The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1823-11-28
REPORT
of the Methodist Sunday School.

Of the Methodist Sunday School.
In commencing this report, the mana
gers would call upon themselves, and
every member OF the society, TO return
thanks to God. All the difficulties d.
tending our organization, and hmdrances
arising from opposing sentiments, during
our progression, on the contrary notwith.
standing -success,superor in degree and
more diffused in its influence, than the
most sanguine had anticipated, has (thro'
the blessing Of Divine Providence) been
secured 10 US We may, on this occa
sion, with strict propriety, and the live
lest emotions OF gratitude, adopt the
language of pIous Samuel al Nispeh,
nHthetto hath the Lord helped us !''
1t is consideration which gives value
TO our efforts, that but few OF the children
composing our school had been previous
" engaged with other similar institutions;
but more, for the most part, either idle
or wickedly employed on the Lords day.
Many ofthem are the children OF parents
unsble (or no, # qualified, are not dis
posed) 10 afford them the opportunity for
rneual and moral improvement, which
thev nov enjoy. 4 few classes have heen
formed OF such, as have mad the edvan,
tage at q regular course OF instruction,
and are more advanced. Fhe attention
ofthese has been chiefly directed to the
acquisition of biblical knowledge; and
all favorable opportunities have been en-
brace1 TO excite in them attention 10 The
teaching Of the spirit of truth.
The school was opened on the second
Sabbath in June last, consisting OF rs
scholars (mele and female) and II teach
ers. There are at present under cur
care, 900 scholars and 50 teachers-this
is the number OF regular attendants oc-
casional visitors, whether teachers or
scholars, mt being taken into the account.
The mental improvement of the scho-
lars, is highly gratifying. Some ofthose
who commenced in the aihha6et now
spell well in tioiysyila6ke8 other who
were putting fgpo and three letters
together, read the easier lessons with IA
cili;v and those who commenced in
rwo and three syIa5les,h avc been advance
ed 10 the Testament Such as have read in
the Testament, from the beginning, have
made propor'ionable improvement, a.
well in 'hc manner of reading, as in the
ability 10 commit to memory. All who
read, have been instructed in the cate
chis;n, and many of them are tboroughi, 4
acquainted with It, giving the book
chapter, and verse, for every answer, as
taken from the scriptures.
Rewards have been given to the de-
serving and, ;hus far, we have made
their comnendatioD the punishment of
The negi gent.
IL is very pi5asureshle, to observe the |
change effected in the dehorfD,enf OF The |
scholars generally. The feacneTs ga;d- |
ing them in The ascent to the hill Of
science, have rcnred respec; and at. |
lection which are powerful in their intu-
e1ce, restraining ,he wanlon5ess Of the /
rude, and c6ciiing The efforts Of modest
merit. Nor has a change been wrought |
only in their exterior. Some Of the more (
intelligent, profess, since their union with /
the scbDol, 20 have had their minds en-.
iIghtened, and their views enlarged
The truth, we believe, in its own native
siRthlicity, beauty, and force, has been
embraced TO the disparagcmeut of error,
and its balesui consequence and i! viii
be truly gratifying 20 every Chfisliaa, to
learn, that by their upright walk and COR
rect domeaDor, they inspire US With the
hope, that more abundant fruit will spring
rom the seed we nave planted.
Your managers have experienced some
difficulty in obtaining suitable teachers
,Ot we are happy In being a5te 10 say,
hsrt1ose appointed, have been faithful
D the discharge of their pleasursOlc du.
les; an increasing interest is observed
mcnest them, and an association, re-
entity compac;ed by a board OF union
Tea,bipe the spin Of devotion, pre-. !
lpdes all tear Of deficiency from that