The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1827-05-16
FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY.
SABBATH SCHOOLS.

Much has been said and written respecting
sabbath schools. They receive the unqualified
appreciation of some, while others are rather
inclined to doubt their propriety and utility.
The question is often asked, are they advanta-
geous? or rather, is the present system of i'm
parting moral and religious instruction to our
youth superior to the former This query
shall now receive attention. The writer's
opinion respecting these schools has been very
much the same, from their introduction to the
present time; but thinking they, perhaps,
might be more advantageous than he antci-
pated, he thought it wise to wait and see their
operation, before he expressed his opinion
He is constrained to say, though with reluc-
lance, that he believes the present system, all
things considered, is inferior to the former In
order to ascertain this point, and put it in
proper light, 1t Is necessary to mention what
was done formerly for the religious benefit of
the rising generation, and what is doing noao
The time was, when parents considered it
duty to collect their young children and do
mestics on the Sabbath to catechise them, and
give them religious instruction and direction
But n0e this is nearly laid aside 1t is said
that sabbath schools supersede the necessity
The time was, when instructors catechised,
once week, the youngerly part of their
schools, and gave their pupils a word of relig-
lous exhortation. But nOD this is laid aside
1t is said that sabbath schools supersede the
necessity. The time was, when cergymen
considered it duty, and it was thought a part
of their ministerial labors, to catechise the ris-
ing generation. Then, at certain times, the
children and youth were alphabetically in
structed, and correctly instructed But this
good old way has become questionable and
is, in many places, laid aside 1t is said that
sabbath schools supersede the necessity. Thus
we see these sources of information, which
were once considered valuable and salutarv. to
be drying up
Let ms now turn over leaf and look a lit
tie into sabbath schools. The writer verv well
knows, that these schools, in many places, are
popular; but this does not prove them proper
or advantageous. 1t is often the case, that a
thing in the outset is popular, when, after be-
ing brought to the test, it is unpopular Nor
ought thing to be always patronized, be-
cause there may be something valuable acouir-
ed. In order to act wisely, disadvantages as
well as advantages ought to be considered, and
every thing to have its proper bearing When
sabbath schools were introduced in this region,
their supporters were very sanguine that it
was expedient, not only that the youth should
be instructed an hour at noon, but the same
time in the morning. But experience quick
proved the inexpediency of this movement
In the morning, the children went to the house
of God in company, but not as directed by their
Maker. Being without regulator, they in
dulged in hilarity, profanity, and many things
deserving of dsapprobation. The birds, that
were praising their Maker in melodious songs,
often were disturbed, and sometimes killed. bv
a volley of stones from the unfeeling and wick
ed boys. The beasts, likewise, were not Sc
cure. They, in their turn, without provoca-
ton, were numerically pelted. Thus, after a
short time, it was agreed on all hands, that it
was best to dispense with the morning recita-
ton, Then the supporters of these schools
considered it expedient that an hour of the in
PERMISSION should be devoted for the instruc-
ton Of the youth. ButTSthis, experience quick
proved unwise. The children attending meet.
ing in the forenoon, and the school at noon
became restless and fatigued and, instead OF
attending meeting in the afternoon, MANY
were disposed to go home. Thus, in attend.
ing to an appointment of man, they neglected
an appointment of God. To remedy these
evils and some others, the time is now shorten.
ca to thirty minutes. Here the business stands
Whether the time will still be shortened. q,
the schools become extinct, remains vet for
time TO disclose. Thus for tho reasons here
mentioned, and others that might be adduced
the writer thinks the former system of in.
structiOn preferable to the present.
OMEGA.