The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1876-02-01 00:00:00

WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND SUNDAY
SCHOOL UNION.

The meetings of this union of dissenting Sunday teachers
were held on Wednesday last. They commenced with a
Conference of teachers at the Bank-buildings Schoolroom,
when the Rev. E. Bolton read a paper on Sunday school
teaching as a training for future workers.
Mr. E. BOLTON said that teachers should train their
scholars, especially in the senior classes, so as to snake
them desire to be teachers. Great practical principles
should be taught, love to Christ should pervade the whole,
and the future work of the scholars should especially be a
matter of frequent consideration in the class. The advice
and co-operation of the teacher even with the very young,
should incline them snore strongly and may deride them
to do work for Christ. He who undertakes to train a
youth for business gives him some simple share in the
work, and we should act upon that principle in the
Sunday school, and always try to regard our present
teaching as • training for future worker,.
The Rev. UILIJAH Titouss felt sure with Mr. Bolton
that we are losing our eldest boys and girls from our
schools for want of some strong class to hold them. But
he was not sure whether the engagement of those who are
not actually Christians is a good thing. True some who
have not become Christians, but partly Christianised, may
through being engaged in teaching become converted : but
he doubted whether it was right to ask them to do things
for Christ before they are Christ's. Of course if they
were Christians, they should be asked to work to-day in
the vineyard, for an idle Christian should be • thing
impossible. In the Juvenile missionary s.ocieties, and the
Bands of Hoge. the officers are, as for as possible, selected
from the children, choosing those who appear to have love
to Christ, and they are also asked to help in the Service
of Song. There ought to be light in the teacher's tam,
and joy in the heart, and then they would wish to be
teachers also ; but if the teachers felt the work
to be • drudgery, then they would not Isiesire to be
teachers. In his school the preparation classes were
announced, and that excited the atte ation of the
elder children especially, and they felt snore interest at
knowing that the teacher had prepared for the lesson.
The teacher's work is also • distinct preparation for his
higher work in the church, for nonconformists have an
equal duty with Episcopalians to do what is likened to
parish work—thorough visiting the district around.
District visiting was one of the amss of the Church, which
among dissenters had become withered, and wants healing
—(hear). Ministers ought not to be burdened with
ordinary visiting and society's work, so as to Ise hindered
in their special work, but there should be a large band of
workers in every church. If Sunday school teachers took
part more fresuently in the services in the school, it would
fit them snore frequently to take part in occasional
services in the chapel. While they wanted every scholar
to be trained up for Christ, they wanted also to snake use
of the teachers. Canon Kingsley said the peat want of
the age was "thrift," and we want "thrift an the use of
our Sunday school teachers—to make all the use we can of
the fabric we have.

