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HISTORICAL NOTES ON OUR SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

No. II.-Early Efforts.

BY B. BALDWIN.

IN the General Baptist Magazine for 1800 a good friend commends the utility of Sunday schools, and urges giving addresses, or short lectures, every Lord'sday, to the scholars; and generously furnishes from his pen no less than fourteen such addresses as specimens, or in fact to be read in Sunday schools; they relate to the privileges and advantages of Sunday school instruction; to the excellence of the Bible; to the character and dignity of Christ; to the nature and consequences of the fall of man; to the importance of public worship; the formation of character, and youthful piety; and to various moral, social, and religious duties, all very plainly expressed, but in too sermonizing a style to be attractive to youth. A sagacious and thoughtful writer of the same date hints that ministers should regard the religious education of the young as only "second in importance in their various functions," (p. 333) and complains that hitherto the young had not been sufficiently instructed in the principles of the gospel, the consequence being that multitudes grew up in ignorance, and died without a saving knowledge of the truth. Such remarks as these led to frequent correspondence on the improvement of Sunday schools, and to appeals for the most vigorous exertions of Christian zeal.

As Sunday schools multiplied in the Midland Counties, where they had become in high esteem amongst the churches on account of their number and efficiency, the desire was felt for some means of intercourse between the teachers of the different schools, for the interchange of information and advice, and to stimulate each other in their good work. A meeting of delegates from each school was therefore convened at Kegworth, on April 18 and 19, 1808. Delegates and teachers from twenty-two General Baptist Sunday schools attended, to the number of a hundred-mostly young Christians who had heartily entered into their work. From the accounts given of the schools represented, it appeared that there were 2157 scholars, 395 teachers, and 17 assistants-these assistants being young people who had been honourably dismissed from their respective schools, and were now engaged in their turn in instructing others. The second of these "General Baptist Sunday School Assemblies," as they were called, was held at Loughborough, Sept. 26, 1808; Frederick Deacon, as on the former occasion, and some subsequent ones, being

Mr.

chosen chairman; and there were secretaries and moderators, all in due precision and order. Mr. F. Deacon, then a young man, took an active and prominent part in promoting Sunday schools in the Midland district. At this second assembly twentyfive schools were represented, containing 2403 scholars, 434 teachers, and 31 assistants. It was agreed to support the British and Foreign Bible Society. The teaching of arithmetic on the Lord's-day in

cases where it could not possibly be taught on week-days, was declared proper. The custom adopted by female teachers in the Nottingham school, of instructing some of the girls on the week evening in plain sewing, etc., was highly commended to the imitation of female teachers in general as a most laudable practice. A request was also preferred to Mr. F. Deacon, that he would write a letter to the churches where a Sunday school had not yet been established. He did this, urging their importance, and commending them both in a civil and religious view, and shewing that by the instruction of poor children in the principles and precepts of Christianity, they were most likely to become good, useful, honest, and happy members of society. He ably combated the idea, which is not quite worn out in some places yet, that the children of the poor ought not to be educated. About the same time Mr. Deacon and Mr. John Gamble undertook the joint authorship of a letter to Sunday school teachers on the motives that should actuate them while discharging their duties, pointing out that "real benevolence" was the only worthy motive, and that "diligence, punctuality, and general propriety of conduct," with an absence of moroseness and levity, ought to be conspicuous in the teacher's conduct.

Loughborough received the third assembly on May 23, 1809. Thirty-three schools were now represented, with 3,111 scholars, 538 teachers, and 33 assistants; and the progress, or otherwise, of each school was reported. Meetings of teachers for mutual improvement in reading were strongly recommended; reminding one of the young man of determined studious habits, who, while hurrying along with books under his arm, was met by a friend, but begged not to be detained, "because," said he, "my German class will be waiting for me." His friend replied, "Your German class! why, you don't know German, do you?" "No," said he, "but I want to know it!"

