionial Choir" of the first magnitude and importance. These Associations of the young on earth, to be in sympathetic harmony with corre- spondii£ bodies of yoathful brothers and sis- ters in the Summer-Land, should have public re-unions and festivals twice a year, and semi- public rehearsals and soirees as frequently as ITS ORIGIN. 13 may be found necessary for purposes of pro- gress and discipline. The latter, if possible, as often as once in every twelve weeks, and a general pic-nic Festival and a grand Excur- sion punctually and uniformly once a year, on some bright and inspiring day in the spring or summer time. These public social entertainments and exhibitions will produce the happiest effects upon both participants and spectators. Such progressive Sunday gatherings of our beloved children will be, to some extent, a realization of the age of Harmony on earth. Let little children come freely into the Groups, for "of such is the kingdom of heaven." The harmony and melody of these youthful spiritualizing Associations will cor- respond to the harmony and melody of the eternal kingdom of Love, "Wisdom, and Peace. There are many cogent reasons why Friends of Progress should everywhere estab- lish and multiply these Children's Progressive Lyceums. One of them is, the conspicuous fact that young minds are being constantly wiseducated by the supporters of the popular 14 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. dismal theologies. Your little ones acquire lessons in orthodox Sunday-Schools which re- quire years of mental struggling to unlearn. They receive unhappy lessons and learn to "believe in unhappy thoughts, Another reason is, large numbers of the children of liberal- minded parents are carelessly straying off on Sunday out into the fields and byways, and thus many of them waste the day, and their plays are many times not profitable either to themselves or to their companions. But the former reason is paramount, that thousands of the children of progressive friends, merely to have some social place regularly to go to on Sunday — for the simple attractions and pleasures of meeting playmates and acquaint- ances—join dismal orthodox assemblies, go to the popular churches, and thus acquire narrow and bigoted opinions which deeply embitter the fountain of affection, and oft- times poison the cup of an entire life. It is not unfrequent that the innocent victims of an orthodox "Catechism" grow up preju- diced, one-sided, and narrow-minded mem- bers of community during all after years. Such minds are enemies of progress, because ITS ORIGIN. 15 they entertain conscientious convictions un- friendly to reforms based on the largest lib- erty of reason. This progressive work, for the true and harmonious education of the young, should be carried energetically for- ward in every part of Christendom. Spiritu- alists should now begin, like true philoso- phers and philanthropists, to work at the very roots of society. Let us gather the Children— M Gather them in from the street and lane, Gather them in, both bait and lame; Gather the deaf, the poor, the blind- Gather them in with a willing mind. M Gather them in that seek for rest- Gather them in from East and West ; Gather them in that roam about, Gather them in from North and South. " Gather them in from all the land- Gather them into our noble band ; Gather them in with spiritual love, Gather them in for the Sphere above." The manifest object is, to develop a system of spirit-culture which must, in its practical workings, prove exceedingly valuable, if not a model, for parents and teachers, at home 16 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. and in public institutions, for the successful development of the real genius, moral pow- ers, and the reasoning faculties of the youth of both sexes. Here, from the divine fountain of heavenly life, is given the grand basis for the erection of newer and more effective sys- tems of academic and collegiate education. Charity should be early taught to the members. Each Group should look after the little physical necessities of its members. Poor parents cannot easily clothe their little ones sufficiently nice and tidy to associate freely with the children of the more fortunate. Leaders, therefore, should teach and induce the better clothed members to contribute gar- ments, shoes, stockings, money, or whatever will add to the comfort and happiness of the unfortunate. All personal distinctions in the matter of social position, or of dress, must be carefully removed from the thoughts of each Group. Here all meet as immortal children of the infinite Father and Mother. Graduation, or the promotion of members, will be one of the finest effects of this Pro- gressive Lyceum. The progressive ascension of children from primary to superior groups, ITS OEIGIN. 17 and the advancement of members to the posi- tion of Leaders or officers, is a part of the system. The members of our Groups will become the men and women of the future; they will, in a few years, be scattered through all the differ- ent paths of human life. They will be not only sisters and brothers, but wives, hus- bands, mothers, fathers, members of different social and political movements, always exert- ing an influence in society. Therefore, how important it is that we start with thi3 new, this better, this diviner idea of Education, in keeping with the harmonious and musical principles that regulate both matter and mind throughout the universe. We wish to be at one with the Father, and the way to com- mence is to ascertain and establish true relations with. Mother-Nature. Hence we commence with exercises of a physical cha- racter; because well-organized, well-disci- plined physical organization, is the tirm and beautiful temple in which the spirit may live, and the basis on which it may be erected as a sublime and bright superstructure for the eternal spheres. 2 18 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. The Lyceum is an inspiration — that is to say, it is an idea which was found to have expression in the Summer-Land — and we desire to realize on earth, as far as possible, the music and harmony of the heavens. The wise and gentle men and women who, as angels of purity and beauty, inhabit the Summer-Land, educate the little babe3 who go there every day, and not only those who are children in years, but also in matters of thought and principle. These educational pro- cesses in the heavens are independent of books — of the ordinary formal methods of instruction. They are based upon the iden- tity between motion and life in body and spirit — the principles that regulate matter and mind. For instance, if children there were to be taught the principles of astronomy, they would not sit down to Mitchell's As- tronomy or Burritt's "Geography of the Heavens," or the text-books of whoever may have written on the subject; for the constella- tions themselves are astronomers, and every planet waltzes about its primary on the same principle that one human being will pass another in the street, or in the waltz, or in ITS ORIGIN. 19 the mazes of the dance. The bright-eyed, golden-haired, and happy-hearted children in the heavenly Groups go through various marches, whereby they are taught to compre- hend the operation of planets, showing how one star plays around another, how satel- lites move around planets, how planets and satellites move around the sun, how suns with planets and satellites move around greater suns, and how all constellations move around some still greater and more central controlling power. All this attractive know- ledge is acquired by the beautiful marches of the little persons who go to the Zellabingen Association, or to some corresponding Lyce- um. And thus they are taught, by these semi- waltzing exercises, the astronomy that the Father and Mother have expanded throughout the firmament. So it is in other departments of knowledge, You can teach geography and the origin and the flowing of rivers — can represent a poem, or any conception that has ever been ex- pressed in literature, or art, or sculpture, or in the epics of the world— by means of mu- sical motions, either by the hands or feet or 20 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. the whole body, or by the study of signs and symbols. These Groups of young people are repre- sentative of family circles and progressive communities. They are planets and satel- lites; and they also signify other bodies and higher degrees in Nature. For example : the first Group is called ''Fountain Group." Next, a "Stream," flowing from the fountain. Then, a "River," into which the stream widens. Next, a "Lake." Then from the lake, a "Sea." Then onward into the " Ocean." Now we safely gain the "Shore." Next we joyously behold a "Beacon" on the shore. Then a • ' Banner " of Progress is waving in the free air. At this point we look above and discover a new "Star" in the heavens. Then an aspiring "Excelsior" spirit enters the heart. And lastly, having passed upward from the "Fountain," we begin to realize internally something of the "Liberty" of the sons of wisdom, truth, and righteousness. Thus we have a complete Lyceum, com- posed of twelve Groups, each containing twelve members. When the applicants are more numerous than would be sufficient for ITS ORIGIN. 21 any Group, a new Group i3 organized, and is called the duplicate of that Group. When a sufficient number of new Groups come forth to form a new organization — viz., twelve du- plicates — then is established an independent Lyceum, having its Officers, Leaders, ban- ners, colors, and everything necessary to con- stitute an individual movement. Each Group has a badge for each of its members, of a significant and appropriate color. Fountain Group is represented by red, which means the first form of love ; it is ardent; is the primary, or basic love. Stream Group has the badge of pearl, which color signifies the love that is fleeting — be- ginning and ending with the senses. River Group is represented by orange color, which indicates organic love, or the love which per- tains to the physical being; is, in fact, a part of the mere conscious life of the child. Lake Group is represented by lilac, which means objective love, or the momentary interest of the mind in whatever alfects the senses. Sea Group is represented by yellow, which means filial love, or devotion to superiors. Ocean Group is represented by a badge of purple, 22 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. which means fraternal or brotherly love. Shore Group is represented by green, which indicates the freshness of youth, the useful or first wisdom-affection. Beacon Group has the deep blue color, signifying love of justice— a desire to gain true and correct ideas of things. Banner Group has a crimson badge, representing power — an earnest love for any congenial undertaking or pursuit. Star Group has azure color, signifying love of the beautiful — especially the love of the distant and the truly sublime. Excelsior Group br.s pure violet, which signifies aspiring or pro- gressive love. Liberty Group wears a white badge, which includes all the other colors, and signifies harmonious love. These Lyceum children are not to be cate- chised according to a book with stereotyped questions and fixed answers, such as, "Who made you?" "Who redeemed you?" "Who sanctified you?" &c. With the orthodox sys- tem of religious training in the beginning, there comes, between the susceptible years of ten to twenty — a spiritual distemper called "getting religion." Many youthful persons have it as children have the mumps or ITS ORIGIN. 35 measles; and they go into the churches, and all the little things that were said to them in their Sunday-Schools come up and produce their impression. They usually remember what they have learned, and that is all. For themselves, as independent thinking immor- tal beings, they know nothing. Memory is the channel into which all their spiritual feel- ings rush and remain; and thus the misedu- cation twisting the mmd for years and years, as too many can testify, consigns the soul to dungeons of doubt and despondency, and spreads a gloom over all the lair face of Na- ture. You know how wrong and evil such teachings are, especially for the little and gentle ones in our homes. We wish to break all this theology asunder. It is the most outrageous imposition and falsehood. [Note.— In accordance with plans and principles indicated in the foregoing, the Lyceum was duly or- ganized in Dodworth's Hall, in the city of New York, on the 25th of January, 1863. Both Officers and Leaders were ready to embark in the noble cause, the children came from all parts of the city, and the suc- ceeding pages contain much that has been gathered by experience and inspiration during the first two 3d 24 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE Children's Progressive Lyceum, [At a regular meeting of the Officers and Leaders of the New York Lyceums, on Saturday evening, March 18th, 1865, the Conductor presented the following Constitution and By-Laws, which were adopted, and are hereby recommended to the friends of Education as embodying the general plan and principles of a new school for the youth of both sexes:] ARTICLE 1. Announcement and Name. The Friends of Progress have long deeply felt the want of a natural system of education — physical, intellectual, and moral — adapted to the senses, the mind and heart of the young; and providing, by its completeness, attractiveness, and thoroughness, for the pro- gressive development of susceptible minds in the principles of justice and truth, humanity and universal benevolence, and those noble and ennobling virtues and attributes, upon which is based and erected symmetrical indi- vidual character and the progress of all man- kind. The liberal and spiritually-minded portion CONSTITUTION. 25 of every community take a vital interest in a new and more harmonious system of Educa- tion, and they have come to feel its demands more imperatively, because everywhere, un- der the influence of believers in the doctrines of past ages, children are drawn into the pop- ular currents of false theology, and thus re- ceive a religious bias in the direction of error and baseless superstitions, wholly at variance with the principles of Harmonial culture and growth in science, philosophy, truth, justice, berty, and spirituality. In after years, when these erroneously-taught children are men and women, and become fathers and mothers, the opinions and prejudices they have ac- quired in the Sunday-School3, Bible-Classes, and by attendance at the sectarian institu- tions of common education, cling to them and appear in their families in the form of bigotry, uncharitableness, assumed righteousness, and unprogressive conservatism. And furthermore, we deem the popular systems of general and religious Education, for the most part, unnatural, unadapted to the young, and therefore unattractive and injurious to their confiding and impressible natures. The methods of the professional schoolmen are proverbially arbitrary, and con- straining to the bodies and souls of the young. Their programme of instruction is external, and is valued chiefly for purposes of show and circumstance ; while the routine of discipline is partial, unnatural, and frequently antago- 26 CHILDEEN'S PEOGEESSITE LYCEUM. nistic to the established laws of life and health. We believe, on the other hand, in a religion of justice, social unity, and physical progress — in the happy and complete cultivation and symmetrical development of body, soul, and spirit — to the accomplishment of which the whole life and the best talent of men and women should be consecrated. The body, mind, and spirit of the child should be drawn forth progressively, and educated in all the ways of love and wisdom. By pleasing and natural methods the young should be taught to under- stand and reverently love whatever is useful, and beautiful, and just, and wise, not only for immediate advantage in this world, but also for uninterrupted progress, and to secure higher happiness in the Summer-Land. Therefore we have embarked in an educa- tional system for truer and more perfect cul- ture. And believing that an associative effort is far more effective than the individual action of the same persons, we do hereby form an organization which shall be known as the "Children's Progressive Lyceum of the City of New York." ARTICLE 2. Plan of the Lyceum Organization. A complete Children's Progressive Lyceum is composed of twelve Groups, each with a Leader. The highest number of members in each Group shall be twelve. Duplicate CONSTITUTION. 