Prayers.

In these days of rebellion against compulsory prayers, and of numerously signed, but ungranted petitions, it would be well to bear in mind the burdens under which the students of earlier days of the college had to struggle. During a part of the 17th, and the earlier years of the last century, prayers were held both morning and evening. In the morning each student had to translate a verse of the Old Testament from Hebrew into Greek, and in the evening a verse of the New Testament from the English or Latin translation into Greek. Before 1728, however, this system was abolished, and a service something like the present adopted. It differed principally in its length. The President always expounded the chapter from the testament which was read. On Sunday, probably for variety, this exposition was omitted, and in the evening one of the students repeated from memory the sermons he had heard during the day, a practice no doubt pleasing to its victim, and his fellow sufferers. The President was required to officiate, and in his absence one of the tutors. From numerous traditions it would seem as though the tutor especially thought they were working by the day, and not by the job. Music by the singing club was furnished only on Sundays. Within the last thirty years, even, students have been compelled to go to Chapel by star-light, and this not in the evening either. Although none too much blessed as regards our prayer requirements, we have much to be thankful for in comparison to the students of some of our sister colleges. At Amherst, prayers are held at 8 o'clock, and only one fourth as many cuts allowed as are given us. At Dartmouth, the hour is 7.30, and at Trinity, morning prayers are held at 8 o'clock. However, there is an afternoon session at 5.30, which may be attended in place of the morning prayers twice a week. Attendance is required at one service each day.

H.