Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1817-11-14
ALEXANDRIA,:
FRIDaT, .NoyEMRER IA, 1877.
SABBATH SCHOOLS.

Having been on to the north, | was,
while there, much g-atilied tn see the We
ry great excrtions which are making for
evangtlizing the world; and the foremost
in the lovely and heavenly train l con.
ceiye TO be Sabbath Schools. Do not the
numerous excr!ions which Christians are
making Portend something gloriousl do
they not loudly call dormant Christians
(t there are such) to awake from their
le;hargy-to be up and doing? Tor the
sun Of righteousness is about to arise in
his mllennial glory and illuminate the
habitable world from pole to pole! All!
how was SUI prised TO understand that
the fine and Furnishing city Of Alexan-
dria had no Sabbath school! Citizens,
could you visit.with me such an insiitu.
tIon-cou'd yoa behold the thousands
that flock to these scholastic peace,
harmony and qulctaess that prevailed
the zeal Of the teachers, young champions
Of the cross of their Redeemer-young la.
dies and gentlemen Of the first respecta-
blity 10 the cities engaged With all the
ardor conceirabie-you could not remain
insensiblc to the advantages Of the insti-
tuition.
Christians Of Alexandra! do you not
pant to be thus engaged 7 II so, fear not.
Although storms and tempests may lower,
fear not e: the promises Of Jesus are ever
sure. The enemy of souls is chained.-
He may frighten, but he never can de-
stroy. Engage in the strength of the
Lord, and your efforts shall be blessed.
Oh Christians! look around Jcu on the
Sabbath-see your streets thronged with
young immortals, ali travelling The down
ward road TO endless woe and misery;
who, with proper care, might be made
worthy citizens, and, BY the blessing of
the Almighty, heirs Of immortal glory in
the mansions above.
Does it not gieve you 20 see the bless.
ed and holy day of the Lord protared,
aud by those who can scarcely lisp one
word9 How do you shuddcr, in going
anil returning from the house Of the Lord,
to hear and see the horrid profanity ali
around; and even y"ur churches are not
entirely free from Interruption. You e1-
claim alas, alas these are stubborn facts
but what can we do l answer, with
confidence, establish Sabbath Schools it
you wish reform. The thing is easy
make the trial: the thing is practicable
arise in your might, and the Lord will
bless your efforts. Remember the awful,
the dark, and bloody scene Of Gethsa-
meme Couldst thou not watch with
me one hour ?" said the lovely Jesus to
his drowsy disciples. But marx the re-
primand-" Sleep on, now, the enemy
has succeeded in par'--you do not know
what the result might have been if yeu
had been on your guard" l not only
call on the citizens of Alexandria, but on
the whole District to arise in Their might
to git on the whole armnr of Christ Je-
susie fight manfuIly the battles Of the
Lord Of hosts. You desire to hand the
Bible to the poor gratis; Lut, would
ask, what good will the Bible do to those
WHO canuot read one pager All! it you
wish to give effect to Bible Societies, you
mu.t establish permanent Sabb,thSchoOls.
They stand in the very front Of your BIZ
bic institutions. Why stand you all the
day idlei How can you say " thy king
dom come" aud, at the same time, stand
with folded arms. and cry peace! peace
when Satan, with all lis ar,ful wiles, 10
inundaiing your streets
That subject aho views with irdiffer.
,nce the assaults Of an enemy on his mas
ter's effects, and makes no exeTtions to
fell his attempts, cannot be considered
faithful 10 his masters cause. Ye cannot
serve God and Mammcn aud where
r,n,h ia rr;v,, -nuch will he re.,rlired -