and thus, while teaching others, he was a learner himself. A Mr. Shipman was appointed to write a paper upon the best mode of communicating religious instruction to the young. This plan of appointing some suitable friend to write a paper on special subjects was frequently adopted; they added much interest to the meetings, and afforded scope for the talent and criticism of the teachers. In an article written in 1809, a wise protest is made against an evil which has grown to a fearful extent, and resulted in much precocious crime in our own day, namely, the reading of pernicious and sensational literature by the young. The writer, after referring to the rapidly increasing number of Sunday scholars, and expressing anxiety as to the kind of books provided for them in those days, says, "The press groans beneath innumerable fictions of the most monstrous complexion and mischievous tendency. The whole class of novels, whether amorous, sentimental, moral, or horrid, ought certainly to be kept out of the reach of children, especially poor children. The sixpenny, threepenny, twopenny, and even penny tales of horror, tales of mystery, Gothic stories, ancient romances, &c., &c., which burthen the book stalls, and darken the windows of many chandlers' shops, are equally pernicious; and being cheap and obtrusive, are more likely to fall into the hands of Sunday scholars. They fill the memory with foolish and unnatural ideas; corrupt the judgment by false and sophistical reasoning; and often, by improper maxims of honour and morality, vitiate the heart." It is refreshing to find our General Baptist predecessors in Sunday school work thus keenly alive to the insidious and treacherous evils which beset the minds of youth. In our day we are beginning at last to check these corrupting issues from the press by the strong hand of law, and I have no doubt that, ere long, there will be a call for far more restrictive and, I hope, suppressive measures to stay the torrent of literary corruption which pollutes, warps, and debases the minds and hearts of youth.

The fourth assembly of Sunday school delegates was held at Loughborough, June 12, 1810. Thirty-four schools reported, containing 3,417 scholars, 586 teachers, and 59 assistants. Attendance on alternate days was a good deal practised, but this assembly recommended teachers to attend every Sunday, as this promoted uniformity in the method of teaching, more rapid progress in the scholars, and inspired a greater degree of zeal in the breasts of the teachers. A gentle and persuasive mode of teaching was also advised. A tract was prepared at the request of the delegates by Mr. F. Deacon, detailing the plan of teaching to read which had been recently adopted in the Friar Lane school, Leicester: this was Lancaster's plan, with considerable improvements. Schools for adults were also advocated and recommended to the churches and teachers by this assembly.

The fifth assembly was held at Loughborough, June 4th, 1811, when the following schools were representedBarton, Beeston, Barlestone, Basford, New Basford, Bosworth, Castle Donington, Cauldwell, Derby, Diseworth, Hinckley, Hugglescote, Ilkeston, Kegworth, Leake, Archdeacon Lane, Friar Lane, Longford, Long Whatton, Loughborough, Melbourne, Newthorpe, Nottingham, Normanton, Packington, Quorndon, Rothley, Sawley, Smalley, Sutton Ashfield, Sutton Bonnington, Thurlaston, Ticknall, Wymeswold, Wolvey, Woodhouse Eaves-36 schools, with 3732 scholars, 585 teachers, and 53 assistants; the largest school being that at Nottingham, with 300 scholars; the second, Quorndon, with 186 scholars; and the third, Melbourne, with 180. The Melbourne teachers were invited to print a small work in illustration of a new method of teaching reading which they had adopted and found beneficial. A proposal was made to invite the teachers of other denominations to join the assembly, but a majority of these sturdy General Baptists were unfavourable.

FAMILIAR TALKS WITH OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.
No. II.-Looking Up.

A YOUTH of seventeen, reared amongst
country scenes, was suddenly and under
most painful circumstances removed to the
splendours, excitements, and temptations
of a great city. He was the youngest lad but
one of a large family, and a true and worthy
son of fond and loving parents. His home

D

With a

lacked no comfort, and his early days were passed in innocence and peace. courage that never flinched he had bravely withstood the evil example and bitter taunts of his older brothers. He was sharp, shrewd, and ambitious. He knew something of looking after sheep and tilling

fields; and his bright and sunny life was often visited with cheering visions of coming greatness and prosperity. He aimed high. Grovelling could not content him; for he meant to live a useful life, full of fruit as the richest and ripest shock of the cornfield, and brilliant as the sun when he shineth in his strength. He hated lies with perfect hatred, and was attached to truth and purity with all the ardour of a consuming passion. Best of all he knew the God of his fathers, and intended to serve Him; and as he had learnt to pray to Him, he did not fail of comfort when his first great trouble came upon him like a whirlwind and swept him away from all the comforts and joys of his youth.

He was not, however, long out of work. A gentleman holding a high position under Government, and possessed both of wealth and influence, and therefore able to reward faithfulness and devotion, took him as his servant. It was a most critical time. Everything was new to him. He was very anxious to succeed, and though not without doubts and fears, still he gave himself wholly to his work, resolved, like George Stephenson, the Father of English Railways, to understand every part of it well and to do it thoroughly. His heart was in his daily work. This was soon seen (for employers have quick eyes), and his master, delighted with his capacity, tact, industry, and truthfulness, raised him, in spite of his youth, to a foreman's place, and made him solely responsible for the management of all his affairs.

