The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1827-07-19
From the Boston Recorder.

From the Boston Recorder.
Who, can Parents do for Sabbath Schools ;
The Christian parent looks upon his ris-
ing family with prospects brighter than
ever rested upon the children Of former
times. While he directs their youthful
I minds to redeeming love, his efforts are
aided by system Of operations which
bears upon the rich and the poor, upon the
learned and the ignorant, upon the child
Of the city and the forest. need not say
that such a system is that of Schools. Un
| der the influence Of this system, domestic
happiness has been promoted, public virtue
extended, and the conversion of thousa nds
| of our fellow men has been realized, while
! the Christian parent reflects upon this, and
while he recognizes the sabbath scholar in
the minister OF the gospel, in the mssiona
ry of the cross, yea while he pierces the
Ucii, and with an eye Of faith sees around
The throne OF the Lamb, those whose frs,
notes of praise are commenced IN these
schools. His hopes were animated and hi,
desires become more intense, that still
greater good may be realized.
These desires, however, cannot be graf.
fed without effort nor can Sabbath
Schools flourish unless much is done by
parents. As they feel and act on the sub
Iect. so will the highest interest Of Their
children be promoted. As they discharge
heir duty, so may they expect 10 witness
those scenes which have often been wit
messed in the conversion and sanctifica.
ton Of Sabbath Scholars. Now suppose
4 parent who desires the spiritual welfare
cf the youth around him should inquire.
what can do to obtain this desire Of my
heart? ] would answer Let il be your
first object to see that your children are
regular and punctual in their attendance
Without this, teachers will labor almost in
vain. II is not within their reach to inter
est scholars who are frequently absent.
and who think il of but little consequence
whether they attend or not. Every pa
rental neglect here, takes away from the
Improvement Of the child. and, as far as
its influence extends, blasts the hope of
final success.
But says the parent, the duty you enforce
is important. and neglect is very injurious;
but ] am not guilty Of this neglect. |
have ever been careful to have my chill
drcn regular and punctual. But is this NIL
| have to do' | answer, No. This, al
though important, is but q small part Of
your duty. 1t is not enough that your
children 60 to school every Sabbath
They have a preparation to make, and an
object to acquire; but the preparation
made and the object acquired, will be
much in proportion to the interest felt
Hence. every faithful parent will endea-
vor to interest deeply the feelings Of bis
child in behalf Of Sabbath Schools. To
DO this effectually the parent, himself,
must feel. The question then comes home,
do you feel on the subject? Do you view
ITS momeutous consequences? Do you
consider its bearing upon the future dest.
MES of our country, and upon the eternal
well-being Of millions Of our race? II you
do, you cannot but interest your children.
That principle Of sympathy and Of imi-
tation which characterizes humanity, will
fix the feelings Of the parent upon the
child. If you regard Sabbath Schools as
important. your children will also. lfyou
have zeal for this valuable institution, the
same zeal. though perhaps not with the
same motives, will be rivalled in theri bo.
some. But il you have that zeal which the
subject dema nds you will often introduce
it in their presence; you will freely con.
verse with them in reference 10 the pros.
poets Of the school as well as their own
improvements, and every suggestion will
be followed by deeper feeling on their part
If, then. You would benefit your children
most, make il your hsbitual practice, a,
each return from school. to speak with
them familiavly and sffectionately, and in.
terrogate them concerning their lessons;
concerning the views they had obtained
the feelings they had cherished, and the
application they had made, Of the truths
which they had examined While you
are thus conversing with them, let then
know, that you feel anxious for their ad.
vsncemcnt, and that every successful ef'
fort they make, brings new joys to your
soul.
On this branch Of parental duty there Il
q wide difference among families Of the
same parish and in the same school. Thii
difference is visible even to the eye Of the
passing stranger. ] enter one dwelling
and find the children alive to this gres'
subject. When ] converse with them
their countenances brighten, their free.
dom increases, and they engage in the
couyersstieu With Nl 0s order Of ibsu