27 Groups may be organized, and Leaders for them appointed; but the Duplicate Groups shall not be considered as fully organized un- til they attain to the number of twelve, when they become entitled to new names for their Groups, and to all the privileges and benefits embraced in the plan of the original Associa- tion, of which, however, the new Lyceum shall be independent, unless, by a vote of a majority of its Officers and Leaders, it holds its public sessions and performs its legitimate functions on the same floor with the first or- ganization. In this case, where two or more complete Lyceums occupy the same apart- ment, the government of all the Groups and of the institutions shall be vested in the prin- cipal Officers and their Assistants, who were duly elected to act in behalf of the original Lyceum. ARTICLE 3. Objects of the Children's Lyceum. The objects of the Association shall be the promotion of Truth, Justice, Fraternal Love, Purity, Beauty, Music, xirt, Health, Science, Philosophy, and Spirituality. These objects we propose to promote by es- tablishing and maintaining a School on Sunday in the city of New York, for the ben- efit and instruction of the young of both sexes, and of all ages, in accordance with the plans and principles set forth in the following articles of our Constitution, whereby we here- 28 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. by promise to be governed in our individual capacities as Officers and Leaders of Groups. The primary object of this Association shall be the cultivation and harmonization of the individual. We propose to cultivate and har- monize the physical part, (1,) by teaching and obeying the laws and conditions of life and health; (2,) by vocal exercises, and strengthening motions under the influence of instrumental music; (3,) by singing appro- priate Songs, and by Marches, and by the practice of the most useful and graceful of those physical movements known as Light Gymnastics. The object next in importance is the culti- vation and just development of the intellectual part: by means of legitimate signs and the prime symbols of natural things, to teach, rightly and accurately and attractively, the Alphabet, Reading, Writing, Geography, Natural History, Geometry, Algebra, Arith- metic, Grammar, the Speculative and Exact Sciences, Language, Music, Art, and all the approved branches of study and mental cul- ture. (N. B. — We contemplate the introduc- tion of these branches of education, with the natural methods of imparting instruction, when the plan and principles of the Lyceum shall be incorporated on a scale sufficiently grand and comprehensive to call for sessions of the Groups every day.) The next object contemplated is the culti- vation oUhe moral part: (1,) by the study of CONSTITUTION. 29 the mind, its structure, life-powers, laws, and functions ; (2, ) by interesting mind in mind, inducing spirit to look into itself, through apt hints and suggestive interrogations, imparted in gentle conversations and in illustrations which charm and exalt the perceptions of the youthful mind; (3,) by helping the child to right names for thoughts and feelings ; (4, ) by assisting and strengthening the awakening intelligence to analyze and classify the essences of things, physical and metaphysical ; (5, ) by encouraging the young mind to think accu- rately of forms, qualities, uses, relations, and adaptations in human nature and society, as well as in the outlying world of phe- nomena. The most important object sought by the Association is the cultivation and harmoniza- tion of the spiritual part: (1,) by addressing the intuitions and highest mental powers pro- gressively, beginning with simplest truths, and advancing steadily toward the fixed cen- tral principles of the Divine Existence; (2.) by means of persuasive questionings, and memo- rable maxims, and precepts in poetic measure, teaching the young spirit to discern holy truths, and to love reverently the works and ways of Father-God and Mother-Nature ; (3, ) by conversations concerning charity and hea- venly things, concerning life in the Summer- Land, where existence itself is at once a joy and a worship, and concerning the divine and perpetually good things that surround the 30 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. good and the gifted in the supernal state; (4,) by the reading of books given by inspira- tion ; (5,) by Silver-Chain Recitations of purely devotional prose or verse; (6,) by the singing of loving and sacred Songs and Hymns, portraying the beauty and value of life and the lessons of immortality; (7,) by in- culcating, free from the constraints of dog- matic methods, the central truths and princi- ples of whatsoever is heavenly, infinite, unlimited, and eternal. ARTICLE 4. Officers for the Association. To insure and maintain unity of action in our methods and efforts, the Children's Pro- gressive Lyceum shall have the following Officers and Leaders : A Conductor, a Guardian of the Groups, a Librarian, a Musical Director, a Band of Guards, and a corps of Leaders. Each of the Chief Officers may have an Assistant, and also Special Deputies to serve on special pub- lic occasions. The Band of Guards shall be composed of not less than two nor more than live members, aud they may be chosen from among the Assistant Officers. There shall be not more than one Leader assigned to each Group. Male3 and females are alike eligible to any of the offices of this Association. CONSTITUTION. 31 ARTICLE 5. Duties of Officers. Sec. 1 —It shall be the duty of the Con- ductor to preside at all the public sessions of the Lyceum, to call the Groups to order, to preserve harmony throughout the School, to announce the order of exercises, to lead in the Silver-Chain Recitations, and perform the functions and duties usually assigned to a presiding officer. The Conductor may, by and with the consent of the majority of Offi- cers and Leaders, act in the capacity of Trea- surer of the Association. He shall redeem with suitable bills the tickets of merit which have been issued to the members of the Groups. DUTIES OF THE GUARDIAN. Sec. 2.— It shall be the duty of the Guard- ian to superintend and guard the Groups during the entire session of the School. It is her duty, in connection with her Assistant, to keep a Lyceum Journal, in which shall be recorded the titles of the Groups, the names and addresses of their Leaders, and the full name of each member in the different Groups. The date of the admission of new members, and the time and the cause of the expulsion of those, who, alter repeated trial, refuse to harmonize with the rules and methods of the institution, must be recorded in the Guardian's Journal. She shall distribute the badges to 32 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. the several Groups when they are first called to order. It is also the duty of this Officer to issue (after the lessous of the day have been considered,) tickets of merit to each Leader, who shall name the number of tickets required to reward the deserving members of the Group. The Guardian is the bearer of the first and principal banner in all the Marches. DUTIES OF THE LIBRARIAN. Sec. 3. — It shall be the duty of the Libra- rian to keep a record of the titles of all books which may be added, either by contribution or purchase, to the Library of the Lyceum. He shall allow the Leaders every opportunity to select books for members, and shall enter upon his Record the number of each book so selected, charging the whole number to the Group represented by the Leader. It is also the duty of this Officer to keep the books in repair, and report the titles of books not re- turned to the Library, and the Leader's name against whom they are charged. And he shall, aided by his Assistant, perform such other duties as belong to the office of Librarian. DUTIES OF THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR. Sec 4.— It shall be the duty of the Musical Director to keep and preserve all the music, and take charge of the instruments belonging to the Lyceum, subject to the approval of the Executive Board hereinafter named. He CONSTITUTION. 33 shall select the Songs to be sung during the session, and lead in teaching and illustrating the science and harmonies of Music* The Leaders and Groups will be given into his control and discipline during the time allotted to musical and singing exercises. And he, and his or her Assistant, shall perform all other duties pertaining to the office oi' Musical Director. DUTIES OF THE GUARDS. Sec. 5. — It shall be the duty of the Guards to patrol the apartment or hall in which the Lyceum is in session, and preserve order among Groups and spectators, and converse with strangers kindly and instructively con- cerning the plan and import of the work going forward in behalf of the young. The Guards shall have charge and supervision of the ante- rooms, used by the children for their hats and other apparel, and shall keep order among the members on the adjournment of the School. It shall be their duty to prepare the flags for the March, to arrange the seats so that the procession can move properly through the room, and assist in such manner as may be indicated by the Conductor, or Guardian, or their Assistants. DUTIES OF THE LEADERS. Sec. 6. — It shall be the duty of the Leaders to attend punctually, and preside with gen- tleness and loving kindness over the little 34 CHILDREN'9 PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. ones assigned to their Groups. They shall each keepa ' ' Group Journal, " in which may be recorded the full name and address of each member, and also the number of the book se- lected for the member from the Library. Leaders will issue tickets of membership. They may, at their discretion, give members permission to invite their playmates and young acquaintances to enter the Group as guests, for one or more Sundays, subject to the approval of the Conductor or Guardian. Leaders will visit members whose prolonged absence from the Groups is unexplained. Also, they may deem it a part of their duty to the Lyceum to call socially upon the parents of members, and like missionaries of peace and good will, they may induce little wan- derers to join their Groups. ARTICLE 6. Executive Functions of Officers and Leaders. Sec. 1. — The Conductor, the Guardian, and the Librarian, shall constitute an Executive Board. They shall have charge and custody of the personal and real property of the Asso- ciation. They may transact business in the name of the "Children's Progressive Lyce- um," and in behalf thereof, but subject to the investigation and approval of a majority of the Officers and Leaders of the Association. Sec 2. — The Executive and the Assistant Officers, the Band of Guards, and the Leaders CONSTITUTION. 35 of the Groups, shall constitute a Board of Man- agers, and a majority of them present at the regularly-called meetings shall be a quorum. They shall have power to nominate and rill vacancies, and may adopt rules and enact by-laws for the government of the Groups, and for the regulation of the temporalities of the Association. ARTICLE 7. Conditions of Membership. Any person may become an Officer or Leader in the Children's Progressive Lyceum by receiving the vote of a majority of the Officers and Leaders, and subscribing to this Constitution. ARTICLE 8. On Suspensions and Expulsions. No law shall ever be passed or amendment made permitting complaints to be proposed or entertained against the religious sentiments or social position of any Officer or Leader of the Children's Progressive Lyceum, nor shall any motion ever be made for the cen- sure, or suspension, or expulsion of any Offi- cer, or Leader, or member, except for such cause as negligence, non-attendance, inat- tention to duty, insubordination to the estab- lished methods of the School, disorderly con- duct, or mental incapacity to fulfill the legiti- mate functions of office. 36 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. ARTICLE 9. Amendments, Alterations, or Additions. These Articles of our Constitution may be amended by a vote of two-thirds of the Offi- cers and Leaders present, at a special meet- ing called for the purpose, and after public notice, of at least fifteen days, setting forth the proposed amendments, alterations, or ad- ditions. GENERAL. BY-LAWS FOE THE Government of tlie Lyceum. ARTICLE 1. Annual Election of Officers and Leaders. The Officers and Leaders shall be chosen annually, and elected by ballot, on the Sun- day next following the celebration of the An- niversary, and after notice shall have been given, in presence of the Lyceum, two Sun- days preceding the election. The members of all the Groups shall be entitled to vote for their Officers and Leaders at every annual election. ARTICLE 2. Tacancies in Office— How Filled. In case a vacancy in any office shall occur, by resignation or removal, or from any cause GENERAL BY-LAWS. 37 whatever, it shall be the duty of the Executive Board to fill such vacancy, until the next reg- ular meeting of the Officers and Leaders. Furthermore, whenever any Leader shall re- sign or vacate his or her position, it shall be the duty of such Officer to provide a suitable substitute, and the Conductor or Guardian shall submit the name of the proposed Leader to the next regular meeting. ARTICLE 3. Regular Meetings of Officers and Leaders. The duly elected Officers and Leaders shall hold regular meetings for the transaction of business in behalf of the Lyceum, and for pur- poses of social interchange and mutual im- provement, on every alternate Saturday even- ing, or semi-monthly (except during vaca- tions,) and the Conductor shall have power to call special meetings whenever he deems it necessary. ARTICLE 4. Election of Special Officers. At any regular meeting of the Officers and Leaders, it shall be lawful, when a majority of them are present, to appoint a Secretary, to pass By-Laws, to oii'er and confirm amend- ments, and do whatever is deemed essential to good order and the harmonious govern- ment of the Association; providing, however, that such By-Laws, amendments, and business transactions, shall in no wise contravene or infringe upon the largest and broadest inter- pretation of the articles of the Constitution. 38 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. ARTICLE 5. Duty of the Secretary, The Secretary shall keep a correct and full list of the names and address of the Officers and Leaders, and shall take minutes and duly record the regular business transactions of the meetings. ARTICLE 6. Expenses and Finances. It shall be the duty of the Conductor, or of the person duly appointed as Treasurer, to keep a faithful record of all the expenditures and receipts of the Lyceum, and to make correct report thereof whenever the majority of Officers and Leaders present may calli'orit. ARTICLE 7. Order of the Leaders' Meetings. The regular meetings of the Officers and eade order: I. Silver-Chain Recitation of some appro- priate selection. II. Singing. III. Heading and acting on the minutes of the last previous meeting. IV. Acting on the filling of vacancies, or the election of new Officers and Leaders to meet the demands of the School. GENEKAL BY-LAWS. 39 V. Miscellaneous or unfinished business, if any. VI. Singing or Recitations, or both. VII. Adjournment. An Hour of Social Interchange. If the hour of the evening be not too late after adjournment, it will be found promotive of mutual friendship and good will to engage in parlor pastimes and innocent amusements, in which all can with propriety freely and cordially participate. We have derived much strength and encouragement from these social and joyous reunions. The young ladies and gentlemen Leaders of the Lyceum, together with the older Officers, have thus become bet- ter acquainted with each other, and, as a consequence, more united and strong in the beautiful cause of Progressive Education. 40 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. A Child's Inheritance. Children are born with two distinct cha- racters. One inherited from the Fount of every blessing; the other from their immediate pro- genitors. The first, derived from God and Nature, is spiritual and eternal; the second, being the organic and constructive process, is arbitrary, and will not always continue. In after years, however, when the child is tho- roughly drawn away from its inmost conscious- ness by the illusions of the external senses, a third character is formed, which is still more external and correspondingly ephemeral. And yet, owing to the impressibility of the spiritual life currents of the inmost, the mind and disposition are very generally fashioned in this world by the last character, which society, through its many and varied circum- stances, has manufactured and put upon the individual spirit. Although an Englishman is in esse the same as a Frenchman, yet they will conduct themselves differently — with dif- ferent tastes, creeds, poetry, literature, philos- A child's inheritance. 