Year: 1876

Mr.. President, AND FRIENDS or THE
SABBATH SCHOOL: The institution Of the
Sabbath School probably owes its origin,
as far back as the days OF Robert Raikes,
who it is said was the founder Of Modern
Sunday Schools. When we deliberate
upon the magnitude and originality OF
this mighty institution. and its almost
unbounded influence to-day, we stand
aghast, and are led to wonder at the al
most superhuman ability Of its inventor.
The partially existing idea Of Sabbath
Schools, which had been for some time
extant in the world, and the notion OF
which had perhaps existed temporarily,
found in the person Of r. Raikes its ac-
tual founder. Having cleaned from OBJ
servation, the different notions pertain
ing to a Sunday School, and combining
them with original ideas Of his own. he
contrived to introduce what is now
known as the Modern Sunday School.
This subject Of Sabbath School may be to
many Of you an ''old story" but so is the
STORY OF the Cross !" hence on that &C.
count it is none the less important No
indeedl Although it has been the topic
of discussion for many years in the past,
yet its character and importance re-
mains, and its effectiveness and glorious
results are the same. As its consequen-
ces have been felt in the past, so they
will continue to be felt in the future.
The effulgent rays of Sabbath School doc
trine will shine forth into the dark re-
cesses Of the earth. and make joyful the
homes Of wretchedness.


The Sabbath School Do we, my
friends, fully comprehend its glorious
magnanimity2 Ah, who can conceive Of
its mighty power, as it pushes its way
over every difficulty, surmounting every
obstacle, and pouring its resistless cur
rent into every nook and corner Of Gods
universe, and finally merging into the
broad ocean OF truth and happiness. In
its relation to the church. Inasmuch as
John the Baptist was the forerunner Of
Christ, so also may be said with propri-
ETY., that the Sabbath School is the fore
runner of the church 1t goes before.
Preparing the hearts of the children for
the reception OF the Gospel. And yet
not before, for the Sabbath School and
church should 60 hand in hand. Bound
together as it were by the ties Of common
sisterhood, in aim and object they should
be one and inseparable. Again the Sab
b. tn School is noble institution, be
cause of its relation to God. If not di-
rectly in relation to the Supreme Ruler
of the universe, its principles, its doc
trines are his attributes; its foundation
the Gospel Of Christ, and its aim the sal.
walton OF the youth. 1t is an institution
Of God, because of the blessings which he
has made to attend it, Since the Sab
bath School has had an existence, it has
full hand OF the Creator. The process
and erection Of this noble structure, has
been under His direct influence, and to-
day, its humble yet mighty power fills
almost the entire world, reaching even
into the far off lands of heathenism.


Ny Fellow Sabbath School Laborers
In view then of the character Of the Sab
bath School, what we need is more and
better work !" more thorough efficient
laboring together for the promotion Of
the cause. May God bless our efforts.


As the Centennial Sun of the Inde-
pendence of our country shines upon us
to-day, little less than one hundred
years Of our history as Sabbath School,
have passed into non-existence. And
what are the results2 From the ruder
system of Sunday Schools established
fifty, sixty, or one hundred years ago, we
have merged into a more perfect institu-
tion. We have become a great Sunday
School army, mighty because Of our many
conquests over sin, powerful because
united, glorious because Christ is our
leader, and enduring because founded
upon God. 1t is OF course difficult for US
at present, to realize the opposition and
repugnance. with which the Sabbath
School was met in its comparative infan-
cy. But we do know, that amid all it,
l
prejudices, that it has proved itself tri-
umphant, and at last gained a victory,
which will make it lasting as eternity.


The glorious ranks of the Sunday
School is already one of the prominent
features in the progress Of our country.
Its alI-powerful influence for good" is
being felt throughout the length and
breadth OF this mighty land. The youth
are being brought under its holy and sa-
/ cred influences, and the great truths oi
morality indeiibly fixed and fastened up.
on their tender minds; religious impres
sions made whose influence shall only
cease when life j. at an end; seeds sown
whose fruits shall be the peaceable fruits
Of righteousness gospel truths establish
ed, that shall never be forgotten prin-
ciples engrafted, whose roots shall sink
deeper and more firmly into the soil Of
humanity, finally taking possession Of
the heart, cleansing 1t from all sin unto
salvation. How necessary how much
more necessary at this present age is it.,
that we secure the hearts Of the children


knowing as we do their precociousness,
the early development of maturity in
them, and the many and manifold allure
ments and temptations, to which they
are subject. What is more adequate to
the conversion of mankind, than to gain
the hearts Of the children2 If the future
generations, that are to follow this, dur
ing the next one hundred years TO come,
shall succeed in achieving this glorious
conquest, then will the mission Of the