Alas! the well-earned cup of pleasure is dashed out of his hand just as he is beginning to drink of it. The future, just now all promise, is suddenly overcast. Misfortune swoops, like a carrion bird to its prey, down upon his prosperity. The youth who was straining his eyes for midday glories is enveloped with the darkness of an almost total eclipse. A foul temptation was wickedly laid in his path. But true hero that he was, he boldly and defiantly said "No" to his tempter, and leapt away as though he were on the very brink of hell. He had kept his soul pure. Like Daniel, he had been into the lion's den and come out alive. Like the three Hebrew youths, he had been in the fiery furnace, and yet was not consumed. But because he would not yield to the wiles of the wicked one, the exasperated deceiver was cruel and beartless enough to accuse him forthwith to his master of the very crime that he would not commit. Filled with anger at the supposed baseness and treachery of the servant he had trusted so much, his master at once condemned him, and had him thrust into prison.

Could any trial have been greater There he is, a stranger in a strange land,

separated from and beyond the reach of all communications with his friends, without a solitary word of sympathy to cheer him, falsely accused of a base crime, cast into a dungeon, iron fetters eating their way into his quivering flesh, and nothing to comfort him except the assurance of his purity and the sweet presence of his God. Ah! blessed and glorious exception! Earth's stars ceased to shine, but the light of the Sun of heaven still blazed forth. Better to have the calm peace and gentle joy of a good conscience and of the present God, than the wealth of worlds, the honours of princes, and the loudest fame of all the great. Here is a well of consolation that never runs dry, a fire that can never be put out. Stone walls, iron bars, and human injustice are to the upright as the gates of Gaza were to Samson. They still hold on their way, and carry their barriers with them to the summits of integrity and victory. Out of the deep, dark, damp prison-house the afflicted youth looked up to his father in heaven, poured out his heart before Him, and received the gladdening message that his righteousness, now so utterly beclouded, should go forth as the clear sunlight, and his judgment as the noonday. And though the fulfilment of the promise tarried, yet God was faithful, and under His gracious guidance Joseph, the son of Jacob, was made, at thirty, the Prime Minister of the King and country of Egypt.

A more recent prison scene is so vividly impressed on my memory, that I shall never forget it as long as I live. William Robinson, a youth of fine abilities, came up to London from the Midlands to take his place as a clerk in the Post Office. No one could have promised fairer than he. His training had been pious, his disposition was amiable, and his friends thought that there was something good in his heart towards the Lord God of Israel. For some time he was very regular in his attendance upon the means of grace, and seemed to covet the pleasures of religious society. But bye and bye his visits to the house of God were less frequent, and his appearance when there less happy than formerly, and at length I missed him altogether, and could get no clue to him. About two years afterwards I was asked to visit him at the Old Bailey. Poor youth! how sad and dejected he was, and with what earnestness he deplored the evil hour in which he gave way to temptation. He had, it seemed, fallen in with careless companions, and preferred their friendship to his earlier acquaintances at the house of God. He misspent the Sabbath, then he devoted his evenings to sinful pleasures, and as such pleasures were expensive, he suffered himself to take money to pay for

them out of the letters that passed through his hands. I can hear his words now, "O sir, I have ruined myself, broken my poor mother's heart, and forgotten God, and now He has forgotten me! What shall I do?"

Yes, youth is strong, very strong. It burns to fever heat with a generous courage, and blazes into enthusiasm even over trifles. It dares anything and everything. Hope never dies. It thinks little of to-morrow's cares, and rejoices with unstinted delight in its deep-breathing healthfulness. Life overflows. It is full of spring, rebounds after labour with a marvellous elasticity. But my dear young friends, let me beg you to think for a moment that Youth is not all strength. It has some weakness, and even much of its strength is like the fatal gift of beauty, a most dangerous possession. Although the glory of young people is their strength, yet if they glory in it, it is their snare; and life becomes a wild rainbow chase if they do not seek help from Him, "without whom we can do nothing." All temptation is not shut up in great cities. Joseph won his battles at home before he triumphed so gloriously in the house of Potiphar. Fierce temptations lurk within the breast. The imagination is evil. The mind has the taint of impurity. It craves pleasures so eagerly that it often prefers the false to the true, and takes hold of Esau's pottage, though at the risk of losing the right to peace and prosperity. Youth naturally lacks experience, is very credulous, and may soon be misled by wicked guides. Dangers crowd around you on every hand, as the Germans round Paris. You need a Divine Helper and Guide. You want the God of Joseph with you. Trust Him. Make Him the guide of your youth. He will be your shield in temptation, and your refuge in trouble. Remember that you are nothing without Him. Meet

the Goliaths of temptation in the faith of David. "Thou comest to me with a sword and with a spear, and with a shield, but I am come to thee in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel whom thou hast defied."

