The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-11-03
Presbytery of Paducah

Net at Newstead Christian county, KY, on Octo-
Der Sth, and was opened with sermon by Rev. W.
Il. Thompson, of Columbus. Moderator. Rev. s.
W. Mitchell, from the Presbytery of Vincennes
Ind, was received on examination and certificate as
member of this Presbytery.
SABBATH SCHOOLS.
The Minutes of the General Assembly call the at.
tenton of the Presbyteres to the importance of
Sabbath Schools, and select committee was ap.
pointed, which reported the following paper, to
whichwe call the special of all our churches.
The committee would call the attention of our
people, and especially or church sessions to the
subject of Sabbath Schools, as recommended by our
last General Assembly.
l. That our church sessions, as far as practicable
secure the organization of Sabbath School in each
of our congregations to be conducted under their
immediate control and supervision, the pastor or
minister in charge being always ex ofico superin-
tendent OF the school, with an assistant superinten-
dent in his absence.
2. That the session appoint the assistant superin-
tendent, all the teachers and other officers of the
school, secure such an organization, and keep such
record as will enable them to report to Presbytery
on the first of April each year the following items
viz:
lst The names OF the Superintendent, and other
officers of the schools.
2nd. The number of teachers and pupils, males
and the numbers and names of the papers taken.
Sd. The amount of money collected during the
year by. and for the school, and in what way applied.
The committee most earnestly recommend that
our church officers and members wake up to the
great Importance of this sub ect and that an earnest
and prayeru effort be made to bring the children Of
the church, and the entire youth of their respective
communities under Sabbath School influences, and
that the institutions be so conducted as to make
them the nurseries of true religion and sound in.
struction. As to the mode and end of conducting
suchNschools, while singing, reading and expoundng
the Scriptures and other exercises should be con.
Quoted in such way as to interest and enlist the
greatest amount of attention, and make the school
pleasant and not dry and irksome to the children;
yet should carefully guard against the free intro.
ductOn of those novelties of modern times, which
have tendency merely to please the fancy, whilst
they too often lead the hearts of the young away
from Christ, cultivatiHg in them ytiated taste ad-
verse to all sound instruction, and giving them dis
for the Scrptural ordinances of the house of
God.
In view of the amentable sparseness Of the at
tendance of youth upon the regular services of
the sanctuary and the general dissertation of the
Sabbath by remaining at home and reading improper
books we recommend:
1st. That all Sabbath Schools hold their sessions
at such hours in the morning will enable them to
complete the duties of the school in time for all the
children to attend public worship.
I'd. That parents be instructed and exhorted earn
estly to that their children attend public wor-
ship, the only way to train them up in the nurture
of the Lord, and in the formation of good habits
and with true Christian sentiments.
3D. That Sabbath afternoons should be devoted
to reading and memorzing the Scriptures and cate.
chism, and to the study of such other books as will
most improve the hearts and minds in forming such
habits should be cultivated in Christian fam
lilies.
4. That we greatly deplore the neglect of private
family instruction the part of parents, and the
prevalent disposition to hand to Sabbath schools
the entire instruction of our youth.
The Presbytery after most harmonious and
pleasant meeting adjourned to meet in Morganfeld,
Ky, on Friday, before the third Sabbath in April,
1870, at o'clock. }. T. HENDRIcK,
Stated Clerk.