—.—
Rev. W. Lewis fully agreed with all that had been
said of the value of the Sunday school as training grounds
for Christian workers. They were almost the only train-
ing grounds, except for ministers. There might, he
thought, be doubt as to whether Sunday scholars should
be pressed forward to make distinct confession of Christ,
for some were more backward than others ; but the fact
that the hope of work for Christ was attractive would
lead him to think there was something of Christ in the
heart. Sebelars might be set to work, a pupil might
catch an enthusiasm for doing work, and he might try to
do good at home. When we con see the way of suggesting
direct eniployment there will be a double good, because
the prectice of doing work for Christ will give further
power.
Rev. J. BAILRY said the whole matter resolved itself
into the question of the thoroughness of the teaching.
Of course idle Christians ought to be things impossible ;
but that is very difficult to teach children new that there
are so many idle people in our churches. We ought to
bring home to the children that part which appeals to the
feelings of the children: but there also should be pressed
that part which appeals to the energies of the children.
Teachers often think too much of bringing children to
Christ, as distinct from what iv the whole Christian
life. He could not quite agree with Mr. Bolton
that we should talk to the children about the
special work they shall take up. Let them stick
to the teaching of truths, and leave the influence of those
truths to work upon the consciences of children as to what
work they should take up for Christ. Ile did not see what
definite openings for Christian work could he talked about
even to senior scholars, until they were decided for
Christ Let them press home upon the scholars the
consciences the practical influence of Christian truths.
Rev. W. /dormer, of Melksham, told of a superintend-
ent who laid hold of his scholars, and set them system.
laically to work, in the missionary societies, in singing,
etc. We cannot get our children too early to work after
we have found out that they are converted. The elder
people should take the young district visiting and asso-
ciate them with them in distinct work for Christ.
Mr. Nooses said the first thing is to get the children to
love us, and listen to us, let us love them and pray for
them, and God will surely bless our labours.
Rev. W. Lewis urged that we should incite the
children to gain all the knowledge we can for Christ.
Mr. 114NN said his pastor had established • class for
I village preachers.
, Rev. W. W. SIMMERS spoke strongly against associ-
ating with religion anything of a gloomy or morose
nature, but said that we should dol all we could to make
them love their chum
Mr. A. DENNIS said we should do everything In our
power to make them efficient workers for Christ. He
I urged that teachers should encourage their young persons
to go out say cricketing, or in a boat—(applause)--and
perhaps we could teach better there than in a class.
The Rev. B. BOLTON replied, and the cenference closed
with prayer.
The public meeting was held in the evening at Glouces-
ter-street chapel. after tea in the school-room.
The Rev. J. BAILEY, president, said the Union
did not seem to have been of manifest help in the
instruction of the young. It was very difficulty
to get a footing for a new institution in
our neighbourhood, whether it was owing to the
geological tot median, which had left so large a quantity of
Sand in OUT fouhdation he did not know. But they had
proved their right to aiist: there were a number of those
ready to expend health and mussy in our Master's service,
and the Union had been strong enough to draw togethet
thaw widely dissimilar in other matters. But they needed
to combine the caution of extreme old age with the
modesty of early youth. These Unions should help us to
peesent with more vivacity the truths of God's word.
WhM it should become depends upon every member of the
Union: whether it shell become a power for good, or •
mere airy nothing. lie called on Mr. !Simpson Jenkins
Fowler, secretary, to read the report.
Mr. Fowtea's report stated that the canvass of the
town, as suggested, has been partly carried out, also the
visitation of the connected schools by Messrs Lundie and
Stone. Their report, which was full and suggestive one.
was laid before the friends at the quarterly 'netting, and
called forth • general expression of satisfaction. At the ,
same meeting a resolution WAS carried, whereby the
teachers pledged themselves to early morning attendance,
and the ministers were requested to remember the
children in the morning sermony. A resolution was also
carried, urging the importance of prompt visitation of I
absentees, and the systematic visitation of the whole class. I
The nieetings have been held regularly, 1111.1 the co-opera-
tion hoped for in the last report fully realised; and in
reviewing the whole efforts and labours of the past year,
th.e committee feel that Gad has indeed been minful of us,
which calla for deep thankfulness from all, and • renewed
consecration to His service, and also encourages hopeful
confidence for the future.

—E;7,:droWn-i;r•en;,-tia—melt to form the committee for the
ensuing year:- President, Rev. E Bolton; treasurer, and
secretary. Mr. Stone; Representativm : hope Chapel—
Rev. W. Lewis, Mears. /thinner and Noonan ; Cloucester-
street—Rev. E. Bolton, Messrs. Damon, Martin, and
Wescott; Bank buildings—Bev. J. Bailey, Mews.
Humphrey, Randall, and Hawkes ; Putton—Messm
Dennis, Jeans, Rogers, and Fowler; Portland Congrega-
tional—Rev. W. Sherren Messrs. Roper. Andrews. and
Attwooll Portland Bibie Christian—Bev. Hicks,
Messrs. Coombs. Pearce, and Tizzard.
Rey. W. Lawts moved the adoption of the report, and
expressed the obligation they owed to their secretary for
taking office. The Pre.ident, he thought, had taken too
gloomy • view of the results of the Union, for we have
only just begun to know each other. He had felt helped
by association with Mr. Bailey and Mr. Bolton, and Im-
portant practical matters, as the visitation of children,
had been discussed. He urged upon the parents to send
invitations through their children to the teacher to visit
them at their own home. Visitation by the teacher is as
Important to the teacher as that of the pastor to the con-
gregation, and the effects of such visitation would be
manifest in • vast improvement and quite • different
result. The discussion on this subject, conducted before
the Union had had the effect of bringing it mre before
the minds of the teachers, and thus the Union had been
shown to be of practical use. He did not expect to
attain any great reformation, much less a revolution; but
to be led to better modes of work, and gradually improved
result*.
Mr. DIXNIII seconded, and the report was received, in.
eluding the election of the officers.
The Rev. K MCYITILAX, of Melksham. Wilts,. tang.
" There were ninety and nine that safely lay, from
Bankers Songs and Solos, in delightful style.
The Rev. U. It THOMAS asked of how many of the
mess, women, and children, who were lost, would the
verdict be By the act of God?" The Union looked
childward to-night, and they had to look at old methods,
not many new ones, but to look at them with the earnest-
ness of those upon whom a terrible responsibility rests.
We must be careful lest our hands be smeared with
blood l—blood of the settle of those whom we miOt have I
been the means of saving, of children whose hands we