41 ophy, etc. — because, aside from the unlike- ness arising from different parentage, these two persons, as spiritual beings, are, to some extent, necessitated to act and manifest themselves through the world-made character, which, though superficial and arbitrary, is nevertheless preeminently successful in its supremacy for the time being. Assuming, as a fact, that the third charac- ter i3 educational, and that the Spirit is in general necessitated to act through and by means of it, (as a person is obliged to speak with the words he remembers, ) we think pa- rents should calmly consider what sort of teachers, what class of books, and lastly, what kind of schools are best adapted to unfold the real excellencies, and to develop the truest character of childhood. Childhood, by itself considered, is the con- dition of simple super-sensuous consciousness. What is the proof? This : that the child-heart is earliest influenced by divine principles. What do we mean ? That the young spirit is the first ^o take on the lesson oi innocent, un- selfish love ; and that its earliest impressions are redolent of divine simplicity and unsus- 42 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. pecting truthfulness. The spiritual integrity and unselfish lovingness of the young are facts of universal observation and conscious- ness. The mother's genial touch, or her reverent spirit stealing its way into the young mind, may awaken thought, enkindle feeling, and quicken to duty, and explore the realms of consciousness — or, as in too many cases, the incapacitated parent may leave the ten- der, undepraved soil uncultivated— just as, perhaps, her own was neglected by those who gave it an embodied existence. Children, because so spiritually impressible, should be fortified and guarded against the psychology of imitation. They assume un- consciously the thoughts and actions of their companions, as, by contact, they absorb the magnetism and likeness of epidemics — mea- sles, mumps, croup, scarlet fever, &c. Yet it is never wise to deem children incapable of originality. If we regard, with more confiding attention, the chance-sayings that drop ever and anon from their rosy lips, our own pro- gress will be greatly accelerated angel-ward. Men fancy themselves wiser than children — because, forsooth, they have seen more of the world's contemptible ways. Let no one deem A child's inheritance. 43 such knowledge, wisdom. The true, un- spoiled child, is wise, and its unsophisticated genius is divine; compared with which the education of a Bacon is but transitional intel- ligence and systematic folly. Childhood is incessantly uttering sage words worthy of the oldest philosophy. Its simple improvisa- tions are revelations of great future possibili- ties. Analyze a child's consciousness, listen now and then to its affirmations and aspira- tions for whatsoever is Good, and Beautiful, and Wise, and Spiritual, and you will be in- structed beyond books and priests. Treat tenderly, never scoffingly, the bright visions of youth. Let childhood teach you to recall the spiritual kingdom away down in your own soul's heart. The gentle Nazarene be- lieved that children would apprehend his teachings far quicker than the learned Rabbi and salaried priests of the temples. And he was not mistaken. Little children did com- prehend his principles through his beautiful parables (or stories, with morals;) and be- sides these, may be mentioned the "mothers" and daughters of humanity; for wherever beats an intuitive heart, there the teachings of the true teacher are best appreciated. M CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Principles of Education. A writer in the Golden Gate, fully recog- nizing our principles of culture, says : ' ' Child- ren are always true to Nature; and the demands of Nature must be met, or there will be a revolt; hence they are always most attracted to that teacher, whose enlightened and liberal philosophy, by entering into their sports, as well as their studies, recognizes them as genuine human beings. "It is a great law of Nature that the proper exercise ot any faculty or set of faculties al- ways gives pleasure, while the undue or dis- proportionate exercise of any, inflicts pain. Thus, if the whole development is harmoni- ous, the whole process of education would induce only pleasurable emotions and delight- ful associations. Study, then, as well as physical labor, would be only another form of play ; for the same law of Nature which demands exercise for one faculty, demands it also for another and for all ; and where there is no disproportion, there can be no de- formity. PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATION. 45 "But there are few teachers whose own development is so harmoniously attuned to the laws of Nature that they can perceive the true relations between Material and Spiritual ; and even they are hardly understood and ap- preciated. Were there such, they would wield a power as yet undreamed of. Coercion would be dispensed with, in almost all cases ; for the tendency to harmonious develop- ment would be governed by as fixed and de- termined a law as that by which the plant puts itself into leaf, stem, bud, and flower. In short, education would simply respond to the necessity of our nature, which requires that the human being should live and grow, and aspire toward all perfection. A teacher who understood this would attract his pu- piis, and attach them to himself, so that by love alone he could control and guide them. He would always keep the balance even, by stimulating them to action, hardening the morbidly sensitive, and restraining the way- ward. We must have a system of Education based on philosophical principles. This the preservation of the race and the spirit of the age alike demand." 46 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Be Patient with Children. "There is another thought," says Mr. Beecher, "that I wish to urge — the trans- missableness of moral qualities from parent to child. But in training the child, the harder it is to train him so as to give him the right character, the more earnestly should you work to do it; because that which we superinduce by training on his constitution, either of body or mind, he will transmit to his offspring. If your child inherits a nature that is just and generous and good, while it will be easy for you to bring him up, he and his offspring to later generations will have the benefit of that moral constitution which you have handed down to him. But even if your child is bad, you can form a habit on him which shall make it likely that his child will be better than the father. So that the educa- tion which you bestow upon your child, and which taxes your strength and patience, is not for him alone, but for his babe, and for generations in the time to come. And if you, BE" PATIENT WITH CHILDREN. 47 ay the touch of a prophet, could see the airy forms of the future, and hear their voices, you would see many holding up imploring hands, and would hear them say, 'Be faithful to yoar child, for our destiny hangs on his ; and what you do for that child, you do not for him alone, but for multitudes that are unborn.' And if the work be hard, think how long its effects will remain, and how far its blessings will reach. "Be patient, then, with children — poorly organized children, nervous children, irritable children, that tend to fret and grieve. Be patient with children that are obstinate and ugly, whose basilar nature seems to be more developed than their coronal. Be patient, that, if possible, you may be able to counter- act, or restrain, or bind, that evil in them which otherwise may come rolling over with accumulations to curse coming generations. "And, morover, when you are saving them, you save yourselves; for the very dis- cipline and self-restraint and self-denial which are required to train those who are difficult to train, reacts and makes you better. And oh, how glorious will be the meeting of pa- 48 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. rents and children in the kingdom of heaven, where dear and loving parents have had deir and loving children! But oh, how much more glorious Avill be that meeting, when ihe children that have lain on you like a night- mare meet you in heaven, and say to you in the light of God's presence, ' You were twice my father: from you came my life, and from you my immortality.' "It may be that you have your sorrows and troubles, and that you will have a thousand times more than you have had ; but if it is hard to bear with your own children, how much harder is it to bear with other people's children! Perchance they are vagabonds, and have no one to care for them ; but they are somebody's children; and if you never see their lather and mother to get their thanks, remember that Christ will say, 'Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these my poor and despised little ones, ye did it unto me.' Be patient, and God shall give you your reward by-and-by, and enough of it" CONCERNING THE SUMMER-LAND. 49 Concerning the Summer-Land. The reason for the free use of the beautiful phrase, "Summer-Land," in this little Man- ual, may not be fully understood by the gen- eral reader. A few explanatory words, therefore, in this connection, may give the questioning mind some satisfaction. In the third chapter of John, twelfth verse, you will find the following passage: "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you of hea- venly things ?" The phrase " Summer-Land" is applicable to all that inconceivably vast " Second Sphere " which is the next future residence of mankind. (For descriptions of locality, scenery, &c. , we refer to other volumes. ) The Summer-Land is seen to be a natural state of human existence — growing out of the uni- versal system of causes and effects, laws and ultimates, just as naturally as to-day grew out of yesterday. Are you not to-day, in all parts of your being, the legitimate result of 50 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. what the laws, conditions, and experiences of yesterday made you ? You absolutely died to yesterday. All you know of yesterday is remembrance. No man or woman can live in any past hour, except in the chambers of in- tangible memory. You live now, and thus it will be innumerable ages hence. The uni- versal verdict of reason will be this ever- present consciousness of Existence — the Past merely a ghost of the memory; the Future a picture, illuminated by the inextinguishable lights of eternal hope. Throughout innumer- able ages, to every one the Past will be a dream. The Future will be a subject of curi- osity, of surprise and attractiveness, in the succeeding ages of eternal life, on the same principle that to-morrow will be new and at- tractive to those who live in the present. None can tell with absolute certainty what will happen to-morrow. There is, neverthe- less, an universal confidence in its coming, because of the immutable and perpetual flow of Nature' laws, causing the revolution of the planets and the rising and setting of suns — thus all men believe that^ to-morrow will surely come. CONCERNING THE SUMMER-LAND. 51 Death is a chemical screen — a strainer, or finely-woven sieve — through which, by the perpetual flow of the laws of Mother-Nature, individuals are passed on to then* true stations in the next stage or degree of life. A process of refinement is this wondrous in- evitable death-experience. The spirit with th e encasing soul, hidden centers of life, all the characteristics that have distinguished, and all the motives that have influenced the per- son — all these easily pass through the death- strainer, the screen or sieve ; while the physi- cal body and its particles, which cannot get through, are dropped; and, what is more gratifying, with the physical body are left behind many of those hereditary predisposi- tions and abnormal conditions which gave rise to discordant passions and false appe- tites, which (in the language of the East) are called "demons" and •'unclean spirits." The causes of these vaporish demons and unclean spirits remain on the earth-side of the death- strainer ; while the effects, which those causes impressed on the soul — being so fine and so mixed with the soul-substance — pass through and remain with the individual long after he 62 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. has attained to his social center in the Second Sphere. In brief, then, this is my testimony : The Summer-Land, as to the composition of its social centers, is made of persons from all parts of this inhabitable globe not only, but populations also from far-distant planets that are constituted like this earth — each globe producing an infinite variety of radical per- sonal characteristics and temperamental dif- ferences. All these individuals carry upon the life within their faces, as well as in the secret chamber of their affections, the effects of life on the globe that produced them. If the person has been moved and governed by high and beautiful motives, he naturally and instinctively seeks association with those who have been similarly actuated and developed. If, on the other hand, the person has been led by low and demoralizing motives, he as naturally seeks those, who, before death, had been correspondingly influenced. There a man can elect his friends and gravitate to his own congenial social sphere. Progression out of imperfection is a purely spiritual trans- action, growing out of the same general conductor's lessons. 53 causes and resulting in the same internal ef- fects upon character. Societies in the Sum- mer-Land, therefore, are, in general terms, natural exponents of the interior realities of the societies of men and women on different planets. CONDUCTOR'S LESSONS. To the Entire Lyceum. The plan, as a general rule, requires the Leader of each Group to select a line, a couplet, a verse, a prose maxim, or a brief question, which is to be given to each mem- ber for the next Sunday's lesson, immedi- ately after the consideration of the last lesson is concluded. The Leaders, to save time, write out on separate slips of paper (one slip for each member) the lesson for the succeeding Sunday, and thus each child can take the lesson home. But, to vary the method, the Conductor or Guardian can give a question, or topic, for the consideration of the entire school, which, 54: CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. for a few Sundays in succession, will greatly interest all — Officers, Leaders, members, and spectators in different parts of the hall. (Spectators should never be allowed to at- tract or distract the attention of the children or their Leaders. ) Our Conductor, for example, gave to the whole school this question: "What are the most beautiful forms of Truth?" On the succeeding Sunday the children came with their answers. The Conductor in a distinct voice inquires thus: "Can any child tell the lesson that was given out last Sunday?" [Several voices correctly give the question.] This instantly fixes the attention and interest of all present. Conductor: "Well, children, will some of you tell what you deem the most beautiful forms of Truth?" [After a little hesitation] : A member in Banner Group rises and answers — " The doing of good deeds— obeying the Golden Rule." A little girl in Fountain Group : « ' Loving one another." A lad in Temple Group: "The Children's Progressive Lyceum is the most beautiful form of Truth." A girl in Evangel Group : ' ' The Moral Police Fraternity — doing deeds of charity." CONDUCTOR'S LESSONS. 