Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1825-02-24
&9Wmutifatiou.
Mn. EyAxs,

Mn. EvAxs,
with the view to correct an erroneous
opinion, extensively prevalent, in relation to
the nature and design ofSabbatb School instruc-
ton, will you be pleased to publish the follow
ing pertinent remarks. taken fro.n Asreech BY
DE-. Leland upon that subject.
The opinion to which | have reference IS
extremely hurtful to the prosperity OF these
benevolent institutions; and is founded upon
the mlsspprehension that they are intended Tor
the exclusive benefit of those who have no OPP
portuni,y Of instruction elsewhere. This,
however, is a most mistaken idea. 1t is doubt
less true that the early promoters of this most
admirable scheme OF Christian philanthropy,
contemplated nothing more than the instruction
of the ignorant and the reformation of the a
bansloned; but the results of forty years expe-
riment have progressively led to the discovery
that Sunday Schools may be very useful to the
children of all classes of persons; and that as
an expedient for the communication of religious
knowledge, and the improvement OF Christian
practice, they are a powerful auxiliary TO that
more extended system of efforts, now in ope.
ration for outstanding the whole world. The
invitation of Sunday School Teachers is there
fore addressed to the children of all classes
Come We unto us and we will do We good. 7.
SUNDAY SCHOOL NOT FOR THE POOR
ONLY.
II has been said that Sunday schools
were principally useful in rescuing the
children ofpoverty and vice from ruin;
in collecting the little outcasts of soci
ETY., the idle, wretched wanderers 10
our streets & alleys ,land bringing them
within the sound of hat gospel which
to the poor is preached; and therefore
there has sometimes existed an idea OF
degradation and abandonment connec
ted with sending children TO that bless
ed institution Sunday schools in.
struction. is like tina, holy gospel whence
it is derived. 1t extends lis blessings
equally and impartially to all classes in
a whole world of sinners. 1t carries
light and pardon and peace and con
fort to the abodes ofignorance and guilt
and sorrow, and at the same time en-
mobiles and enriches with heavenly trea-
sures the children of science, refine.
ment, and affuence. 1t is a part of
the glory of this Institution, that it scar.
ches out the wretched, neglected, and
forsaken, and gathers them up from
the highways and hedges" and car
ries them to the Saviours feet-but its
brightest glory is found in difusing its
blessings wherever depravitysn guilt
are found, among the children OF men.
Ii the children of the rich possess the
same sinful nature, are exposed in the
same wrath, and need the same par
doning mercy with those of the poor
and degraded then the system Of means
which is designed for the latter, must
not, by the former, be disdained or I'M
dervalued.
1t has been said that this institution
has not so great claims upon the stten-
ton of the churches because the chill
dren Of religious people are well in
structed at home. In reply to this !
would observe, that if all the children
who are regularly and faithfully in
structed at home were excluded, your
schools might be filled to overho~in
though their Numbers were doubled.
But | venture to declare that nothing
can be more false than the opinion that
these efforts are useless to those who
are faithfully taught by their parents.
Among the most enlightenedand. de
voted Christians, who have sent their
children to Sunday shcools, fhave found
but one sentiment, and that one of the
most lively gratitude for the evident
advantages derived by their children
from this privilege. | have no hest
tation to declare my settled conviction
that Sunday school instruction is to
children what the preaching of the
word of God isto adults. And | have
little doubt that this very institution
will be principally Instrumental in
spreading the triumphs ofredemption,
in raising up a generation of devoted
Christians, and in introducing the era
of mlllennial glory. DIR. LELAND.