Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1868-11-15
SABBATH SCHOOLS.
ARTICLE I.

JlOn on last Sunday. This should be
source Of qualification to our whole con
munity, whether as Christians or Other
wise. Any one who thinks concerning
this matter, must conclude that the jus
and complete development Of the Sabbat
School interest is vital and all-importan
20 the prosperity Of the Church, and th
future OF the rising generation.
Therefore as an humble laborer il
the great Sunday School army, an
prompted by an earnest desire to see thi
work 60 on, have thought that serie
OF articles upon the purposes, results an,
demands Of the Sabbath Schools, nigh
contribute in some degree TO carry it for
ward. In beginning these articles, t,
you and others who are interested in tn
complete success Of this grand christian
iziug agency, let me bespeak you
kind indulgence, and ask you to criticise
and ponder what may be inclined tt
write. trust, through the blessing o
God, that they may be useful to many
and at the same time be the instrument
Of suggesting other aud better thoughts
to ether minds. If they shall but incitt
Christians and Sabbath School teachers
TO thought, inquiry, and even writing
against the views they contain, they will
do good. But they will do far more
good should it arouse them from indifer-
ence in this work, and be the means Of
suggesting the devotion which should
Characterize all their labors therein
Conscientious thought and inquiry can
lead to but one result, and with that the
aim and end Of these articles will be Sc
far attained.
As before remarked, The purpose, the
results, and the demands of Sabbath
Schools will form the basis of our re-
marks, either Of which are capable Of
numerous subdivisions, and on either Of
which much can be said. This, without
further prelude, brings us to the very
practical question What are the legit-
innate purposes Of the Sabbath
SCHOOL, This question is most difficult
to answer, as we are apt to blend to-
gether the purpose and result. Indeed,
some may say that the distinction is too
analytical But deem it self-ev.dent,
that, comparatively speaking, one is the
cause, the other the effect. My own
answer to this question, arising from views
long cherished, and from what I conceive
to be It's proper scope, would include
several important particulars.
would say that it is, first, the work
ing fundamentally to tic the basis
Of a true and citGl Christianity.
This becomes evident when we
consider the plastic nature of the youth
lul mind and affections, in connection
with the fact that the influence of the
Sabbath School mainly operates upon the
children. Now, of course, the Bible
must be the guide for all Sunday Schools,
and from thence must be drawn their
governing Precepts. To teach its truths
correctly, make them plain, and point
out clearly the great plan Of salvation
must be the aim Of every efficient worker
in this cause. Then here are two indis-
putaJle facts, namely, the outstanding
purpose Of Sabbath School teachings, and
the impressibiIity Of the mind and affec-
tons Of those who are to receive them.
There is a power in this religious pur-
pose which rises above and beyond edu-
cation, generally speaking. Why so
Because, while it is true that the young
mind viii relish and grasp knowledge
properly presented, and that however in
judicious the training, nothing can crust
out the desire sto know, still chill.
dren have often to be forced t
study and learn. The sullen schoo
girl, and tardy school boy are pToverbial
as we well know. Just here Sabbath
1.hool teaching, properly considered and
rightly applied, comes in in answer t
the desire of children to learn, and, ex
cluding the disagreeable, presents only
the attractive features Of knowledge
That Is to say, force is not known; love
is its law; happiness is its end. But tn
main secret of this religious teaching j
vet to be revealed. That secret consist
in the fact that it meets an inquiry 0
human nature which belongs as well t
youth as 20 mature age. In short,
mean the instructive religious desires @
our nature, which we may deny. Ju
never can crush out. Thisiuquirv. who's
solution humanity has vainly sought
save through the eve Of christian hop
and faith, is all explained in the teaching
OF The Sabbath School, and the gospC
plan of redemption there made clear. T
his point the youthful mind is directed
As before remarked, when it is most in
prcssiblc. 4 desire for knowledge, and fC
religious knowledge is thus met and tn
aspirations OF both are directed into tn
proper channel The child instinctiyel
asks, Who made me? What am |? Wh6
does life mean? just then the Sabbat
School with It's instruction and trainin
answers each question, and plants tn
gem of christian principle and charaCte
Thus we see the complete manner !
which the Sabbath School can and doe
meet the desire Of the young for religion
knowledge, and develop their first Year,
ings after higher and holier things.
Mr.. Editor, here | will close this fir
article. l have simply developed my il
tended plan Of discussing the subject, ar
dwelt upon the manner in which Il
Sabbath School meets the demands
our religious nature. There are mar
other reasons why we should deem Il
Sabbath School the great agency, to l.
broad and deep the foundations Of q Wit
Christianity. These resons | shall S
forth hereafter. EEBITAs.