55 After twenty minutes of such conference, the Conductor inquires: "Will any Leader or member propose a question for next Sunday?" After a few moments of silence, a member (a little girl) proposes, ' ' What is Heaven ?" The Conductor accepts, and the lesson is re- iterated distinctly as the topic for the next Sunday's lesson. The Leaders now procure books from the Library. After this, and when all are ready, with everything in left hand, {right hand being free to carry the flag,) all rise, form in rank, and proceed to the final march, to piano-forte music. (For particular instructions, see rules in the chapter on the " Order of Exercises.") On the following Sunday the same method of drawing out the children is adopted with increasing interest and more success. Some- times the children dare not rise and give an- swer, being a little shy, at first, to speaking in the presence of a large number, in which case the Leader will give the replies of their mem- bers, as near as possible, in the precise words used by the children. The simplicity and na- tural play of the child's fancy (awakening intuition,) must not be trifled with nor stilted 56 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. into the high phrases of adult definitions. It is easier to correct extravagant imagination in childhood when you treat them with gentle sympathy and respect, as you would and doubtless do, treat with kindly spirit the reli- gious errors of the otherwise agreeable family in the adjoining house. Never ridicule nor abuse the simple longings, utterances, and spontaneous imaginations of the infant spirit. Therefore, at the risk of awakening a smile throughout the school, let the Leader give very nearly the child's own words in response to questions. To the question, "What is Heaven?" a number of children gave the highest order of replies. One little girl said: "A place of rest where the soul goes when the body dies." Another member: "A peaceful state of mind." A very little girl in Fountain Group said: "I am happy when my hair is curled as it is to-day!" [This answer greatly amused the school.] There was a very general con- currence that "Heaven is a mental condition, rather than a place of residence." At the conclusion of this interesting and most profitable conference, the Conductor conductor's lessons. 57 called for "another question for next Sun- day." In response the Leader of Star Group offered: " What shall we do to attain to the heavenly state of happiness ?" The Conductor accepted, and the question was therefore issued. ^&* Just here let the Leaders bear in mind that they are expected to confer with their members, are to question them concerning the topic before them, are to extract, so to speak, their most private confidences, and ascertain little thinkings, before the Conductor begins to interrogate the school on the sub- ject. From ten to fifteen minutes should be first given to these private conferences between Leaders and members ; then the Con- ductor may, with hope of much success, begin to question the whole school on the method already described. The replies to the last question were even more excellent and instructive. A very little boy in Fountain Group answered : ' ' Love, and be truthful." One little musical boy thought that he would attain heaven ' ' if he had plenty of money." His Leader asked, "What would you do with it ?" And he answered, 58 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. " I would buy a great big fiddle." A little girl in Ocean Group said, "Loving everybody, and doing them all the good you can." Excelsior Group gave answer through the Leader, ■ ' Loving one another ; trying to make one another happy; living to benefit others ; doing good works. " A girl member of senior Temple Group answered: "Obedience to one's highest conviction of right; but nobody has any right to say what that sense of right shall be." The boys in Temple Group, jun., gave answers, for the most, accordant with the replies of girls in Excelsior class, but using different phraseologj-. The Conductor, on receiving no answer to the question, " Will any one propose a lesson for next Sunday ?" gave to the whole Lyceum this topic: "Which is the best rule for the regulation of conduct — the Silver Rule, or the Golden Rule?" This question is one of great interest to all the children. Because the Conductor, ever and anon, during the year, has asked the whole Lyceum, often just before singing the last song, questions as follows : Con. — "What is the name of the lowest rule in human action ?" conductor's lessons. 59 All. — The children, as one voice, reply: "The Iron Rule." Con. — "What is the name of the next best rule?" All. — Immediately they all respond: "The Silver Rule." Con. — "What is that rule called which is higher than the last named ?" All— "The Golden Rule." Now, to bring out the thoughts of children on the meaning of these questions, the Con- ductor addresses himself to the whole Lyceum, and asks : Con.—"- What is your definition of the rule of Iron?" All.— 11 Evil for evil." Con. — "What do you mean by the Silver Rule ?" AU.— "Good for good." Con. — " What is the Golden Rule?" All.— 11 Good for evil." [Note.— The Conductor's staff, by which he calls the Lyceum to order, &c, a sort of baton or wand, is a beautifully gilded rod, about an inch in diameter, called the "Golden Rule." He uses it in guiding the marches on public occasions, when in the street, as well as in the Hall on Sunday.] 60 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Much of the success of a Lyceum depends upon this one condition : Mutual respect and kindness between Officers and Leaders, and cooperation in keeping order and obeying the rules adopted for the government of the insti- tution. Any laxity, any indifference, any disre- gard of orders or rules announced, will bear the fruits of anarchy. Leaders' meetings, there- fore, regularly held and punctually attended, are of first importance to "unity of spirit" between Officers and Leaders. You are called to put your theories to the test; you are now to be " tried in the balance" of practice. You are yourselves parents, or are members oi families, and you are now called to vindicate your title to that relation. The Conductor may teach the children, en masse, to answer other more philosophical questions, as: Con. — What is the lowest kingdom in na- ture ?" All. — "The Mineral Kingdom." Con. — "What is next above the Mineral?" All.— " The Vegetable." Con. — "What Kingdom is next higher than the Vegetable?" conductor's lessons. 61 AH.— "The Animal Kingdom." Con. — "What next superior ?" All. — "The Human Kingdom." Con. — "What kingdom is that called which is just above the human." AIL— "The Spiritual Kingdom." Con. — "What is the next highest?" All— "The Angelic." Con.— 11 What is just higher than the Angelic Kingdom ?" AIL— "The Celestial Kingdom." Con. — " What Kingdom is next above the Celestial ?" AIL— "The Heavenly." Con. — "What is that which is higher than the Heavenly Kingdom ?" AIL— "The Divine, or Father-God." When the children have responded thus, de- fining as last and highest, the name "God," then the Conductor may glide, without further notice, into the devotional Silver-Chain Reci- tation, beginning, "God of the Mountain." (See another page in this book.) With these suggestions, every intelligent Conductor or Guardian — if only a true Mend to and lover of children— can arrange new and 62 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. various exercises for the whole Lyceum. Songs may be written, and new music set to words in this book, and new Silver-Chain Recitations may be written and printed on slips, and pasted on the blank leaves, and yet other additions may be introduced by each Lyceum, for the sake of varying the interest, but let no alteration be adopted in the general system, without due deliberation and very cogent and sufficient reasons. The following definitions may serve as hints to writers of verse, songs, or prose. But the titles of Groups in Lyceum No. 2 are not less suggestive of poetic imagery, and picturesque views of truth and progress : From a primal "Fountain" all things flow. The "Stream" of Love flows onward for- ever. The "River" of Truth shall eternally roll. Heaven is reflected by the peaceful • ' Lake." We safely sail over Life's throbbing "Sea." The tide of Love's infinite "Ocean" never ebbs. Truth's golden sands are on the "Shore." Wisdom's Beacon" lights our upward path- way. conductor's lessons. 63 Beautiful is the ' ' Banner" of righteousness. Eeason is the guiding "Star" of the soul. "Excelsior" is the watchword of eternal progress. The love of "Liberty" is sacred and eternal. [On the succeeding page will be found a " Scale of Groups " in Lyceum No. 1. The numbers and titles of Groups, their colors, and the interior meanings thereof, as weU as the progressive plan, may be learned from the Scale.] « \ t'3 ■-i 3 s S | -a - \ 53 £ 3 s + \ lj£ " '& | > f-.2 \ ° \ Hi OT 03 h »_* 3 — \ * \ BBS (H 4 3^(5* \-\ i§ ~£ s o C J°o \-\ Si, So * — £ 5 \-\ £3 MS «S c pjl \ \ bb§ h ts J p \ \ = 3 a £ £ y\ So eg r a | a 3 \ * \ % iS 1 1-? \ * \ 4 4 5 ■fa 2 _© © \ \ w \ ~ 2 «5 03 [ii 5 •n «* \ \ i3 _• o a fc \ ©* \ |2 \ £3 £ S3 Sv PL, I 2 ^ & \ . - 60 1 a \ - \ HI « .5 • II O kj 5 H 31 CD it, & s 1 OQ i II o w o Hi 1 LESSONS AND GENERAL QUESTIONS. 65 Lessons and General Questions FOB THE GROUPS. A Word to Leaders. Leaders of Groups have the whole range of modern as well as ancient literature from which to cull the brief Lessons for the mem- bers. All poetical and prose works are tilled with appropriate and complete verses, senti- ments, proverbs, and pleasing embodiments of useful truths. All philosophers have writ- ten important short sentences conveying great principles in lew words. An intelligent and affectionate Leader — one who loves children and takes interest in their unfoldings — will never lack for a topic of conversation. Order and system in a Leader are of the first im- portance to true progress. Perhaps it should be mentioned that, as a rule, verse is remem- bered when prose is forgotten. !S* The Lessons of the Primary Groups may be incorporated into the teachings of the more advanced, as it is well understood that the greater includes the less. 66 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Fountain Group. No. 1.— UNDER FOUR YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Red.] Under this head it is suggested that the following subjects be presented: Playthings and playmates. Pets: dogs, cats, horses, birds, flowers, trees, &c. All life is love. Do you love life ? Would you hurt anything that has life? Life i3 from God and Nature. Life is the source of thoughts and feelings. Pure, sweet life, produces loving and joyful feelings. Discordant feelings arise from impure and diseased life. Do you love flowers and birds ? They are forms of love. Do you love all things beautiful ? The most t beautiful form of love is wisdom. Stream Group. No. 2.— UNDER FIVE YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Peael.] Under this head may be considered: Bathing: Cleansing the mouth and teeth. Best foods and drinks: The evils of tobacco, opium, drugs, and candies. tod tocos;. LESSONS AND GENERAL QUESTIONS. 67 Meaning and right use of words: The evils of vulgarity and profanity. Home Life: Friends and acquaintances. The significance aud uses of music. The beauty and healthfulness of dancing. Evils of over-indulging the passions and appetites. First look for what is good, and then you will find what is true. If you are both good and true, you will be beautiful. A baby is called pure, innocent, beautiful, angelic. All good and true and beautiful persons are lovera of children. Do you know of any child of your acquaint- ance who does not love mother, father, home, and kind friends ? In the heavenly home — in the holy habita- tions of the Summer-Land — there are myriads of children. The good and true are always most happy and playful. Consequences of persisting in evil way3: Moral apostacies, I033 ot self-respect, loss of friends, failure in business, premature death, and prolonged unrest in the Sum- mer-Land. River Group. Nc. 3.— UNDER SIX YEARS. [Color of Badge, Okange.] Under this head the following subjects may >e considered : 68 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Bodily chastity: Self-control in all habits. Purification and repentance: Temperance in all things. The beautiful processes of decay and reno- vation. Effects of bodily virtues on the skin, eyes, gestures, breath, teeth, personal appear- ance, and upon the character through life. Do you ever eat or ask for food when not \ hungry ? After you have eaten more than you need, do you not feel feverish, or sleepy, and like crying ? How often do you have a headache, or a cold? Do you get angry and impatient with your; playmates ? Alter giving way to unkind feelings, do. you not feel sad and regretful ? Do you think the angels love to look upon you. when you are angry or unkind ? Do you ever say anything that is unkind ? Do you want anybody to be untruthful andt unkind to you ? Lake Gronp. No. 4.— SEVEN YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Lilac] In this class the following subjects are deemed appropriate: Co, be pi LESSONS AND GENERAL QUESTIONS. 69 The external senses: Their number and offices. Their relation to the world without: Light, odors, flavors, sounds, substances. The internal senses : Their number and re- lation to the world within. Each Love in the spirit is a distinct sense: it sees, hears, smells, tastes, and touches. Show how these internal senses, like the outer senses, are sometimes mistaken, as illustrated in sympathies, antipathies, likes, and prejudices. What odor do you most love to smell ? What sound is most pleasant to your ear ? What object is most agreeable to your sight ? What flavor do you most love to taste ? What substance do you love to touch ? Would you love to be led by the hand of an angel ? The beautiful works and ways of the Father and Mother are revealed to the eyes of the pure in heart. ' ' The pure in heart shall see God." The pure soul is filled with faith in the triumph of truth. Sea Group. No. 5.— EIGHT YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Yellow.] Under this head the following subjects may be presented: 70 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Mission of childhood in the home. Culture of love and benevolence between brothers and sisters. Love of mother and father. Justice to Woman : Her divinity and mater- nity. Mothers' intuition, duties, and responsi- bilities. Fathers' industry and external guardianship. Home is the sweetest and best spot on earth. Suppose some friend of yours should get angry with you, and throw a stone at you, should you yield to the temptation to be offended and throw stones in return ? What is a real prayer ? Do the angels in the Summer-Land ever answer the prayers of true hearts ? What is true obedience to your parents ? Do you behold the love of God in the ten- derness of those who love and cherish you? Do you love those who work to provide you with home and food and raiment ? Will you not be truthful and faithful to what you believe to be Right ? Good angels will attend you when you ar8 good. Ocean Group, No. 6.— NINE YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Pubple.] Under this head the following subjects are deemed appropriate : LESSONS AND GENERAL QUESTIONS. 71 The Unity of God and Nature with Man- kind: The paternity of God and the ma- ternity of Nature. Brotherhood: Sympathy with suffering and sorrow. Philanthropy : Pity, faith in man, and prac- tical charity. Incarnation of divine ideas and principles in men and angels. Do you like to behold the works of God? Is God the father of your spirit? Do you find in your heart much love for Na- ture as your mother ? Would you transgress any known law of God and Nature ? Do you sometimes dream of seeing heaven and beautiful angels ? Did you ever think that beautiful forms are expressions of love and wisdom? Do anger and ignorance ever look beauti- ful? Are you not most happy when feeling kindly and lovingly toward those about you ? Do not the highest angels love most wisely and steadfastly ? Shore Group. No. 7.— TEN YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Green.] Under this heading the following subjects 72 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. The natural body and the spiritual body. What is Sensation? What is Sentiment? What is Principle? Physiological tacts in the human body. Uses and abuses of the psychological laws. Effects of powerful preachers at revival meetings. Difference between true and false ideas of . God on the characters and institutions of men. What is the brain, and how does it act ? The brain is supplied with blood from the heart : Where does the heart get it? The lungs supply the heart: Where do the lungs get their blood ? The stomach prepares the materials from which blood is made : What are those materials ? (Here the Leader can introduce important lessons on the laws of life and health.) Do you not love to think beautiful thoughts ? Are you not unhappy when afflicted with disease ? Do you not love to think of God as a Father and Nature as a Mother ? Are you not attracted by what is God-like and Natural ? Beacon Group. No. 8.