The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-27

"I Plead for the vital interests of you
n Children"
: A SERMON preached in the Method
. Episcopal Church, of Stroudsburg,
a the PASTOR, and published by reques
PROVERBS, %. 6.
"Train up a child in the way he shoul
90. aud when he is old he will not depart trol
it,"
4 CONCLUDED.
Your attention is now, more especial
directed to the Sabbath School, as one G
; the instrumentalities assisting, to train u
your children in the way they should &C
An agency, through which, blessings hav
been accumulating to the youth of Evan
gelical Christendom, for the last seventy
four years There is very much said anc
written upon the subject of education;-
upon the training of the youthful mind
and "tcactng the young idea hoae to shoot
in this day, both, as it respects the com
mon school system. of our several States
the Seminary, and the College. The
old fashioned plans of our fathers, are be-
ing thrown aside, as worthless,-new
plans invented, and new methods pro-
posed, to bring these plans to the highest
possible perfection; with the least possible
delay. We find no fault with this it is
right We censure not the progressive
spirit of the age, but rejoice at the discov-
cries of science, and hail them, not only
as new indications of human greatness,-
but as new, and heaven sent facilities of
human happiness, and moral elevation
Like that wisest of kings, We would esti-
mate knowledge in these respects, at a
price far above rubies, and to be chosen
rather than silver. But you must for
give, and call it weakness if you please,
when we complain, that with many, very
many persons of influence, and education
intellectual training is every thing, and
moral training worth nothing or next to
nothing in their estim alton. We, who are
seeking the moral elevation of the chill
dren and youth of our land, have sure
reason to complain, when we beheld pa
rents spending their hundreds of dollars
upon their children to have them trained
in the day school, and seminary and col
leges, when We can scarcely draw a single
dollar from them to assist us, in training
their children in virtue and religion, in
the Sabbath School, do work for
those children, which but too many pa:
rents, neglect at home. Do not miscon-
ceiVe our meaning. We would not put
down intellectual learning, but We would
elevate religious learning. We aroulH
tie Sabbath Sclto1l-ace arouM
gre 1t tie first place,-in first rank Of ed-
measures. Our reason for this,
is, that however important the attainment
of human science may be,-the attain
ment of right moral principles, and re-
ligious habits, is infinitely more so. Let
the moral. and religious training of
youth be neglected, and no matter how
splendid his gifts, and intellectual accom-
his graceful manners,-his
social refinement, or the skill and ability
with which, he may pursue any of the
learned professions; we dare hazard the
assertion, that be is not fully qualified to
meet, as they should be met, the great
duties and responsibilities of this world,
and is most certainly, and total y unpre-
pared to meet the solemn scenes, and the
awful destiny that will await him in the
world to come. A man with mental pow
sr and education, but without proper re-
igious culture, is like a beautiful ship
upon stormy sea;-she is gaily painted
with every sail set, and sire amers fly
ing and futtering in the breeze; but with
out rudder-a chart-a compass-drift-
ng with every current, and driving with
every wind, and destined sooner or later,
o founder at sea, or to be dashed against
be rocks. But the wreck of the splendid
hip is less than vanity, compared with
be wreck awaiting him, who neglects the
moral and religious Improvement of his
oul. Go, read such catastrophe, in the |
of the Great Teacher, "What /
hall it profit man if he gain the whole
world, and loose his own soul ~ Oh, S
be wreck, awaiting the neglect of religi- I
us and moral training. A lost soul. The |
sabbath School strives to preven this |
lst. ByprQperly estimating the suscepti- t
e moral nature Of chiIclJtood and youth. g
'he Sabbath School proceeds upon the |
rinciple that this moral nature needs 1
raining, hence contemplates its suscep- T
relation to the present and S
ature world, and would seek to prepare
hese moral powers, for the important L
Of the one, and the sublime g
nd endless pleasures of the other. a
2nd. By simple, but Efficient process. a
he bible, the living incorruptible word r
f God, assisted by the light and influence u
f the Divine Spirit, are the instrumen- i
alities used in the Sabbath School, to o
rain the youthful heart and mind, in the {
'ay the child should 60. Are not such b
,eans adapted to the moral ends pro- p
osed!-For by them, the child is taught G
, reverence and obey Cod hallow Il
le Sabbath, to love parental authority, q
nd to treat their fellows with kindness P
nd courtesy,-by these sin is portrayed, Z
S the cause Of misery, and an enemy to II
apniness hero and hereafter. and a o