Arkansas intelligencer., 1849-07-07
Mr.. Bishops address.

LADIES, GENTLEMEN, FRIENDS:
About four years ago, some five or six persons
conceived the project of establishing SABBATH
School in this city, for the benevolent purpose of
educating few children-any that might attend
AT first, some twelve or thirteen only could be
found that would attend, the parents, generally,
being Indifferent about the education of their chill
dren. 1t has, however, succeeded beyond the most
sangulne expectations of its warmest advocates ;
until il has become large and respectable Sab.
bath School, numbering about l40 scholars. Many
of the children have learned to read 1uently in
year or two from their commencement at the al.
phabet, and many are able to answer most
Of the Scripture questions
The parents of these children should feel thank.
fu TO their teachers for the sacrifice of their time
10 this noble cause, as | believe they do, Judging
from their cheerful smiles on our annual ceebra-
tions, together with their cooperation in obta inng
school books, and the means to celebrate this euer
memorable day in proper manner.
On the part of these children and the teachers
allow me 10 return you, parents and friends, our
sincere thanks for the many favors we have re-
celved from your hands. From time to time, and
at all times, when we have solicited aid, you have
ever been ready, by your hands, your smiles, and
your means, TO encourage us onward in the march
of moral and intellectual improvement, of these
infant minds.
That education is at the present day extending
its wholesome and delightful influence throughout
the world, none will deny-Mothers, then, oh
then, educate your children, mentally, morally,
and religiously; upon this depends, mainly, the
destiny Of this nation. Soon these children will
be young ladies'; their influence, their thoughts,
words, and deeds, will be felt by all around. They
will give tone to society, whether for veal or for
wo. If they are kind, benevolent, and intelligent,
good will follow them wherever they 90. The
blessings of the poor and destitute, the weary ira
weller, the lonely widow and orphan, will be watt
ed to Heaven on balmy breezes of spring, prepar-
ing place for their blessed spirits in that mansion
of eternal rest, at Gods right hand that when
they leave their labors Of love on earth, they are
sure of their reward in Heaven.
That as people become enlightened they become
tree, possessing the power Of self f-government, de-
throning kings, establishing equal rights, worship
ping God according 10 the dictates Of their own
consclences, and appointing by their own will
whom they will serve on Earth and in Heaven.
Parents, educate, Oh educate your children.
Father, are you not proud of that noble son? Do
you not see IN him yourself in your palmiest days?
10 you not discover in his budding, his expanding
intellect, something to be proud of? DO you not
discover daily new proofs Of his moral and intel.
ectua improvement? Do you not know that soon
he is to walk in your footsteps; that he may called
upon by has felow-citizens to direct the destinies
of State. or a Nation of Freemen2 OH may
you be fully awakened to the importance Of the
early, moral and religious instruction of these
cheerful, innocent boys, on which depend the fu-
ture honor and glory of this mighty Republic, if
not OF the whole world.
Mothers, can you look upon this interesting
scene--these beautiful, smiling. innocent little
faces, and not feel deep and exciting interest in
the moral, intellectual, and spiritual instruction of
these young enquiring minds. These are the beau.
ties OF creanon--do you not see there reflected
your own self, in the countenance of that inte.
resting daughter Were you not once proud of
that same sparkling eye; those rose-tinted, dim
pied cheeks; those ruby lips and pearly teeth p
DO you not indeed see, that the noblest of pain.
ters, Nature, has, in that beautiful child, drawn
your own likeness true to life
Dear children, these are your happy, ioyous
days. Youth is the spring time of life-oh, learn
well your books; from them you learn the way
to happiness here and hereafter. Love and obey
hrst your parents, your teachers, and above ali
obey God in your youth, and you will be useful
respected, and happy, and be rewarded in the last
day by the chidren's Friend and Saviour, JESUS
CHRIST, who said. Suffer little children to come
unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the
kingdom of Heaven"