— ELEVEN YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Blue.] Under this head the following subjects majjt^- be proposed: LESSONS AND GENERAL QUESTIONS. 73 The rights of conscience in matters of reli- gion. Revelations of Nature through arts, sci- ences, philosophy, and spirituality. Compare natural truths with the teachings of the Testaments. Test all written revelations by the law3 and developments of Nature and Reason. What meaning do you attach to the word, "Conscience"? Suppose you don't mind the still, small voice of Conscience, what feelings do you have? Suppose you violate your honor, or tell what you know is not true, what is your feel- ing? What is meant by the word "Revelation " ? (That which is concealed is not revealed.) You know that Nature never falsifies or misleads. Her tide3 and sunshine and seasons are certain, like her laws. Will you not correctly inform your reason what is and what is not true in the doctrines and creeds of men? Did not Jesus and other good teachers point mankind to God through Nature ? Banner Group. No. 9.— TWELVE YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Crimson.] Under thi3 head the following subjects are suggested: 74 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. The utility, dignity, and divinity of Labor. God and Nature incessantly work. Justice and love between employer and the employed. Duties and employments: Secular and sa- cred labors. Prayers— spontaneous and formal. End of secular or evil days: Holiness of all times and places. Duty of cheerfulness: Devotion to honorable and healthful labor. What kind of labor do you like ? Are you fond of idleness when not at play? What kind of play is most attractive to you ? Do you not love to be usefully employed? What is justice between man and man? What is the penalty of injustice? Do not all good men act as well as pray ? Which is the best form of prayer : to wish to be good and true and beautiful, or to live every day as weli as you can, always aspiring to be like the angels of love and wisdom ? Star Group. No. 10.— THIRTEEN YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Azttbe.] Under this head the following subjects may be presented : Integral power to control habits, and to overcome hereditary evils and abounding discords. LESSONS AND GENERAL QUESTIONS. 75 Physical subordination rewarded with per- petual health and cheerfulness. Moral rectitude as a cause of. energy and fearlessness. Conscientiousness : A veneration for truth. Aspiration : A desire for spiritual goodness and greatness. Are you disposed to impatience and anger? Is the feeling of anger ever a source of hap- piness ? Do you realize the power of spirit within your body? Have you faith in the power of love to con- quer unkindness ? When you do what you believe is right, do you not feel strong and noble? What is your definition of Wrong? Which is best — Truth, or Error ? Which is most sensible— a body of Discord, or a soul of Harmony ? Excelsior Group. No. 11.— FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Violet.] Under this head the following subjects are suggested: Genesis and organization of the human spirit. The nature of distinct personal conscious- ness : What does it mean ? What does it teach ? 76 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Self-preservation by Wisdom and sell-resto- ration by Will. Intuitions of and reasons for Immortality. Intercourse with the inhabitants of the Sum- mer-Land. Different degrees of progress in the next life : Guardian angels. Facts, incidents, and illustrations of the uses and abuses of converse with the de- parted. Which is first, the body, or the soul? Do you realize that you have two degrees of life — one of the body, the other of the spirit ? Do you not feel the love of heaven in your heart — that is, the love of Peace and Har- mony? What is Truth? Do you love Truth? Do you ever yield to the weakness of utter- ins: what is not true ? Liberty Group. No. 12.— FIFTEEN YEARS AND UPWARDS. [Color of Badge, White.] Under this head the following subjects may be presented : Freedom — universal and individual. Individual integrity and social virtue. The true marriage relation. Reverence for Childhood as a type of the Spirit's eternal vonttifMneqs. LESSONS AND GENERAL QUESTIONS. 77 Youthful feelings and noble thoughts in adults: The reward of obedience to laws and conditions, corporeal and spiritual. Universality of Truth: The inspiration of Genius. Prophetic ideas and eloquent intuitions. Loving-Justice : the world's true Savior. Progress an Apotheosis of Humanity. [The scale of titles, colors, and their significance, in Lyceum No. 2, on the following page, will convey an idea of the extent and the variety of which the plan of the Lyceum is capable. The fine distinctions and divisions in the colors are in correspondence with fine distinctions and fractions in the notes of music] \ * \ V s- *••— Ci «£ \ ^ \ IS >< \ ® \ =i§ \ - \ « j i si — * s II J S> Vesper GROUP si <3 £ 8 Sylvan GROUP si BUS i a II Grotto GROUP si *• i: j=w| 6 Garlnnd GROUP 'I s - ill O — < •ng 1 S • I * A ^2 «§ ^5 £ S I § a \ - \ II -1 o 1^ CM o so 1 O p4 IIS * 5 l i eS O GROUPS IN LYCEUM NUMBER TWO. 79 CONCERNING THE CONDUCT OF GROUPS. Names of Groups in Lyceum No. 2. Aurora Group. No. 1.— UNDER FOUR YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Rose.] The principle of the Lyceum Method, as denned on other pages, is the training and unfolding of the infant spirit, "as the gardener trains his plants or cultivates his flowers." Aurora Group, which corresponds to Fountain Group, is a starting-place for the Leader, under the warmth and sunlight of a watchful sympathy, to bring a child from within outwards. "Children," says a true teacher, ' ' begin with loving others quite as intensely as they love themselves — forgetting themselves in their love for others — if they only have as fair a chance of being benevo- 80 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. lent and self-sacrificing as of being selfish. Sympathy is as much a natural instinct as self-love, and no more or less innocent, in a moral point of view. Either principle alone makes an ugly and depraved form of natural character. Balanced, they give the element of happiness, and the conditions of spiritual goodness and truth, making children fit tem- ples for the Holy Ghost to dwell in." Experience proves that in the Primary Groups, the tender spirit is responsive to gentle love and enveloping sympathy, first of all from the Leader. Under such warming influ- ence the infant mind awakens with gladness to lessons in moral3, music, marches, health- ful motions, and, in fact, to all that is inter- esting to persons more fully developed. Valley Group. No. 2.— UNDER FIVE YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Emerald Geeen.] The Leader of this Group has frequently taught the members their "A, B, C's,"from a prettily printed card-board, and then, by showing them pictures of birds and animals, she has interested them deenlr in " the works GROUPS IN LYCEUM NUMBER TWO. 81 of God." The lessons given in Stream Group are always applicable ; but the progress of the children, of this tender age, depends almost wholly upon the hovering love of the Leader. Tickets of merit, and little tokens of affection, should be bestowed. The members of this Group have given some of the most remarka- ble answers to lessons. Carol Group. Nc. 3.— UNDER SIX YEARS. [Color of Badge, Light Pueple.] This Group holds relation to the world of song. Gathered in a semi-circle around their Leader, they are taught to read the words of songs, or instructive lessons in verse, which they can smg, with piano-forte accompani- ment, when at home, or in chorus with the Lyceum. Pictures and illustrations from the vegetable and animal kingdoms never fail to interest and instruct children of this age. You will find simple rhymes and pretty verses in the Repository of Brief Lessons. 82 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Floral Group. No. 4.— SEVEN YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Rich Buff.] Children in this Group will give their whole attention to stories — simple, brief, free from theological taint — imparting a moral lesson for control of the temper and the conduct of life. The pictures in "Pilgrim's Progress" have no more interest for a child, than the wood-cut illustrations in "Robinson Crusoe." Books impart good moral lessons, if the Leader can put them in a few pleasing sen- tences, adapted to the imagination and under- standing of the youthful mind. Tickets of merit should be given to members when atten- tive to conversation, and kind in their treat- ment of each other. Glen Group. No. 5.— EIGHT YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Slate.] Whispering during the conversational ses- sion, except to promote the interest of the subject under consideration, ought not to be permitted in any of the Groups above the third in the scale. The nature and tendency GROUPS IN LYCEUM NUMBER TWO. 83 of habits and practices may be introduced to children of this age. This is the time to im- press the youthful memory with rules of bodily life and health. The child's spiritual demands are thus fed, because true religion begins with justice to the personal existence — obedience to the laws of body, soul, and spirit. Garland Group. No. 6.— NINE YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Pink.] Singing is natural to everything born with a tongue. A taste for pure and beautiful music cannot be too soon cultivated in the affections. The lasting roots of spiritual truth strike far down into the soul of the child gifted in music. At the age of children in this Group, little Henry Perry, in one of the churches in Paris, three years ago, composed a mass in music, whereby was manifested an extraordinary genius, susceptible to the ministrations of invisible musical intelli- gences. Grotto Group. No. 7.— TEN YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Deep Azube.] At this age children are usually quick in 84 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. perception, and fond of variety and excite- ment. A child, at this stage, will say and sing what he feels. Therefore, the Leader should give attention to those lessons which shall exert a perpetual influence for good upon the future of the child's mind, morals, and social affections — cheerful, beautiful, buoy- ant! The child-mind is becoming individu- alized. At this point the Leader will breathe the divine spirit of charity; teach, by refer- ence to "lives of good men," in biography, the beauty and victory of the nobler attri- butes. Sylvan Group. No. 8.— ELEVEN YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Deep Pubple.] Large-brained, quick-eyed, and precocious intellects, are likely to appear in this Group. The Leader will find the life of the child bid- den beneath much that is common and pre- mature. The children of educated parents are, at this age, intelligent and full of nervous animation in their manners. They are inter- ested in light literature— such as novels, ro- mantic adventures, biographical tales, &c. GROUPS m LYCEUM NUMBER TWO. 85 The Leader feels much solicitude at first ; but after a few weeks, the members become at- tached socially, love pervades the Group, and all begin to take deep interest in the pro- ceedings of the Lyceum, and in the meaning of the lessons. "Vesper Group. No. 9.— TWELVE YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Light Bronze.] This Group, like the one next above and below it, is a receptacle for minds in very dif- ferent degrees of growth and education. Some of the members will indicate intelligence and education far beyond their yenrs ; while others, who classify as to age in this Group, will show indifference and backwardness more consistent with much younger children. The Leader, in most cases, will make pro- gress by proposing, through the Conductor or Guardian, to so classify the members as to procure more equality in disposition and mind. In these Groups, between eleven and fifteen years, children may be grouped with reference to their tastes and degree of cul- ture. Tears do not now very plainly indicate the proper position for the members. 86 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Mountain Group. No. 10.— THIRTEEN YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Ruddx Maj&oon.] All aesthetic philosophers teach that mu- sic is soothing, refining, and morally benefi- cial to mankind. It is said in story that Orpheus charmed the rivers so that they for- got to run, the birds so they could not sing, and the trees so that they ceased rustling their leaves: all that they might the better listen to his sweet singing ! The moral of this is, that music, either vocal or instru- mental, exerts the highest spiritualizing influ- ence on human nature. In this Group, belonging as the members do to the moun- tains of truth, music, sweet and sacred, ought to be particularly cultivated. A sublime rhythm can be detected in colors as well as in words and sounds. ' ' Company, " says Mr. Alcott, ' ' conversation, exercise, amusements, are foremost studies in the lively university whence our children graduate, getting here the best part of their discipline ; which is lia- ble, of course, like all free things, to be perverted to uses the worst. Society — the power of persons and spells of company, the GB0UPS IN LYCEUM NUMBER TWO 87 giving and taking of conversation, the fine commerce of personal qualities and gifts — in fine, an exhalation of life itself; this is to youth a surprise, an ecstacy of surprises, and charming from its novelty. Especially are these the more potent in swaying the roving fancy, just coming out of its childhood, and entering the intermediate state, half way be- tween the child and the man or woman." Evangel Group. No. 11.— FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE. [Color of Badge, Bluish White.] This Group is full of boys, and about the same number of girls compose the cor- responding Group in Lyceum No. 1. Con- siderable interest in many line topics has been awakened by their Leaders. It was pro- posed and adopted that a kind of young people's "Literary Circle" should be organ- ized, to meet once a fortnight, in the drawing- room of some friendly home ; each member to be required (as a part of the terms of mem- bership to read before the Circle an original composition, or recite from memory some selection in prose or verse, or to do or say 88 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. something promotive of literary taste and culture. The first part of the evening is given to these higher interests, after which cha- rades, parlor tableaux, innocent sports, and recreative amusements, in which all can par- ticipate; and then, at a yet early hour, all return to their city homes socially refreshed and mentally benefited. Artists, orator3, poets, authors, singers, speakers, and supe- rior gymnasts may be found in these higher Groups. From these classes we look for fu- ture Officers and Leaders, and expect noble men and women qualified to teach mankind the gospel of progress. Temple Group. No. 12.— FIFTEEN YEARS AND UPWARDS. [Color of Badge, Rosy White.] The last Group (already having one dupli- cate) is the highest in the scale, and is the class irom which it is but reasonable to look for graduates. Liberty Group, which is the counterpart to this, has done something to- ward keeping our corps of Leaders recruited. The expression, "fifteen years and upwards, "is construed to include all between the ages of PUBLIC SESSIONS OF GROUPS. 