The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-01-16
PLACE AND FUNCTION OF THE
SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
BY REV. STEPHEN HERBERT Robin.

III.
Again, it is the function OF the Sun
day sshool to develop character. In
many instances the influence of the home
is anything but right. In some quarters
it is vicious, in many others it is indiffer-
emf. Even where the influence is of the
best. the Sunday-school may be an i'm
portant ally. 1t will never do to over
look this phase of work, for it should lie
at the very core of our endeavor. If we
could have standing before US today
those whose characters have been
strengthened by the work of the Sun.
day-school, what a great company would
be here! Countless thousands, rank be-
hind rank, like mighty army. On the
other hand, could we see The number
neglected by our Sunday schools. al
lowed to come in and go out without an
impress of positive good being made up
on them. what a multitude would dark
en- our vision and sadden our hearts!
The church would have its membership,
consecrated. noble, righteous. How i'm
portant that our schools seek for these
attainments 1t is within the province
of the Sunday-school TO add materially
to the good reputation and the good
character of almost all those who come
into its courts. There are many who
Think impression very temporary, and
are therefore careless of the sort they
make. This is grave error. 1t has
done incalculable harm. Every teacher
in the world should especially have the
conviction that impression is one of the
most lasting and powerful forces we
have to deal with. mighty for good or
mighty for evil. l stood one day on the
corner of two principal thoroughfares in
New York. A smart looking young
man spoke to me. you do not remem-
Der me-" he said. | answered. mo"
well, l am George, and used to be
in your Sunday school class in g." Then
recalled him. He had caused me no
little anxiety; for he was quite shiftless
and Indifferent as rule, though l plain
ly saw there were good spots in his make
up. l expected, however. he would lead
somewhat aimless life. But this day
met him l discovered great change.
He showed the marks of industry. de-
termination, success. "Well, George
l said, show are you getting on?" Fine
ly." he replied Don't you remember"
he continued, Saying to US one day in
the class that every one who has got
anything in him is called upon by man
and God to bring that out for the good
OF mankind? l pondered over that
good deal. and am trying to see how
much there is in me to be brought out"
I had entirely forgotten the saying; but
today that young man occupies very
prominent position on one of the fore
most periodicals of the metropolis, and
attributes his success to the impression
made upon him years ago by momen-
tary exhortation in the Sunday-school
class.
We must not forget that John B.
Cough was set toward the right by a
kind word and friendly hand placed
upon his shoulder; that jerry Nc
Cauley. almost in the midst of drunk
en- debauch, was impressed with the feel
ing that he was all wrong. and must
begin to live a better life From that
hour he dedicated himself to the service
of the good. The McCauley Mission
and a great cloud of witnesses testify to
the noble way this man kept faith with
himself. Impressions are lasting. The
great Roman Catholic church realizes
how much so. and practically says.
"Give me your children to train until
they are seven years of age, and you