Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-07-22
COMMUNICATIONS.
For the Standard.
Sabbath School Excursion.

on Wednesday, 18Th inst, which, in point
Of numbers, exceeded anything Of the
kind ever seen in this direction. There
were p cars and from 2200 to 25OO per-
sons on board, and it all went of very
successfully. We started from Barton
half past eight A. NJ, took on the SUIT
ton. Sheffield and Burke Schools al
Burke, the Lyndon Center Schoolwhieh
filled four cars, at the Center stopping
place, Lyndon Corner School at Lyndon,
three car loads, and SO on. We arrived
at Bradford about l o'clock, and there
found the Bradford Sabbath School
drawn up TO receive us, accompanied
with fine Cornet Band, when under the
Marshalship Of Gen. Low assisted by
several aids, we marched 10 the grove
back Of the Fair Ground. 1t was
beautiful place, and well adapted 10 such
a gathering. Tables had been previous
ly prepared; and they were bountifully
spread by the various Schools themselves.
The blessing was invoked, and the whole
company engaged in the pleasures OF
eating With right good will. After this
prayer was offered, and short address
delivered to the children, then resolutions
of thanks unanimously and loudly voted
20 Bradford, the Marshal and assistants;
10 the Rail Road and its Conductors, when
the company returned to the cars. 1t
was estimated that the whole number as
sembled in the grove was not less than
$500. We started from Bradford at hall
past four p. NJ, took on the St. Johns
bury Band, with a number Of the citi-
zens and their wives, at St. Johnsbury,
and arrived at Barton halfpast nine, the
Band discoursing fine music at each OF
the stations on the route. They serena
ded the streets Of Barton after their ar.
rival, and returned 10 St. Johnsbury the
same evening. No accident marred the
pleasures Of the excursion. The day
was fine, and the r. r. managers frs
rate. On the whole it was a day long t,
be remembered.
But if the question be asked, Is this
good way to create and promote an in
terest in Sabbath Schools? ] should say
judging from the facts in this case, mos
certainly not. In the first place, so ia
as / can Judge, not more than half of th
number attend Sabbath School-some q
these never attend meeting on the Sal
bath, and went not for any interest the
felt or ever will feel in the subject, bt
because they could get long ride on th
Rail Road for % cts. In the next plac
there was no time for anything but III
ride. Not even for rest, between goin
and returning. In this exc ursion W
were nine mortal hours on the road, nc
can the thing be done with less. I'll
conductors did their duty. When we a
rived where we were TO take refresEmen
we had not two hours 10 spend before Y
must be again on board" Consequer
ly there was no time for speaking. Tn
managed to hear one short prayer and
speech Of ten minutes! The talk W
good, but Of course it was next to not
ing, for many were preparing to retu
so that they did not hear one word. The
was no opportunity to interest that au
enee in Sabbath Schools. ave march
up the hill, and then, we march do'
again" And the time was so long
the cars that if there had been childr
they must have been severely taxed: a
am satisfied that nearly every one,
and young, were glad to have it end
AS a cheap ride ii was a great succ'
and the only fault find with the C
poration' is that they carried US too
for the money. As a Sabbath School
cursion it strikes me it would have d,
Just as well TO have thrown the moi
into the lake, and give the children
"sweet cake" And if ! had the ca
superintendent, teachers, and other
terested in Sabbath Schools, would
there is "a more excellent way"
would propose TO get up "pic MICS
home where you can gather together
whole town, and interest them in
cause; or, several towns join, and n
at some central point not far distant
that yon can have time to rest, TO S
and to talk,-where you can meet toy
er, and cultivate mutual acquaintan
await for the Wagon, the old lun
wagon" even, If it comes TO that you
get home before night. But ifyou =
have an excursion on the Rail Road
all means don't go half as far as we
]. II.
Barton, July 16, 1859.
Temperance Society.