89 fifteen and twenty-five ; thus we obtain per- sons for Leaders who have become fully ac- quainted with the Lyceum proceedings in detail. These senior Groups have from the first added much interest and strength to the school ; and yet the members are less likely than younger minds to respond freely to the questions and Silver-Chain Recitations. The topics suitable to the graduating Groups are contained in the whole list of lessons. High- est minds are, in their gentleness and humility, cultured in the least and most pri- mary truths. Public Sessions of Groups. HOW TO CONDUCT THEM. Introcluctory Remarks. j£If- The design of this little Manual is to present a' complete system for the organization and drill of a Progressive School. As soon as the Conductor, his associate Officers, and the Leaders of the Groups, be- come practically acquainted •with the details of a regu- lar session of the Lyceum, they will find the proceed- ings not only easy and instructive, but spiritually rejuvenating and delightf ul to the highest faculties of spirit. With patience, with gentle kindness toward 90 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. disorderly little ones, and with yet other virtues, the Leaders should be richly supplied. After a few weeks, if you be truly faithful in your attendance, and systematic in your kindness and lessons, your re- ward will begin to appear, and in due time you will become immensely rich in the fruits of love and righteousness. j^S" The following programme is, after over two years of inspiration and varied experience, adopted as the most practical and complete. We do not, however, deem the Order perfect, and do not regard it as obli- gatory, because circumstances may render it neces- sary either to increase some of the exercises on certain Sundays, and to correspondingly reduce, or to alto- gether omit, other parts of the programme, so that the whole session may not be over two hours in dura- tion. j£S" Whispering, except concerning the lessons or other matters pertaining to the regular proceedings of Groups, is prohibited ; and children should be kindly counseled and admonished not to bring play- things with them ; but to give their souls and all the interests of their hearts to the benefits of the beauti- ful Lyceum. ORDER OF EXERCISES. Part First. 1. Groups assemble. The children should take the same places in the Group from Sun- day to Sunday: the Leader as near the cen- ter of the class as possible* „ ORDER OF EXERCISES. 91 2. Leaders take the names of new members, and issue to them tickets of membership. The Guardian, or her assistant, will convey these tickets to the Leaders. Leader's name should he written on each card. 3. Leaders and members append badges* Officers should put on their badges before the School is called to order. 70S*- Sometimes we do not distribute badges to the Groups ; es- pecially if there has been time lost from lack of punctuality on part of Leaders and mem- bers. This deprivation is quite " a trial" to the little ones, and even older persons do not escape from the feeling of penalty ; and the effect is to secure prompt attendance and bet- ter discipline. No army wants to be deprived of its colors. 4. Leaders return books to the Library. * Members may invite their young acquaintances to accompany them to the Lyceum, and the Leaders •will welcome such guests, and permit them to sit in the Group, and march, and participate in all the ex- ercises, for only one Sunday. But such visitors, not being duly admitted members, cannot receive cards, nor wear badges of distinction, nor receive from the Library any books or pamphlets. 92 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. jp^t- During the past year we have adopted a rule of much advantage to all, viz : to receive in and give out Library books only twice per month, on every alternate Sunday. This plan saves time for other exercises, and it is better for children not to acquire the habit of too rapid reading. Part Second. 1. All will now engage in singing. The Musical Director is expected to select and an- nounce the song or songs, giving the name thereof, and the page where it may be found. Also he or she will lead in singing. Chil- dren require the sustaining voice of an adult. 2. Silver- Chain Recitations. The Con- ductor, or the Guardian, will select the pieces and lead in this beautiful exercise. ipSt- Some- times it is well to invite alittle boy or girl to ascend the platform and lead in the re- citation. 3. Rise and form in rank for the wing movements. (For full order and description of these and other movements, see Directions, &c. on another page.) ORDER OF EXERCISES. 93 4. Members return to stations. J^S* Make as little noise as possible, and avoid all dis- courtesy; be polite and gentle one toward another. Part Third. 1. Leaders and members will now engage in conversation on the lessons. (Continue from fifteen to twenty minutes.) Guardian, or her Assistant, will now visit each Group, and hand the Leader "tickets of merit." (See directions elsewhere.) 2. Leaders give out new lessons for next Sunday. j£&~ If the Group is especially in- terested in the subject, the Leader may give out the same lesson, and continue the conver- sation on the following Sunday, or longer, if the members remain interested. 4. Singing and Recitations. 0sS~ Members may now rise in their Groups, facing the Con- ductor's stand. If the Library is open to-day, Leaders will select books while the School is singing and reciting. Leaders will hasten back to their Groups, consuming as little time in the choice of books as possible. 4. Leaders and members remove badges, 94 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. and return boxes to the Conductor's stand. The Assistant Guardian, or one of the Guards, can receive the badge-boxes as the children return them. 5. Remove targets. J^S*- As a reward of merit, for good behavior, &c, Leaders will designate which one of the Group shall this day join the target procession. The children with their targets will form in rank, in one of the aisles between the Groups. Music. The little juvenile company should carry the tar- gets in a soldier-like manner. Mark time. March. This picturesque procession, after one or two counter-marches around the hall, will proceed to the Conductor's stand, on the right side, deposit the targets one upon the other, and return each to his or her own Group. Part Fourth. 1. Groups rise and form in rank. ^^The place of each Leader is at the rear of his or her Group. The Guardian, in all cases, carrying the chief flag, leads at the head of the highest Group. Tallest member in front, so that each Group will appear in regularly descend- ORDER OF EXERCISES. 95 ing line. If there be another Lyceum on the same floor, the Assistant Guardian should, with a large flag, march at it3 head: the duplicate organization always following the original or first Lyceum. 2. Music. Beat time, softly, throughout the School, l^t- Assume erect positions. Shoulders back; feet together; right hand and arm free ; using the left hand and arm for carrying books, &c. The piano, with a tri- angle accompaniment, is adapted to marches. 3. March. j^~ Let the directions and va- rieties of the marchings be determined by the Conductor, or by his Assistant, or at the dis- cretion of the Guardian. Members will take flags in the right hand in passing the Con- ductor's stand. One of the Guards will take a position near the banner-chest, and hand a silk flag to each Leader as he or she is pass- ing. Hold the flag-staff in the right hand, as one would hold a pen. Carry the flag, when you first receive it, at the shoulder. 4. Raise flags. Seize the flag-staff with the left hand, carry it up and grasp the lower end with the right hand, holding it at the palm. Leaders obey this order same as members. 96 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Several minutes may be appropriated to the marching. Singing while marching is a beautiful exercise. 5. Deliver flags. The whole Lyceum will now pass the Conductor's stand, and, at a sig- nal from him, deliver the flags in the banner- chest left open for the purpose. The Guard will receive the silk flags from the hands of Leaders, roll them up, and deposit them with the others in the chest. 6. Parting Words. The lines, by counter- marchings, will now gather closely in the open space in front of the Conductor's stand. All the Officers together. The singing of some brief spiritual song is now in order. Or, as an educational exercise, which should leave the highest impression on the feelings, it is suggested that, while the Lyceum is thus gathered into one compact family, facing the Conductor's desk, all repeat, with distinct but subdued pronunciation, in accordance with the Silver-Chain rule, a passage of devotional prose or poetry. It should be free from theo- logical taint — purely spiritual and reverential. Let the whole School recite the passage, again SYNOPSIS OF ORDER OP EXERCISES. 97 and again if necessary, so that every spirit may be harmonized and chastened. 7. Adjournment. 7^* The Guards will now perform their duty in the ante-room, keeping order, &c. — firmly, but with the ut- most kindness — while the children are finding their clothing and departing to their homes. Note. — This entire programme, lengthy and com- plicated as it may seem, will consume less than two hours, and will be a perpetual feast of the beautiful things of truth, as soon as the Officers and Leaders become truly interested, prompt to duty, and ac- quainted with the progressive details of the session. About thirty minutes are usually given to each of the four parts into which the "Order of Exercises " is divided for purposes of system. Synopsis of Order of Exercises. To Officebs and Leaders : $&• The italicized words are words of announcement and command used by the Conductor. The others are explanatory jg^=- As a rule always to be observed, in order to secure uniformity and precision of action, commands of two or more words should not be executed until the last word is pronounced by the Conductor. Thus, in "Fold arms," when Fold is pronounced, let each member prepare for folding, but actually fold them only when the word Amis is given. 7 98 CHILDBEDS PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Part First. 1. Groups, assemble. 2. Leaders, take the names of new mem- bers, and issue to them tickets of member- ship. 3. Append badges. 4. Return books to the library* Part Second. 1. Singing. 2. Silver-Chain Recitations. 3. Wing Movements. 4. All return to their seats. Part Third. 1. Conversation on the lessons, in a low voice ; all affectionately hovering with gentle- ness about their Leaders. 2. Give out new lessons. 3. Singing and Recitations. 4. Remove badges. 5. Remove targets. Part Fourth. 1. Rise and form in rank. 2. Music. Beat time. March. 3. Take flags, marching. 4. Deliver flags. 5. Song, or Recitation. 6. ilv 1 . U 100 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Some account of Lyceum Scenes IN THE SUMMER-LAND. The Spandogatta. [The following remarks by the Conductor of the New York Lyceum, contain practical suggestions rela- tive to marches and evolutions, by children, on pub- lic occasions. Phonographically reported.] Leaders and Children : I wish to address you a few moments with reference to this beautiful occasion. This day [December 20th, 1863,] was appointed for the reception of Lyceum No. 2 by Lyceum No. 1; the latter being the parent and senior Association, having been in existence and in full blossom several months before the Duplicates were ready for the present graduation. The object of this public reception is to imitate, though crudely, a glorious procession and a celestial example given frequently by THE SPANDOGATTA. 101 the beautiful Lyceums that hold their sessions in the Summer-Land. You have all heard, doubtless, of the "Zella- bingen Association." [This Association is described in "Morning Lectures" by the compiler of this Manual.] It is one of the most classical, progressive, and musical bro- therhoods in the home-land of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. It is composed of hundreds of thousands, — yea, millions of Ly- ceums, of twelve Groups each, all full of beautiful and happy children who died out of earthly homes — gone from earthly parents to live with higher beings. Hundreds leave New York for the supernal life every month, and thus all the great cities of earth are an- nually giving off their thousands and tens of thousands of little ones. There are harmonious Groups prepared in the heavens for all these young and tender minds. They enter the appropriate stations soon after stepping on the beautiful purple landscapes of the Summer-Land, even as you who congregate in this assemblage come up the flight of stairs out of the streets, and vol- untarily enter your stations. 102 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Children from earth have their true inner names recorded in the affections of their vigi- lant guardians, as well as in the more exter- nal book of truth, which each celestial Leader possesses and explains. They, too, wear badges; they also carry banners. They live in the beauty and meaning of their symbols — that is to say, they dwell perpetually in the life of the motions, badges, and banners, with which they are associated. We, unhap- pily, are not so far advanced in truth and beauty. We are, as yet, only in the forms of the symbols, having little or no perception and enjoyment of their inner life. The Zellabingen Brotherhood frequently receives newly graduated and grouped youth- ful associations which we call Lyceums. These new-born celestial companies are received as are gladly-welcomed strangers, who are for the first time visiting the Eternal Land of harmony, and beauty, and truth, and pro- gress. They are appropriately received and welcomed by marching through what is there called the "Spandogatta." Spandogatta signifies and illustrates the labyrinthine and flower-encircled archways THE SPANDOGATTA. 103 of affection. It presents a multifoliated mar- gin to a rosy path or arched avenue, which we can but crudely imitate and represent by making an arcade of our unmrled banners. We shall this day attempt to illustrate, by each Leader and each member of Lyceum No. 1, holding the national flag, arched in front, in two columns of equal length facing each other, the beautiful ' < Spandogatta, " which, on similar occasions, may be seen extending leagues through purple landscapes and charm- ing sylvan scenes in the Summer-Land. Through this celestial vista of inexpressible attractiveness and incomparable beauty— tilled with healing fragrances and innumerable charms for the young — the newly-graduated Lyceum marches, holding up the left hand near the breast with outward palm, presenting it as the un vailed countenance — meaning, "I show the angels the face of my heart." Thus the left hand held up and open, and near or over the heart, with the white palm out, while passing through the banner-decorated archway, is a sign ot fidelity to truth, a pledge of the invisible spirit to the hundreds of hearts of affection which throb along the avenues through which they march. 104 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. The Spandogatta, unfortunately for earth, can be represented by our Lyceums only in this very crude and unsatisfactory style ; and yet, filled with the conviction that there is a glorious celestial significance in what you do, you may possibly hold the stafl'of your ban- ners with tenfold more ennobling emotions than though it was a mere performance and an empty parade, as in the discipline of a public school. In all these things, remember, we mean much, yea, more than any one can yet conceive. High principles are embodied and set forth in many of the badges and sym- bols which we employ from week to week. The Zellabingen Association, as I have said, is a beautiful congregation of frater- nized and affiliated Lyceums. They embrace in number many times the population of this whole planet — spreading over millions upon millions of what we call "acres, "in the Land of immortal purity and loveliness. They are visible to each other as constellations in the heavens are visible to our eyes. Far distant through the landscape you will see innumera- ble points of light and glittering bodies, shining like clustered stars beautifully grouped THE SPANDOGATTA. 