Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-11-21

the same relation to the public school that the
theological school bears to the university.
Further discussion of this question was post
peRed on account of lack of time, and the next
question, "What advantages are 10 be gained by
the continuance OF the system of uniform les
sons7" was taken mp. MIR. G. = Whitney, SUI
perintendent of the First Baptist Sunday school,
said that it was important that the largest
amount of Bible truth possible should be taught
in the short time allotted to the Sunday
school, This can best be accomplished by the
use of system of uniform questions, as it will
aid teachers in their preparations TO meet their
classes, will make it easier to fill vacancies in
classes, and causes a feeling of unity throughout
the school. Besides, the singing, the address,
and PRAYER at each session could be adapted 10
the subject assigned for the day, and black
boards and other methods of object teaching
could be more proftably employed. The system
of uniform questions also tends to give a more
thorough knowledge of the whole Bible, as
teachers left to themselves seldom choose sub
jects outside of the New Test ament
general discussion of the question followed,
participated in by Asa L, Burbank, Eben Shute
of Boston, Rev. Geo. B. Cow, Chas Ballard,
Henry A. Wheelock, Rev. Isaac R. Wheelock,
Rev. J. H. Tilton, and b. J. Blanchard, OF North
Uxbridge, {. f. Marston, b. F. Stowell and
others. Messrs. Burbank and Ballard spoke of
objections 10 the uniform lesson system, but
most of the other gentlemen warmly advocated
it. The afternoon session closed at about five
O'Clock.
The evening session was opened by singing
and prayer. The attendance was not large, but
the exercises were quite interesting and profit
able to Sunday school workers. The first gues-
ton for discussion was, "What is the relation of
the Sabbath school to the church, and its claim
on the church for watch care and support"
Rev. H. X. Pervear said that the Sabbath school
was originally the offspring of Christian spirit
among individual members Of church, rather
than of the church, as body. Practically it is
now a committee of the church to do the work
of the church, in a certain direction. As
committee it should OF course have the
right Of self government, but might at fixed
times be required to report progress if such in
formation was necessary. The nearer this
committee approached 10 committee of the
whole the better it would be. As TO watch care
and support the speaker insisted that it should
have both in the largest measure. } D. Smith,
principal OF the Worcester academy, followed in
the same line of thought, after which farther
discussion upon the subject was postponed.
The next question was, "What pro-
portion of the time devoted to pub
lie religious services on tie Sabbath
should be devoted to the Sabbath school," Rev.
Mr.. Cow opened the discussion. He argued
that one third of the time should be given to the
Sunday school, either the morning or afternoon
service, as should be found most convenient.
Even this time would be found too limited for
the amount and character of the work to be
done. Mr.. j. H. Walker followed, saying that
two hours was little enough to devote to
the exercises of theschool. Mr.. Bridg-
man, superintendent of Congrega-
tional school at Northampton, admitted
the Importance of the work, but argued that it
would be hard to find teachers who could in
terest their classes more than twenty minutes
or half an hour at time, and that injury rather
than good wonld result from longer session.
Rev. j. II. Tilton of North UXbridge also op-
posed the plan of holding a separate session for
the Sunday schools The discussion took d
wide range, embracing many of the questions
discussed during the day. The convention
voted to meet next year, and passed votes of
thanks to Mr.. Eben Shute of Boston for his adj
dress, and to the members of the First church for
their hospitality