might have lifted to Red. Ile spoke of the sad and
stunted children of cities, wrecks of humanity. The
children of Christian England hal not yet been readied
by Christianity, children for whom the churches of our
day aro res_ponsible. He supposed there were not such
children in Weyniouth ; but they must be careful that the
canvass which bad been begun, should he completed, so
that no child be loot. The dignity of child nature could
be seen from its ruin, and we should be anxious, like the
true mother before Solomon, to have the whole child
brought to Christ. There are multitudes waiting for
Christ, shall we not put all the strength of manhood and
womanhood into the work, and then look up to God, and
ray "Not unto us, 0 Lord, not unto us, he the glory.
The Rev. E. Morrnsis said it was a very pleasant sur-
prise to collie into • town and see that a meeting was to
be held to which your whole heart went out in sympathy.
The centenary of Sunday Schools would soon he here,
and after WO years we ought to know something of its
successes and defects. Many works of Christian philan-
throphy had been co.nmenced and carried out, among
them the abolition of the slave trade —(applause)—and
slavery itself all over the world was doomed, in spite of a
certain circular—(applause.) Another work accomplished
by Sunday school. was that Sunday school songs are chas-
ing out the obi ribald songs, which used to he sung by
PlougboYs, and in Staffordshire, for instance, instead of
thm songs, they had such as "Ilold the Fort"—(applause.)
After speaking about • little girl whom he had sung to,
when dying, he went on to say that teachers must try, as
Mr. Sherren said in the afkrnoon conference, to get on
the higher level with our children. We want a greet deal
of lifting up; let us prepare well on our knees, for as
Luther said 'He who has prayed well, has well prepared."
" A dying boy told his father that he would when he got
into heaven, go straight to Jesus, and tell him that ever
since lie could remember, his father had done all he
possibly could to bring them to His feet"
Rev. W. W. SHERRES moved that the Congregational
School at Upwey he received into the Unicn. lie
thought the time was almost come when sonic of the
committee should visit other schools, and endeavour to
induce them to enter the Union. Almost every school
had some points, in which its Sunday work was carried
out better than others, anti we should endeavour to give
up our weak points, and endeavour to adopt the strong
points of others.

• ii•e;:.-1.-11iii.r7iN moved a vote of thanks to Rev. Mr.
Thomas and Rev. E. Mottram for their presence and help
to-niht.
__

Rev. E. linnasm sang "Scatter seeds a kindriesa."
the conereation joining in the chorus.
The meeting was rinsed with prayer.

BRUTAL ASSAULT ON A CONSTABLE.
John Maddigan, a private of the 102nd Regiment, WU
arrested on Wednesday night for assaulting P.C. Horne.
The prisoner and another soldier were in a brothel in
Chapelry, and Corporal Dyer and a picket went to fetch
them out: the corporal called P.C. Horne to help, and
the constable opened the door. As soon as Maddiglia had
got his boots on lie kicked Horne in a dangerous place
with such violence that he kicked the buttons off his
trousers. and it MU very fortunate that he did not ruin
the loan for life.—He was brought up on Thursday. before
Mr. Ayling, Mr. G. Reynolds, and Ur. T. Abbott, borough
magistrates, and sentetwed to two months hard labour.

WEYMOUTH LOCAL BOARD OF HEALIII.
Titmansv.—Present : The Mayor (Mr. G. B. Wels(ord),
Aldermen Ayling, Dr Drew, Mears. Eliot, Talbot, Ay lea,
Dcnnis, Walker, and Lundie.
The meeting was formally opened, and then the DIAToft
said the business wit-, very important, and as the Town
Clerk had to attend an enquiry respecting the Port Sani-
tary Authority at the Union house, the Board had better
adjourn.—Adjourned till Monday.
-

