The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1827-06-14

o'H" hSH W tnlb tOHFcutIOH tIol viii nOl
be inferior to those Of any State, and that
she will not, at this time, be indifferent 70
measure, in the success Of which is in.
volyed her wealth, her industry, her pro-
ductive labor, her growth, her sudden ex-
panslon and rapid advancement, is the fer
vent prayer of A PRIVATE CITIZEN.
-...s@s....
SUNDAY SCHOOLS-We make the fol.
lowing interesting selection from the lst No.
vol 8, of The 9mericaa Sunday SchoOt Maya
zlne, published monthly in Philadelphia. II
'wIl not only convey an idea Of the origin of
the numerous Sunday Schools already esta-
blished in different parts Of the world, but
will also fully illustrate the salutary effects
produced thereby. Mr. Rakes, whose hsto-
ry is undoubtedly we'll known, more especial.
ly to those engaged in Theological pursuits,
not merely as the founder of Sabbath Schools
but as man cmnently distinguished for his
strict moral and religious principles and ac.
tive beneyolence, was born in Gloucester,
England was established at Gloucester, in
1852, as will be seen, through his benefcent
aid, synopsis Of the origin Of which is con.
tanned in the annexed article
"The circumstances which led to the
formation of the Sunday School System.
may be reckoned amongst the many proofs
which the history Of the world furnishes,
that Providence has frequently caused the
most magnificent effects 20 spring from
means the most simple, and by the steady
perseycring efforts of an individual, the
most important ends have often been ac.
complished. With "a sensation Of delight,
which none can conceive, but those who
have drunk from the same perennial foun-
tain, Mr.. Ralkes, when on the threshold
Of Eternity, related the interesting story
of the origin of Sunday Schools. One
day in the year 1882, he wen, into the sub.
nrb5 of his native city to hir, gardener.
The man was from home, aud while Mr..
itaikes awaited his return he was much
disturbed by group Of noisy boys who in
tested the street He asked the gardeners
wife the cause Of these childnn being go
neglected and depraved. ti,r emphatic
reply was, "Oh, Sir! ifyou were here on q
Sunday you would pity then indeed, ace
cannoi rsnd oar Bible in pe0ce for Mcm."
This answer operated with the force Of @.
lectricity, and called forth nll tie energy Of
his benevolent soul. "Con nothing" he !
asked, "be done for these poor children
Is there any body near that viii take them
to school on n Sunday" He vas inform.
cd that there was person in the neigh |
borhood who would probably do it. "At
thls important moment (to use his own Ian
guage) the word "try" was 30 powerfully
impressed upon hs mind as to decide him
At once for action.--iic Immediately went
and entered into treaty with the school
mistress to take charge of 4 certain mum.
Der of destitute children on the Sabbath
day, and this proved the grain of mustard
seed which has already produced a great
tree, whose branches ovcrShadow our land,
and whose roots are extending to the
most distant regions of the earth. May
is growth advance with accelerated pro.
gress, till all the sons and daughters of TO-
norance and vice shall find q refuge under
ITS fostering Shade.
Mr. Raikes agreed 10 give this poor wo.
nan one shilling for her days employment.
aud he soon found three others who were
willing TO undertake a similar task. lie
now communicated his plan to the clergy
man of the parish (the Rev. Thomas Stock
who promised 10 cooperate with bim bv
visiting the Schools on Sunday afternoons
Mr.. Raikes printed little book which he
distributed among them, and the Society
for the promotion Of Christian knowledge
sent him number Of Bibles and Tcsta.
ncnts for a similar purpose. The effects
produced on the conduct of these hitherto
wretched children in short time, cannot
be better told than in the language Of a
woman living in the neighborhood, who de
clared that the place was become quite
heaven upon Sundays in comparison 10 what
it used To be- AT the END Of three years
the number of scholars increased 10 300.
Many of these, as well as their parents. had
scarcely ever been seen within the pre-
cincts ola church. hut now numbers cfthem
began TO attend with regularity, and as ma.
ny as fifty were sometimes present so ear
~ as seven O'Clock in the morning.
Mr. Raikes not only possessed energy for
bringing his benevolent system into action,
but prudence for conducting it. In a let
ter to n friend, written about this period.
he says, 81 cannot express to you the plea
sure often receive, in discovering genius
and innate good dispositions among this
little multitude. II is botanizing in human
nature. have often too, the satisfaction
of receiving thanks from parents, for the
reformation they perceive in their children.
Often have given them kind admonitions,
which | always do in the kIndcst and gen
tlest manner. The going among them, do
ing them little kindnesscs, distributing tri-
fling rewards, and ingratiuting myselfwth
them, hear, have given me an asccndan-