The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-12-18
Sabbath Schools and Foreign Missions.
The Presbyterian Banner, says:

The Presbyterian Banner, says:
about one third of the Sabbath Schools in
our Church has paid S24 600, or two-thirds of
the debt of our Board of f ,reign Missions. If
the remaining two-thirds will lend their assist.
ance, the debt will be entirely wiped out. and
a handsome surplus will remain.
We hope the Sabbath Schools in our South
ern church will notice this fact and follow the
good example. Our Secretary, DR.. Wilson,
addressed circular to them some months
since, and at the recent meeting of the As
sembly a resolution was passed, recommending
THAT the interest and benefactions of our
Sabbath School children should be enlisted in
this cause.
We know our Southern Sabbath Schools
are poor; that they are not furnished so large
ly with books and maps and papers, as the
Sabbath Schools at the North, aud many of
them need aid themselves; still there is that
withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth
to poverts-"Ie VIC pEsls- tAs blssslag al Sab.
bath SehoolinstructiOn as we should we shall
be constant in our efforts to extend this bless
ing over the world.
The Sabbath School of the Westminster
church, Baltimore, of which Dr. William J.
Hoge was once pastor, gave $500 in response
t. the appeal of the Northern church. Even
schools on missionary ground are engaging in
the work The last Foreign Missionary, says:
"A missionary from China, hearing of the
appeal, brought the matter before his
school, land when it was put to the vote,
every little hand was raised in favor of con
tributing all we can for this object. He writes
that, though very poor, they will raise ten
dollars When the news of our debt, and of
the action of the General Assembly, reached
Africa, a Sabbath School in Liberia deter
mined to raise sum of money to relieve the
wants of the Board, and it sends seven dollars
and fifty cents.
So important do we consider this matter
that we re-publish portions of DR.. Wilson's
circular to bring it again before our Sabbath
School officers:
To Superiatendents and Teachers of Sabbath
Schools:
Respected Christian Frends-The provi-
dence of God is calling US, as a Church, 10
take more important share in the great work
of evangelizing the heather nations of the
earth. During the long years of conflict, suf
fering and want, through which we have been
passing, we we're able to do little more than
carry on the missionary work among the South
ern Indians. But the time has come for us TO
extend these operations to the broader regions
of PaganiSm, and 1t is gratifying to know that
God is raising up men from among ourselves
to take the lead in this great enterprise
After mentioning the Mission of Mr.. Inslee
to China, DR.. Wilson states:
THAT for the establishment of schools for
both boys and girls, of high grade, our Com
mittee have determined to enlist the Sabbath
Schools OF the Church, so far as it shall be
found practicable, in this particular depart
ment of the work. Very much can be done in
this way, if the Superintendent and teachers
Of these schools will give the Committee their
hearty and earnest support. There Is no rea
son why our children should be excluded from
participation in this great work. They can
not only furnish material aid in carrying it on,
out will themselves derive great benefit from
being associated in so holy cause How can
they have a share in it, without partaking of
that moral elevation which 1t naturally In
spires2 They have the same great ends of
life to pursue, the same glorious Redeemer to
honor; aud why should not their youthful SYM
pathes be enlisted in the great work OF saving
lost aud ruined world?
The expense of supporting Chinese boy or
girl in one Of the above mentioned schools
would not exceed S35 per annum. Almost any
Sabbath School IN the land could raise this
amount, if proper pains were taken to bring
the contributions of the children together. In
many cases a sufficient sum might be raised to
educate two or more heather children; and in
some cases u single class might, during the
year, raise enough to support one pupil Col
ectiOns might be taken up in every Sabbath
School for this purpose once month, or often
er If deemed advisable The Committee of
Foreign Missions will see to it that all the Sab
oath Schools which engage in this work, shall
be kept well informed In relation to the cOndl
tiou aud progress of such schools in heather
lands as may be supported by their bounty
At the same time, the Committee desire the
address of all Sabbath School Superintendents,
hat they may have the means of communica
rng with the children under their care.
Aud now, Christian friends and brethren, we
have opened our minds to you In relation to
the great cause of Foreign Missions, and We |
have tried to show you how you may cooperate |
with US in carrying it on. May we not expect /