105 in the bending firmament. Drawing nearer, you would think they are gemmed cities of the sun ; but approached very near, they are at once discovered to be "Progressive Lyce- ums, " either in session or else marching and chanting some one or another of their many beautiful and musical processions. The most charming and labyrinthine of the many vistas, which open upon the effulgent center of the Zellabingen Association, comes winding through the rosy landscape from the far west; and the name of this most beautiful of all the vistas, which so leads and expand- ingly opens, is called "Heliolia," signifying the "Radiant Archway" — the buena vista of immortal light and purity. From the gentle slopes of the purple mount- ains which adorn the landscape to the east of the beautiful Association, come down innu- merable singers, known as the ' ■ Akrocelumni" — akro being the word for mountain, and coeli meaning celestial students, or singers of the heavenly mountains. These truly wise and harmonious singers form in line and march down from those many-hilled mount- ains of incomparable loveliness. They are 106 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. not high, rough, rocky, and peaked, like our earthly mountains, but are like crystallized billows— fixed and fertile waves of a sea not troubled — being gracefully disposed emi- nences and musical undulations in the atomic formation of the Summer-Land. They always seem to be boundless and forever rising in the air — hills of purple verdure upon hills of still finer loveliness, instead of "Alps upon Alps," as we find in the geography of our globe. They can be surmounted by those who long to explore their inexhaustible riches. Near the country of the Zellabingens there are many very beautiful eminences, crowned with multifarious flowering trees and fragrant shrubs, in variety too numerous to count, but opening always upon still more celestial scenes and far grander charms to those who have purity of heart. Those who have not heart-goodness— i. lWVK8. Come, my friends, and join with me, In a social song ; We will sing triumphantly, As we march along. Chorus : Fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, Chant the chorus grand ; Let us sing with hearts and voices, Of the Summer-Land. Come, dear children, come with me, Joyfully along ; Join us in our Jubilee, Many thousand strong. Chorus : Fathers, mothers, &c. Not of Zion's gems and gold, Promised to the Jew ; Nor the Christian's narrow fold, For the faithful few. Chorus : Fathers, mothers, &c. SONGS AND HYMNS. 253 LNo. 7.] Pussi* flf §8ttt**- [The following is set to beautiful and appropriate Music, which can be obtained of Mr. M. B. Dyott, Conductor of the Philadelphia Lyceum, No. 114 South Second street. Other Music may also be obtained of him.] There' music in the midnight breeze, There's music in the morn ; The day-beam and the gentle eve Sweet sounds have ever borne. The valley hath its welcome notes, The grove its tuneful throng, And ocean's mighty caverns teem With Nature's endless song. The winds that sweep the mountain top, Their joyous echoes bear ; Young zephyrs on the streamlet play, And make sweet music there. With rustling sounds the forest leaves Bend to the passing breeze, And pleasant is the busy hum Of pleasure-seeking bees. The heart, too, has its thrilling chords— A consecrated fount, From which inspiring melodies To heaven in gladness mount. And Nature's chart is lent that man May join the myriad throng J 254 children's progressive lyceum. Of all her glorious works in one Harmonious burst of song. But there is music sweeter far Than Nature's fairest song, Though borne upon the summer-breeze, It gently floats along. It is the music of the spheres ; In tones sublimely grand It echoes from our future home— The glorious Summer-Land. [No. 8.1 ^Stoj} te to Mtt. O great Infinity ! to Thee Our grateful hearts we raise j The love that fills immensity Inspires us with thy praise. Glory be to Thee ! We love Thee for this beauteous earth, Its mountains, vales, and flowers, Where saints and angels had their birth, And spent life's moruing hours. Glory be to Thee ! We b^ess Thee for the jeweled crown That decks the brow of night ; For the rich sunshine coming down, Life-giving heat and light. Glory be to Thee! SONGS AND HYMNS. 255 We bless Thee for the love divine That fills the universe ; And for the wisdom that will shine When error's clouds disperse. Glory be to Thee ! [No. 9.] Kind words can never die- Cherished and blest, God knows how deep they lie, Stored in the breast : Like Childhood's simple rhymes, Said o'er a thousand times, Go thro' all years and climes The heart to cheer. Chorus : Kind words can never die, never die, Kind words can never die, no never die. Childhood can never die- Wrecks of the past Float o'er the memory, Bright to the last. Many a happy thing, Many a daisy spring Float o'er time's ceaseless wing, Far, far away. Chorus : Childhood can never die, &c. Sweet thoughts can never die, Though like the flowers 256 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Their brightest hues may fly In wintry hours. But when the gentle dew Gives them their charms anew, With many an added hue They bloom again. Chorus : Sweet thoughts can never die, &c. Our souls can never die, Though in the tomb We may all have to lie, Wrapt in its gloom. What though the flesh decay, SOuls pass in peace away, Live through eternal day With God above; Chorus : Our souls can never die, &c. [No. 10.1 gv 9**ytf §m$. Whene'er the day with golden light Adorns our ways, Let us in heart and voice unite To sing God's praise. When in the silent hush of night Our labors close, Let us in vesper songs unite, Ere we repose. Let us our Father's goodness sing, In glowing strains ; And make the star-crowned welkin ring With our refrains. SONGS AND HYMNS. 257 Whenever we together meet, God of love! We will our grateful song repeat, % And choirs above Will catch the incense of our praise, And waft it on Till all together anthems raise In unison. [No. 11.] 5ft* Sffttttifttl &ttf*I gittl Mother, dear mother, they're calling me now ; Behold, in the beautiful west, With a bright crown decking each youthful brow, They come from the land of the blest. They are clothed in garments of spotless-white, And a harp of gold in their hand, They come from the land of celestial light, The beautiful angel band. Chorus : The angel band, the angel band, The beautiful angel band. Mother, dear mother, oh list to their song, How it steals through the soft night air; O'er the golden hill doth the strain prolong, Where the water of life grows fair. I long to be singing that heavenly strain, In that glorious golden land, And join, when I'm free from all earthly pain, The beautiful angel band. Chorus : The angel band, &c. 17 258 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM* [No. 12.] [Tune: "BosaLee."] Lo ! our loved one prostrate lies — Mournful seems this mystery ; Death came in unfriendly guise : Angels whisper this to me. Bring the pure immortelles now, Twine them tor her pallid brow ; Her love-lit eyes are closed in death : The rose-hues faded with her breath. Chorus : Angel voices murmur low, Love will live eternally, As they o'er the river go, Singing sweetest melody. We on earth no more may meet — Mournful seems this mystery ; We may hold communion sweet : Angels whisper this to me. We may not her form discern ; Yet we know she will return. She's gone to join a noble band, Who love her in the Summer-Land, Chorus : Angel voices, &c. They are calling, " Come away"— Mournful seems this mystery : "Come with us," she heard them say Angels whisper this to me. SONGS AND HYMNS. 259 Come where skies are bright and clear j Loving friends await you here — Await you on the silver shore Of that bright river you go o'er. Chorus : Angel voices, &c. Let us weep for her no more : Glorious seems this mystery ; She has only gone before— Angels whisper this to me. She will come to us in love, With sweet tidings from above : Her loving gentle spirit still Will long our souls with joy to fill. Chorus : Angel voices, &c. , [No. 13.] Wtt'tt 4Stoittg §#»**♦ We're going home— we've had visions bright Of that holy land— that world of light, Where the long, dark night of time is past, And the morn of eternity dawns at last : Where the weary saint no more shall roam, But dwell in a happy, peaceful home : Where the brow with sparkling gems is crowned, And the waves of bliss are flowing round. that beautiful world ! that beautiful world I We're going home— we soon shall be Where the sky is clear, and all are free : 260 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Where the victors' song floats o'er the plains, And the seraphs' anthems blend with its strains; Where the sun rolls down its brilliant flood, And beams on a world that is fair and good ; Where stars, once dimmed at Nature's doom, Will ever shine o'er the new earth bloom. that beautiful world ! that beautiful world! 'Mid the ransomed throng, 'mid the sea of bliss, 'Mid the holy city's gorgeousness ; 'Mid the verdant plains— 'mid angels' cheer, 'Mid the throng that dwell in that bright sphere, Where the conqueror's song, as it sounds afar, Is wafted on the ambrosial air ; Through endless years we then shall prove The depth of a Father's matchless love. that beautiful world ! that beautiful world ! [No. 14.] WlU gtfttfc #«Vf, Merrily every heart is bounding, Merrily oh ! merrily oh ! Joyfully now the news is sounding— Joyfully oh ! joyfully oh ! To the woods we go, Where the violets grow- Where the violets grow, To the woods we go. Merrily every heart is bounding, Merrily oli ! merrily oh ! Merrily, &c. SONGS AND HYMNS. 261 Cheerily every face is beaming, Cheerily oh ! cheerily oh ! Playfully every eye is gleaming, Playfully oh ! playfully oh ! In the fields away, We will rove to-day— We will rove to-day, In the fields away. Merrily every heart is bounding, Merrily oh ! merrily oh ! Merrily, &c. [No. 15.1 [Tune: " John Brown."] Error's teachings shall molder in the grave, Error's teachings shall molder in the grave, Error's teachings shall molder in the grave, While truth is marching on ! Glory, glory hallelujah, Glory, glory hallelujah, Glory, glory hallelujah, While Truth is marching on. Let's be brave soldiers in the army of the good, Let's be brave soldiers in the army of the good, 262 children's progressive lyceum. Let's be brave soldiers in the army of the good, Now Truth is marching on ! Glory, &c, Now Truth is marching on ! Joyfully we'll strap life's burdens to the back, Joyfully we'll strap life's burdens to the back, Joyfully we'll strap life's burdens to the back, So Truth is marching on ! Glory, &c, So Truth is marching on ! Angels will come to meet us on the way, Angels will come to meet us on the way, Angels will come to meet us on the way, If we are marching on ! Glory, &c, If we are marching on ! They will teach us wisdom and love, They will teach us wisdom and love, They will teach us wisdom and love, As we go marching on ! Glory, &c, As we go marching on ! Now, three cheers for the good time coming, Now, three cheers for the good time coming, Now, three cheers for the good time coming, For Truth is marching on ! Glory, &c, For Truth is marching on ! SONGS AND HYMNS. 263 [No. 16] [Tune : " Dixie's Zand."] O'er freedom's land the skies are glowing- Fair and free the the world is growing. March away ! March away ! March away to freedom ! There happy homes are freshly springing— Joyful hearts are ever singing : March away ! March away ! March away to freedom ! Chorus : Then let us march for freedom, away ! away ! In freedom's land we'll take our stand, A loyal baud for freedom— away ! away ! To live and die for freedom — away ! away ! To live and die for freedom. We haste to freedom's bright dominions, Where the soul may spread its pinions : March away ! March away ! March away to freedom ! Our feet the hills of truth are treading, Fields of light before us spreading : March away ! March away ! March away to freedom ! Chorus : Then let us march for freedom, &c. 264 children's progressive lyceum. [No. 17.1 3wui 9ummt-Wuu&. [Tune : " Maryland, My Maryland."} Oil, home of love ! we sing of thee, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land, In joyous tones of melody, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land. Thy skies are clear, thy fields are fair, And flowers perfume the balmy air, And all is bright and radiant there, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land* Oh ! we would touch thy radiant shores, Summer- Land, sweet Summer-Land, And find thy bright and glowing bowers, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land. We'd sail across thy silver seas, We'd hear thy streams and murmuring trees, We'd feel thy gentle, fragrant breeze, We know thy homes are bright and fair, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land, We know our loved ones gather there, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land. And troops of children dance and play, And weave bright flowers in garlands gay, And gain fresh beauty day by day, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land. Oh ! let the voices that we love, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land, SONGS AND HYMNS. 265 Speak from the radiant home above, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land. Oh ! let us feel the glory there Encompass us like summer air, And keep us from all sin and fear, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land. With chain of love entwine us now, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land, And bind thy peace upon our brow, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land. Then 'mid the din of earthly care, Then in temptation's dreary snare, We'll feel thy calm and soothing air, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land. Thy flowers shall strew our earthly way, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land, Bright eyes shall make our night as day, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land. We'll tread with courage then, and faith ; For every rugged way earth hath May be to thy bright shore a path, Summer-Land, sweet Summer-Land. [No. 18.] See the shining dew-drops, On the flowers strewed, Proving as they sparkle, t! Godis ever good." 266- children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. See the morning sunbeams Lighting- up the wood, Silently proclaiming, " God is ever good.'' Hear the mountain streamlet In the solitude, With its ripple saying, "God is ever good." In the leafy tree-tops, Where no fears intrude, Merry birds are singing, "God is ever good." Bring, my heart, thy tribute, Songs of gratitude, While all nature utters, "God is ever good." [No. 19.1 Wkm tlu fag with fv0$a p#t When the day with rosy light, In the morning glad appears, And the dusky shades of night Melt away in dewy tears ; Up the sunny hills I roam, To bid good-morrow to the flowers, And waken in their highland homes, The minstrels of the bowers. La, la, &c. SONGS AND HYMNS. 267 'tis sweet at early clay, To climb the mountain's rocky steep, And hear the birds, 'mid blossoms gay, Waking from their happy sleep. Noon may have its sunny glare, Eve its twilight and its dew, Night its soft and cooling air- But give me the morning blue. [No. 20.] 1 ggjw Sftjw art %wt. I know thou art gone to the home of thy rest, Then why should my soul be so sad ? I know thou art gone where the weary are blest, And the mourner looks up and is glad. I never look up with a wish to the sky, But a light like thy beauty is there, And I hear a low murmur, like thine, in reply, When I pour out my spirit in prayer. In thy far-away home, wherever it be, I know thou hast visions of mine ; For my heart hath revealings of thine and of thee In many a token and sign. In the hush of the night, on the waves of the sea, Or alone with the breeze on the hill, I have ever a presence that whispers of thee, And my spirit lies down and is still. 268 children's progressive lyceum. [No. 21.1 fpwfog (tee Itotte, [Tune : " Oh ! Let us be Joyful /"] We hail this happy new-born day- It brings us light and joy, And opens up a brighter way, That time cannot destroy. We bid farewell to dismal creeds With rapturous delight, And follow Truth where'er it leads : For Truth will lead us right. Chorus : Then let us be joyful, joyful, joyful, Then let us be joyful ; For Truth will make us free — Free to do our Father's will, And trust his guardian care, And all the laws of life fulfill, And all its blessings share. We love to meet from week to week, And share each other's love ; Our Groups of twelve times twelve will seek To be like those above ; Though in our radimental state, We daily live to learn, To emulate the good and great, And all that's evil spurn. Chorus : Then let us be joyful, &c. With banners waving in the air, Our hearts are bounding free ; SONGS AND HYMNS. 269 Each other's smiles and joys we share, As all can feel and see. We live for truth, for light, and love, All loving one another We reach the spheres of those above By deeds that aid each other. ' Clwrus : Then let us be joyful, &c [No. 22.] g«m*, Mwut gam*. 'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home. A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there, Which, seek through the world, is ne'er met with elsewhere. Home ! home ! sweet, sweet home ! Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home! An exile from home, splendor dazzles in vain ! Oh, give me my lowly thatched cottage again ; The birds singing gayly, that come at my call j Give me them, with sweet peace of mind, dearer than all. Home ! home ! sweet, sweet home ! &c. 270 CHILDREN'S PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. [No. 23.] 1 If ill m& u 5PK8. [Tune: " Do Good."} Do good, do good— there's ever a way, A way where there's ever a will ; Don't wait till to-morrow ; but do it to-day, And to-day when the morrow comes, still. If you've money, you're armed, and can find work enough In every street, alley, and lane j If you've bread, cast it off, and the waters, though rough, Will be sure to return it again. Chorus : Then do good, do good ; there's ever a way, A way where there's ever a will, a will : Don't wait till to-morrow, but do it to-day, And to-day when to-morrow comes, still. If you've only old clothes, an old bonnet or hat, A kind word, or a smile soft and true, In the name oi a Brother, confer it, and that Shall be counted as gold unto you. God careth for all, and his glorious sun Shines alike on the rich and the poor j Be thou like him, and bless evtiry one, And thoul't be rewarded sure. Chorus : Then do good, &c. SONGS AND HYMNS. 271 [NO. 24.] [Music for this song may be obtained of the Con- ductor of the Philadelphia Lyceum.] All hail ! this day we greet with pleasure, Its praises joyfully we sing, In music's sweet harmonious measure "We bring our grateful offering. This evening we have met together To celebrate our Lyceum's birth : Thsn let us each and all endeavor To praise its goodness, truth, and worth. Chorus : Then hail ! hail ! hail ! our Lyceum's natal day— With joy we meet, its friends to greet, and for its welfare pray. With joyful hearts and cheerful faces, With happiness and pleasure blest, Serenely we will take our places, Each bravely striving with the rest To prove our motto's ever onward, And that we've learned to know the truth ; Progression's mount we'll climb together, Though we are but within our youth. Chorus Then hail ! &c. Our thanks, our grateful thanks are given To those who formed the Lyceum's plan : For well and nobly have they striven To benefit the race of man. 272 children's progressive lyceum. Their praise will oft be sung rejoicing, By many a bright and happy band, When we have each fulfilled our mission And journeyed to the Summer-Land. Chorus : Then hail ! &c. [No. 25.1 Ste fPgto mm llu pflftt May every year but draw more near The time when strife shall cease, And truth and love all hearts shall move, To live in joy and peace. Now Sorrow reigns, and Earth complains, For Folly still her power maintains ; But the day shall yet appear, When the might with the right and the truth: shall be, When the might with the right and the truth shall be ; And come what there may, To stand in the way, That day the world shall see. Let good men ne'er of truth despair, Though humble efforts fail ; Oh ! give not o'er until once more The righteous cause prevail. In vain, and long, enduring wrong, The weak may strive against the strong ; But the day shall yet appear, When the might, &c. SONGS AND HYMNS. 273 Though interest pleads that noble deeds The world will not regard- To noble minds that duty binds, No sacrifice is hard. The brave and true may seem but few But hope has better things in view ; And the day will yet appear, When the might, &c. [No. 26.] $Mt in tin 3xmmn-*Mt&, [Tune : "The Promised Land."] Where now are the friends of Freedom ? Where now are the friends of Freedom ? Where now are the friends of Freedom ? Safe in the Summer-Land. They went up from the fields of battle, They went up from the fields of battle, They went up from the fields of battle, Safe to the Summer-Land. Where are the babes of weeping mothers ? Where are the babes of weeping mothers ? Where are the babes of weeping mothers ? Safe in the Summer-Land. They went up in the arms of angels, They went up in the arms of angels, They went up in the arms of angels, Safe to the Summer-Land. 18 274 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Where bloom the flowers of beauty? Where bloom the flowers of beauty ? Where bloom the flowers of beauty ? Far in the Summer-Land. They grow by the homes of angels, They grow by the homes of angels, They grow by the homes of angels, Far in the Summer-Land. Where now are the weary pilgrims ? Where now are the weary pilgrims ? Where now are the weary pilgrims ? Safe in the Summer-Land. They went up on the shining river, They went up on the shining river, They went up on the shining river, Safe to the Summer-Land. Where now is the band of martyrs ? Where now is the band of martyrs ? Where now is the band of martyrs ? Safe in the Summer-Land. They went up in a cloud of glory, They went up in a cloud of glory, They went up in a cloud of glory, Safe to the Summer-Land. Where now are the loving angels ? Where now are the loving angels ? Where now are the loving angels ? Safe in the Summer-Land. They went up in an hour of stillness, They went up in an hour of stillness, They went up in an hour of st illness, Safe to the Summer-Land. SONGS AND HYMNS. 275 [No. 27.] [Tune : (i Oh! Carry me back to Old Virginny."] The sun is bright, and its golden light Is filling the world with power ; The song-birds fly through the kindling sky, And music floods the hour. This gladsome life, when free from strife, Shall fill our hearts with glee, And falling showers on fields and flowers Shall make us happy and free. Chorus : Oh ! let us drink from Nature's fount, Whence love and beauty flow ; Oh let us walk in Wisdom's ways, Where all the angels go. There are golden beams in laughing streams, And music in the trees ; There are heavenly dyes, and love-lit eyes, And whisperings in the breeze. The beautiful songs of unseen throngs O'erflow this world of ours, And loving hands from angel-lands Bedeck our paths with flowers. Chorus : Oh ! let us drink, &c. There is no death ! for the Father's breath Filleth our hearts with youth 5 And a heavenly wave destroys the grave For him who loveth truth. 276 children's progressive lyceum. The earth is singing, and time is winging Each to another sea ; Then let us love the truths above That make us happy and free: Chorus : Oh ! let us drink, &c. LNo. 28.] Sbe Vvtii if WiMuq. [Tune : " Old Dan Tucker."] A happy day for man is dawning— Reason's light illumes the morning, And a sleeping world is waking To a glorious undertaking. Chorus : Hurra, we leave the night of error, Superstition and its terror, Hurra, hurra, the day is breaking, And the sleeping world is waking. The voice of Freedom wakes the nation- High and low, in every station, From the valleys to the mountains, From the ocean to its fountains. Chorus : Hurra, &c. Let us then be free from passion, Free from vice and useless fashion, Free from habits that enslave us, Free from all that can deprave us. Chorus : Hurra, &c. SONGS AND HYMNS. 277 Alcohol, the foe to reason, Friend of riots, murder, treason, Never here can hope for quarters, With these noble sons and daughters. Chorus : Hurra, &c. Tobacco vile we do despise, And we could never well devise How men can smoke it, snuff, and chew it. While no beast will ever do it. Chorus: Hurra, &c. Reason's glorious day is dawning— High its sun illumes the morning : Warms to life a new-born nation, Giving life to every station. Chorus : Hurra, &c. > [No. 29.] Sb* (&1&& 9 umMV-lgtut. [Tune : u My Old Kentucky Home."] The sun shines bright in the spirit's happy home, 'Tis summer, and all is gay ; The soft air blows, and the flowers are all in bloom, While the birds make music all the day ; The children sport on the soft and fragrant grass, All merry, all happy and bright, 278 children's progressive lyceum. By-and-by, when our toils and our troubles all shall pass, We will join that happy home of delight. Chorus: Weep no more in sorrow, oh ! weep no more in fear ; We will sing a song of the beauti- ful bright Home, Of the glad Summer-Home that's so near. There they toil no more in weariness and pain, For folly, for pleasure, and pride : Bnt in bright links Love weaves her golden chain, As she tries with gentle hand to guide. So the days go by like the sunshine on the heart, With a happy and joyous tread ; The time never comes when the loved ones have to part, Or sigh for the joys that are fled. Chorus : Weep no more, &c. Oh ! ye blessed ones, o'er us tenderly still bend, And lead us with gentle, firm hand ; A few more days and our labors here will end : Then we'll join your bright and happy band. A few more days— then make us strong and glad, And give us your love and your light, While we sing with you a merry, happy song, Of the glad Summer-Home of delight. Chorus : Weep no more, &c. SONGS AND HYMNS. 279 [No. 30.1 [Tune: '■ Lilly Dale."] In the twilight hours, 'mid the breath of flowers, When the soul in silence dwells, Sweet echoes come from that far-off Home, Like the voice of evening bells. Chorus : Brother ! Sister ! loved, joyous, free! We will walk hand in hand to the Beau- tiful Land, Till its golden shores we see. There summer bright forever glows, And love immortal beams 5 There the waters flow in rippling song From life's exhaustless streams. Chorus : Brother, &c. There lilies bloom of purest white, In hearts whom earih knew not ; There weary souls find rest and peace, When sorrow's work is wrought. Chorus : Brother, &c. From the golden shore, where our loved ones stand, While they watch with eager eyes, Sweet voices come, and they call us home — To that home in the radiant skies. Chorus : Brother, &c. 280 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Children! sing, in joyous notes, Of the blessed Angel-Land ; And let us walk in Love and Truth, Till we join that happy band. Chorus : Brother, &c. [No. 31.] [Tune : "Scots who ha? wV Wallace bled."] Children, here from bondage fled, Come, oh come ! see Reason spread Many blessings on each head : Drink from Nature's fount. Make life's way a silver-chain, Changing but to live again, Journeying to a higher plane, Up fair Progress Mount. Liberty's high name we bless, Loyal to her side we press, Scorn the traitor's vile caress : Drink from Nature's fount. True to God and true to man, Sect nor party, creed nor clan Binds us in its narrow span ; Up fair Progress Mount. 80NGS AND HYMNS. 281 [NO. 32-] ? Tis a lesson you should heed- Try, try again ; If at first you don't succeed, Try, try again. Then your coinage should appear ; For if you will persevere, You will conquer, never fear : Try, try again. Once or twice though you should fail, Try, try again ; If at last you would prevail, Try, try again. If we strive, 'tis no disgrace, Though we may not win the race ; What should you do in that case ? Try, try again. If you find your task is hard, Try, try again ; Time will bring you your reward- Try, try again : All that other folks can do, Why with patience may not you ? Only keep this rule in view : Try, try again. 282 children's progressive lyceum. [No. 33.] dtytfk ttenttg to tfce (Swtojj. [This song is appropriate for a Silver-Chain Reci- tation.] Think gently of the erring : Ye know not of the power With which the dark temptation came, In some unguarded hour. Ye may not know how earnestly They struggled, or how well, Until the hour of weakness came, • And sadly thus they fell. Think gently of the erring, Oh, do not thou forget, However darkly stained by sin, He is thy brother yet— Heir of the self-same heritage, Child of the self-same God : He hath but stumbled in the path Thou hast in weakness trod. Speak gently to the erring ; For is it not enough That innocence and peace have gone, "Without thy censure rough ? It sure must be a weary lot That sin-crushed heart to bear, And they who share a happier fate, Their chidings well may spare. SONGS AND HYMNS. 283 Speak kindly to the erring : Thou yet inayest lead them back, With holy words, and tones of love, From misery's thorny track. Forget not thou hast often sinned, And sinful yet must be — Deal gently with the erring one, As God hath dealt with thee. [No. 34.] From Greenland's icy mountains, From India's coral strand, Where Afric's sunny fountains Roll down their golden sand ; From many an ancient river, From many a palmy plain, They call us to deliver Their land from error's chain. What though the spicy breezes Blow soft o'er Ceylon's isle, Though every prospect pleases, And only man is vile ? In vain with lavish kindness The gifts of God are strewn ; The heathen, in his blindness, Bows down to wood and stone. Shall we, whose souls are lighted With wisdom from on high, 284 children's PROGRESSIVE LYCEUM. Shall we to men benighted The lamp of life deny ? Progression ! Progression ! The joyful sound proclaim, Till earth's remotest nation Has learned Progression's name. [No. 35.] PM fiieanmitB pew- [Tune: " Newton."] My heavenly home is bright and fair, No pain nor death can enter there ; Its glittering towers the sun outshine : That heavenly mansion shall be mine. Chorus : I'm going home, I'm going home, I'm going home, to die no more ; To die no more, to die no more — I'm going home to die no more. My Father's house is built on high, Far, far amid the starry sky ; When from this earthly body free, That heavenly mansion mine shall be. Chorus : I'm going home, &c. Let others seek their all below, Where flames devour and waves o'erflow ; This world's a dream— an empty show, Compared with that to which I go. Chorus : I'm going home, &c. SONGS AND HYMNS. 285 Then fail this earth ! let stars decline, And sun and moon refuse to shine ! All matter sink and cease to be ! That heavenly mansion waits for me. Chorus : I'm going home, &c. [No. 36.1 [Tune : "Star of the Evening."] Beautiful Home of life and light, Thy glory beams upon our sight ; Thy anthems ring from dome to dome, Home of the angels, beautiful Home. Chorus : Beautiful Home, beautiful Home Home of the angels, beautiful, beau- tiful Home. Over thy radiant bending skies The hues of morning float and rise ; Gently as breathes the voice of prayer Songs of the sinless rill the air. Chorus : Beautiftil Home, &c. Beautiful Home of love divine, Our deepest hearts around thee twine ; Unto thy summer bowers we come, Home of the angels, beautiful Home. Chorus : Beautiful Home, &c. 286 children's progressive lyceum. TNo. 37.] Sfte |wl jot* f ilwtM- [Tune: "America."] Our Lyceum, 'tis of thee, Sweet Band of Liberty, Of thee we sing ; Band where our songs resound, Band where no creeds are found, But deeds of love abound, And pleasures bring. God bless our little band ! Firm may we ever stand- Stand for the right ! May all we say and do, May all our teachings show Our sympathy for woe, Our search for light ! Let us our voices raise To God in songs of praise— The God of truth ! May our young hearts be meek, May we for wisdom seek, When we together meet, Now in our youth. Unfurl our banners all, And to the angels' call Gladly we come. SONGS AND HYMNS. 287 Let as our voices raise In songs of joyful praise, For heaven's immortal days, And purer home. [No. 38.] [Tune: " Long, Long Ago."] Weep not for those who have passed from thy sight — They are not gone, are not gone ; Round thee they hover on pinions of light ; They are not gone, are not gone. Fondly they watch thee as guardians of love, Seeking to guide thee where'er thou may'st rove, Striving to lead thee to bright courts above j They are not gone, are not gone. Knowest thou not, in the stillness of night, They are not gone, are not gone ? Seest thou not in the visions of light, They are not gone, are not gone ? Feelest thou not their bright presence in dreams, Casting about thee their radiant beams- Light which around them unceasingly gleams ? They are not gone, are not gone. 288 children's progressive lyceum. Journey serene, then, till earth-life is o'er, They are not gone, are not gone ; Then they will guide thee to heaven's bright shore — They are not gone, are not gone. Then they will circle thy spirit in Tight, Robing it fair for its heavenward flight To the blest mansions, glorious, bright, They are not gone, are not gone. [No 39.] 8ft* glttg $t mt fttilra, A song for our banner ! the watchword recall Which gave the Republic her station ; 4< United we stand— divided we fall" : It made and preserves us a nation ! Chorus: The union of lakes, the union of lands, The union of states none can sever ; The union of hearts, the union of hands, And the flag of our union forever. What God in his infinite wisdom designed, And armed with republican thunder, Not all the earth's despots and factions com- bined Have the power to conquer or sunder ! Clvorus: The union of lakes,