PORTLAND.
SNOW, TO Tilt STORY OF AN 011.CAN.—Sotne of the
railway othriali have been tined in connection with the
loss and wreck of the oil-can, some weeks ago.
WEI/01,10.-011 January sth, at St. George's Church,
Reforne, Portland, by the Rev. J. A. Ileazor, William W.
Hind, to Mary Ann Pearce, second daughter of Mr. John
Pearce, surveyor. The bride was given away by her uncle,
Lano, Esq., of Reforne, where the wedding was kept.
She was also attended by three bridesmaids, Miss A.
Pearce (sister of the bride), Miss Pitt, and Hiss Psrkes.
The bridal party arrived at church about eleven. Carpets
were laid from the church door, and a great number of
people were assembled. The bridal party left church
amidst a shower of rice. The bride wore • lilac silk,
trimmed with lace and satin, and looked extremely ehm.
The bridesmaids wore white and sarise. After breakfd-d,
which was attended by the Rev. .1. A. Beazor, the hzppy
pair left Portland for London. A few days after the
departure of the bridal pair, Mr. R. Lasso gave a tam and
supper to his workmen and workwomen, who were very
pleased with the kindness shown to them.

OLNI. MAN FALLING, INTO A I I ARRI.—On Saturday
morning, between 9 and 111 o'clock, an aecident happened
in one of the Inmost Hay quarries to • young man named
'chez Scriven, residing at Reforne. The men were
engaged reaming off a piece of cap, when the stone on
which Scriven was standing gave away and precipitat-
ed him into the base (~1.1101.- of the Tiorry, o distance of
about 20 feet. He was found to be in an unconscious suite
when taken up, anil was at once carried to his home,
where he was attende I by 1)r. Rae. Ile was found to
have broken several of his ribs, and to have sustained a
very severe wound in the head. Ile recovered conscious-
ness again. It was at first feared that he would not
recover, but is now hoped that he may survive. He is
but a young man, and WM morried only about flee
months ago. Ile WAS in the employ of Mr. C. Mitchell.
I'ARISII TRA AT ST. JOIINIL—On Friday evening the
friends at St. John's gathered at the parish tea to the
number of about 320, and the affair was most successful
although the weather was unfavourable. The tables (23)
were furnished and presided over by the following ladies :
Mrs. T. A. Ottley, Mrs. McLean, liars. Zilwood Milledge,
Mrs. Parsons, Mrs. Case (2). Mrs. H. Russell (2), Mrs.
J. C. I.ano (2), Mrs. E. C. S. Moore, Mrs. Kendall, Mrs.
Osborne, Mrs. F. Villm, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Ash, Mrs.
Ratcliffe, Mrs. Prentice, Mrs. Nash, Mrs. Raper, Mrs.
Bristow, Mrs. Major, and Miss Cosens. The tea was
much superior to the usual run of teas, and was thoroughly
appreciated. Grace was sang before and after. On the
removal of the tables, the committee and others quickly
transformed the school into a concert room, and the
following programme was gone through :—Opening
address by the Rev. T. A. Ottley ; glee. "Gipsy s
Chorus," Glee Class; song, "Danube River," Miss Heins;
address by the Rev. J. Beazor ; song, "Sing Sweet
Bird," Mrs Dowdall ; song and chorus, "God Bless Our
Sailor Prince," Mr. Russell and Glee Clams; address by
Captain Russell, R.K; glee, "Softly Fall the Shades of
Evening," Glee ( "lass ; duet (piano), 'Ramblers de Seville,"
the Misses Mears; song, and chorus. 'Poor Old Joe," R.
Patten and Glee Cho.; reading, 'The City of the Crystal
Sea," Mr. Zillwood Milledge ; presentation of watch and
locket to J. Borrow, by the Rev. T. O. Ottley • song,
"Tis but a Little Faded Flower," Mrs. iilwoOd
Milledge glee, "Fisherman's Children," Glee Class;
reading, " Handy Andy's Little Mistakes," Mr. Ash;
song and chorus, "Come Birdie, Come." Mr. Yates and
Glee Clam : song and chorus. "Ring the Bell, Watch-
man," L. Litton, B. Patten, It, l'atten, and Glee Class;
hymn, "Joyfully, joyfully," by the audience song and
chorus, "Wait 'Till the ‘'iolets Grow," Mrs. McLean and
Glee Class; hymn, "home," hy the audience; God save
the Queen. Where all did their best, it would be injudi-
dons to particularize. The most pleasing part of the
evening's doings was the presentation to Mr. J.
Barrow, of a watch and gold locket on his leaving the
Island, as a slight recognition of his services as Hon.
Organist About 400 were at the concert, and it was one
of the most successful gatherings that have taken place In
Portland for some time.