Look up to God for help, and so change your weakness into His strength. Never let a day pass without many prayers. Strike the key-note of every day with prayer, and send a glance of the soul to God wherever you are. It will help you wonderfully. Prayer is the hand that holds the rudder of your ship true to its course. Fix set occasions and places for communion with God, and seek to make the hour of prayer the gladdest and sweetest of all the day. Trees do not grow without light and air; nor souls without fellowship with God. Flowers seek sunshine. So you seek the Lord in prayer. He who prays well studies well, yea does everything better for it, be it work in the school, the factory, the mill, or the home. Give God your heart in prayer. Think your prayers; don't merely say them. don't pray mechanically. "If you pray by your watch, probably your watch will soon pray as well as you do." Prayer wants learning. A babe does not talk to its mother straight off, nor a young Christian with God. You must stick at it. Pray short. Say what you want, and then stop. But never give up because you are mocked by your companions. God sees you as well as they. His eye is upon you, and His ear open to your cry. Look up to Him. He loves you. Is your aim right, then. Looking up to Him is the right way to follow on towards the goal. "Not of human armour boasting,

Do we venture to the field;

In defence so feeble trusting,
Soon we should be forced to yield.
God of Israel,

But

Be Thyself our sword and shield."
J. CLIFFORD.

DEAN ALFORD.

WITH unfeigned regret we record in our columns the death of Dr. Alford, Dean of Canterbury. His removal is a great loss to the whole Christian church in these realms. The interests of Christian union and of religious equality could ill afford to spare one whose catholicity of spirit, fearless speech, generous judgment, and fairness in dealing with dissentients, had endeared him to so many hearts. As poet, philosopher, preacher, editor, and above all as an expounder of the New Testament, not less by his beautiful and manly piety than by his books, he has laid the church under perpetual obligation. He was one

of the most earnest, devout, and useful preachers of the Episcopal Church. For eighteen years, as many of our readers in the Midlands will know, he held the vicarage of Wymeswold, Leicestershire; and though it is seventeen years since he exchanged that for the Incumbency of Quebec Chapel, London, his name is still fragrant not only in the recollection of his Conforming but also in that of his Nonconforming parishioners. He died full of works. We cherish his memory as that of one of the ablest expounders of the New Testament, and of the brightest examples of a largehearted Christianity, seen in recent times.

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THE TREASURY OF DAVID. By C. H. Spurgeon. Vol. II. 8s. London: Passmore & Alabaster.

In less than a twelvemonth since the publication of the first vol. (see General Baptist Magazine, 1870, page 87) of Mr. Spurgeon's Treasury of David, we are favoured with the second, containing an exposition of Psalms xxvii. to lii. inclusive. This additional instalment lacks none of the merits which made the first so deservedly and extensively popular; and as it comprises some of the choicer portions of the Book of Psalms, such as the xlvi., the grand war song of the beleaguered people of God, ending with the thrilling shout, "the Lord of Hosts is with us;" and the li., David's penitential cry, "hallowed by thousands who have since found it the best expression of their sacred emotions;" and also the xxxvii., the didactic song of the Psalmist's old age; it more brilliantly exhibits the admirable qualities which characterize this remarkable production. The method is clear and effective. After a few introductory words explaining the title, occasion, and subject of the poem, we have an exposition of the authorized version, expressed in terse and homely Saxon language, and full to overflowing of scriptural truth, practical sense, gracious unction, and spiritual force. This is followed by a set of extracts, occupying often twice the room of the exposition, selected with great care and labour, and containing many "feathers for arrows" plucked from birds of every wing. Next we get a series of hints for village preachers, valuable as germs that in thoughtful minds will not

T. N.

fail to grow and bring forth fruit. The whole is crowned with the book-lore of each psalm.

The spirit of the work is even more excellent, if possible, than the method, and may be described in the one word, Puritanic. The old Puritanic fervour, intense and boiling earnestness, vivid realizing of eternal things, and face-to-face vision of the Deity, appear in the exposi tion and govern the selection of the quotations. And in this respect Mr. Spurgeon is more fitted than any living writer for the great work he has undertaken. He possesses all those attributes which enable a man to get at the pith and marrow of the Psalms, and which, being in others, have rendered Puritan literature so rich in its contribution to his store of illustrations. The work is executed with unfaltering thoroughness, immense painstaking, and enviable accuracy. From our experience of the value of these books, we should urge every minister to get them; and we are sure that Christians of every name will find them amongst the most useful aids to the religious life they can possess.

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