Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1891-10-31
ITHE SUNDAY SCHOOL.



The following paper was read before
the Troy Township Sabbath School
Convention by D. G. VanVorhis, and
by request of u number who were pres
cnt, the paper is published in the
JOURNAL In full.
When I consider the great RESPONSE
hfRity resting upon the Sunday school,
that the character Of the future men
and wOmon. the coming citizens OF onr
country, depend largely upon the
Influence that the Sunday school Of
tl.day excitcs upon the minds and
hearts of the BOYS and girls of the
present generations; yea, that the
future weel or woe of society and the
prosperity and usefulness of the church
depends to u great degree upon how
we'll the Sunday school performs Its
mission of educating our boys and
girls to n knowledge of their RESPONSE
bility to God, and the duties that
develOpe upon hIs followers. l am led
to inquire-how may the Sunday school
become a greater power for good and
thus more fully accomplish the grand
work ii is called upon to perform
II | shall be enabled to present any
thoughts here to-day that will stimu-
late the Sunday school workers of
Troy township to renewed efforts and
inspire them with greater zeal for the
grand work in which they are cugaged,
and to II fuller consecration to the
Masters cause, | shall feel that
have accomplished tine chief purpose
Of this brief paper.
In presenting my idea of conducting
Sunday schools, L wish to submit the
following propositions. The success OF
Sunday schools depends
1st. Upon the character and qlallfi-
cations of the officers and teachers.
"a, Vson the methods pursued.
Sd. Upon the nature and quality OF
music; and
4th. Upon the quality and quantity
of the literature used by the school.
Ibelieve that in order that the Sun
day school may reach the degree OF
proficiency and accomplish the most
satisfactory results that its officers and
teachers should be Jealous christian
men and women in whom the people of
the community can and do place un-
Il, L. I'D |
there are many earnest christian work
ers who take issue with me on this
point and produce quite plausible argu-
ments that it is not only admissible but
advisable to place unconverted young
men and women in certain official
positions in the Sunday school.
/ believe that the inconsistency Ct
this position will readily be seen when
we fully appreciate this fact that the
officers and teachers of the Sunday
school constitute the working force Ol
an organization whose central idea is
to bring the youths of the land to the
prOtals of the church and to Il saving
knowledge OF the Redeemer of man.
kind. / maintain that it would be
as consistent to employ an unlearned
person to instruct Il class in mathemat
les as il is to place an unsaved person
in the Sunday school to aid in teaching
the grand truths of the Bible to which
he refuses to give het d.
hn nf hn ApI
school depends largely upon the quail.
fication of the officers and teachers
Especially is this true of the Superin
tendent and teachers of the Sunda,
school.
The Superintendent should posses
great executive ability, for upon hin
devOlves the oversight of all the work
ings of his school. He should also be wei
informed in all the details of Sunda
school work that he may be able t
counsel and advise his teachers an
officers in their different fields of labor
The mechanic makes especial prepa
ration for the work in which he intend
to engage; the doctor, the lawyer an
the public school teacher studies t
make himself proficient in his chose
profession. So should the Sunda
school teacher, whose field OF labor
of far more Importance than any OF tn
professions named, make at least Il
the preparation for his work that Ii,
in his power.
To this end he should be a clos
student of the Bible and Bible Histor
that he may be able to impart Bib
teachings to his class. He should kee
thoroughly informed in Sunday scho
work that he may Re enabled 10 app
all modern helps in his class work.
The Sunday school teacher shou
have stated meetings at least once
week for the purpose of studying tt
lesson for the following Sabbath al
commenting upon the same, there
helping each other to successful
prosecute his work
Another very essential qualificati
of the Sunday school officers and teac
ers is punctuality. Too much can n
be said in condemnation of the earle.
ness and indifference with which sor
officers and teachers of the Sund
school regard this matter. Teachc
81 4 ln