Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-04-21

its operations were invariably interrupted. IL
has, however, net occasionally during Inc
Winter. Our present number is seven teach
ers and As scholars. There will doubtless be
an increase as the spring ad vances. The pros
poets Of the school were never more encoura'
cling than at this time. From its commence
ment the school was supplied with tracts
which all its members and as many others as
were disposed, received, and after reading, re-
turned md took Others. BY this means tracts
were gener lily circulated through The neigh
bourhood where they had been but little known
b. fore. We have lately succeeded in getting
a Library Of about 10 volumes. These books
are read with gr, a, tagerness, and promise
much good, both from the excellent matter
they contain, and from -, Importance and per-
which lhr ljbrarY will give to the
school.
The Superintendent, expcssses his deep re-
gret that none of the teachers associated with
himself in this interesting s. hooi, are profess
sors OF religion. But he rndravors TO supply
this deficiency by the instructors Of he Bible
Glass and by his general addresses 10 the
school.
The Superintendent OF the Sabbath School
connected with the Baptist Church in Alexan-
dria, states: We have at this line ll2 schol.
ars-forming Two Bible classes and six Tesla
ment classes. The remainder are in spelling
and the alphabet. We have 9 male, and 8 fe-
male teachers, Of whom are professors Of
religion. And, although our school has not
increased in numbers during the past year, il
NAV be considered in a Furnishing state. | have
the great pleasure TO add that, since our last re"
mort, three Of our teachers, and three OF the
scholars, have made a public profession Of a
hope in the Redeemer."
The Superintendent OF the Sabbath School
belonging 10 the FIRST Presbyterian Church, re-
ports-in regular attendance, ls teachers, and
90 scholars, viz. 81 boys, and So girls. He fur.
Their remarks, that the increase OF the school
has been small within The last year; but that,
on the whole, he considers the school in q pros
porous condition. Seven of the teachers have
made a,profession Of religion during the last
year. .
The Superintendent Of the Sabbath School
attached to the second Presbyterian Church,
Alexandria, reports: That the prospects and
the character OF The school have improved since
the last report. The number Of male teachers
is Ie; Of whom 10 are professors OF religion;
and IL Of that number have made q profession
during the past year. The female part Of the
school, since November last, has been separa:-
ed from the male. II is conducted by IA teach
ers; 10 Of whom are professors Of religion; and
9 of that number have made a profession since
the last report.
The number Of scholars on the register, is,
males, no; females, IS. Ten Of our scholars,
six female and 4 male, have made a public pro-
fession Of religion since the last report. There
is a library belonging 20 The school, which is
very generally used. Our pastor has visited and
SO occasionally been favored with addresses
from transient ministers. Average attendance
70 males; 30 females.
In addition 10 the many causes Of gratitude
and Of encouragement which are so obvious on
the face Of these reports, we would observe, thai
no complaint is made OF any difficulties, by
have been, in any degree, disturbed. This your
Managers regard as an object Of the highest
importance, which they hope will ever be kept
in view by all Concerned in the labors Of love.
Again we notice the delightful fact, that SO
many of the teachers aud scholars belonging to
the Union, have become hopeful subjects Of
converting grace during The past year. The mum
Der reported is, SO teachers, and IA scholars 4!
This is, indeed, anima,ing beyond the expo.
rience Of any preceding year. And, while we
rejoice, we shank God, and take courage" 10
prosecute our Iabors with renewed zeal, and
with increased fidelity.
1t will, probably, be gratifying to the friends
Of Sabbath Schools 10 state some important
facts connected with the history Of these ins,i.
buttons. 1t will, perhaps, surprise some TO
hear, for the first time, that there were such
things as Sabbath Schools in the 10th century.
Eustace, in his Classical Tour through Italy,
noticing TIE celebrated Charles B%srromeo, who
died A. D. 1884, observes. " Many Of his ex.
ceIIent institutions still remain, and, among
others, Sunday Schools; and j. is both novel anc
affecting, to behold 90 that day (,he Sabbath)
that vast area Of the Cathedral filed with chill
dren, forming two grand divisions of boys and
girls ranged opposite each other; and these
again subdivided into classes according 10 their
age and capacities; while W or more instruct.
ors attend each class. A clergyman, anG one
or more laymen, attend The classes of the boys,
and as many matrons attend the classes Of the
girls. The lay persons are often Of the first
distinction. This admirable practice" he OBJ
serves, is no, confined to the Cathedral, OF
even 20 Milan. The pious Archbishop extend
ed it TO every par, uf his immense diocese"