Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-01-04
Families In the Sunday-School.

There is a strong cord binding the true
Christian family to the several departments
OF the church. Yet how many of our fami-
lies occupying the pew are content there
with, and are uninterested and indifferent
concerning the various channels of useful
ness needing helpers to advance the cause of
our Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps the Sunday
school work is neglected more by many Of
our church families than any other work of
church life. The family being divine in
stitution, in order to maintain its sacred
ness and enjoy heavenly blessings, should
form an important part of every organiza-
ton effected through Bibls counsel. 1t
would be foolhardy for any one in our day
to proclaim that the Sunday-school is not of
God. Thousands of precious souls are
through this holy instrumentality brought
TO Christ in the pardon of sin, and adopted
into the holy family. Every head of the
family in the church is expected TO con-
tribute, not only money, not only the chill
dren, but himself also. Wherever this is
possible and practiced our success among
the families outside of the church is very
much increased. 1t is undeniable that one
reason why 80 many unsaved families with
their children fail to attend Sunday-school
is found in the fact that 80 many profession
ally saved families idle the Sunday y-school
hour away by non-attendance. The family
pew in congregational service, when occu-
pied by all the members of the household, is
an impressive sight-father, mother, sons,
aud daughters sitting together listening to
the precious gospel, singing the good songs
of Zion, and worshiping God in the L" beauty
of holiness" Thus should it be in our Sum
day.schools. When the hour of Sunday.
ophOOl arrivao 10 nit tbatr
should direct their feet toward the school of
Bible instruction. What a hallowed effect
this would have upon the boys and girls !;
how salutary an influence it would exert
upon our non-going neighbors. Moreover,
our own individual experience would be
much sweeter, our lives would be much bet.
ter, and our hopes of immortality would be
more assuring. We have our intermediate
primary, aud other departments Of Sunday
school life, to which should be added the
parental room, for delinquents. Appoint
the little ones as committees of invitation
each little boy and girl asking their own
parents to attend the services Of the Bible
school. The result of "Families in the
Sunday-school will be marked in several
respects. First, it will enlarge the attend
ance, aud thus increase the interest. The
larger the school, the greater the interest.
|
This is very desirable. Every Sunday
school board of officers should look up this
important part of their duties. Second, il
will be mutually beneficial. Children will
be encouraged, parents will rejoice, and all
together will inspire many others to "come
taste, and see that the Lord is good" Third
it will add to the enjoyments Of our home
circles. The lessons, with the excellent
helps, will be more interesting. We will
read, we will talk, we will sing, we will pray
all about the Sunday school lesson. Fourth
the souls of the little folks will be trained
for God. They will be developed in early
life in the right paths. Seed will find good
soil in which to grow and become fruitful.
Gods blessing will rest upon them, and the
church will be greatly blessed through them.
All thy children shall be taught of the
Lord and great shall be the peace of thy
children" Rec. w. Adair Dickson.