Suppose you loan a book to a friend, would you not consider it his imperative duty to take the best of care of it, as though it were his own, and return it in as good condition as it was when taken? Certainly you would. Then the same duty devolves upon you, as a member of the Sunday school. The school lends you books, and expects you to take good care of them, and return them early. This is no trifling duty. If you have a right to be negligent, every other scholar must have the same right, and the Library would be speedily ruined. Thus your negligence greatly wrongs others. Therefore, children,take care of your books.
I know a darling little girl,With silky, chestnut hair,Which falls in many a dancing curl,Around her shoulders fair.
Her eyes are very dark and soft,And round their curtained bed,I've seen the fairy smiles full oftTheir radiant beauty shed.
Her very tears are like the rainWhich falls in summer's hour;Quick turned to glittering gems again,As sun succeeds to shower.
This witching child is very small;Her feeble, tiny hands,Can scarcely tend the mammoth doll,Which so much care demands.
Then, though her voice is very sweet,She does but little moreThan simple childish songs repeat,And prattle baby lore.
She cannot skip, for ah! she's lame;One soft, white foot deniesIts aid, her body to sustain,And weak and powerless lies.
Yet, strange to say, a crown she wears,Which claims our homage mute;And in her hand a sceptre bears,Whose sway we ne'er dispute.
From whence doth come the wondrous powerShe never fails to wield—Making strong hearts and wills, each hour,Toherlight wishes yield?
If but a touch of grief appearTo veil that bright, pure face;If sickness cast its shadows there,Or pain its dark lines trace;
How anxious every means we take,The ill to drive away!And cheerfully, for her dear sake,Would watch both night and day.
And when the light of coming healthBrightens that clear, dark eye,What joy is ours! priceless wealth,Earth's gold can never buy.
She makes us cast aside our book,Though filled with learning rare;To work is vain, when fun's arch lookThose beaming features wear.
Whence is this spell? I can but thinkThat, in sweet childhood's hour,E'er yet the soul has learned to drinkFrom knowledge' fount of power;
Or felt what virtue is, or knownLife's sins, not yet begun;Or seen how thick life's path is strownWith dangers it must shun;
A spirit pure doth come, to dwellIn these fresh-bursting minds,Who weaves round them the powerful spellOur hearts so firmly binds;
Our holier thoughts through them to wake;Our earth-dimmed vision clear;And throughtheirpurity, to makeAllholy things more dear.
If so, where speeds that spirit, whenThe soul has gathered strength—The child, become with busy men,A busy man at length?
Where hasourchildhood's spirit gone?How havewelost the charm,Thus thrown around life's early morn,Keeping us safe from harm?
Ay! whither speeds it? Rather sayIs it not always by,Though, through the dust of life's noonday,We may not see it nigh;
Nor when dark clouds of sin would veilAllglory from our sight;And make both heart and hope to fail,And brightness turn to night?
But when, midst virtue's clearer air,The eye no hindrance knows,How radiant stands the angel there!What holy gifts bestows!
My darling niece, whose form of graceHas made these thoughts arise,I'm sure this angel oft I traceIn those clear depths—thine eyes.
And bursting forth from my full heart,My prayers to heaven ascend,That earth's dark changes ne'er may partThee and thy angel friend.
That purity may always beThe medium, clear and bright,Through which may ever shine on theeHeaven's own unclouded light.
The Teachers' Library connected with the School street Universalist Sunday school, was commenced in 1841, when 67 volumes were collected for that purpose.—Great care has been taken in selecting volumes for this library. At this time, 1850, it numbers 194 valuable books.
The foundation of the Scholars' Library, connected with the School street Universalist Sunday school, was laid in the year 1835. The number of volumes, in 1840, amounted to 400, of which 100 needed repairing. Some 50 volumes were added during 1841. Additions continued to be made from year to year, till the spring of 1850, when the number was increased to 700 volumes.
Little Agatha was a Sabbath school scholar. She lived in a rural district of Scotland. Her father's dwelling was surrounded by trees and flowers, and near by a little sparkling rivulet wandered onward, now murmuring along by its rocky bed and dancing over bright pebbles, and now wending its way silently through the valley, journeying onward to mingle with kindred waters.
Agatha loved to roam through these shady glens, and often would she stand upon the margin of the little stream, and, gazing down, fancy that she saw a beautiful little angel in the pure waters. She sometimes waited a long time, hoping it might speak to her, little dreaming that her sweet angel was but the reflection of her own innocent face and golden ringlets from the mirrored surface. She loved the little brook, and walked among the wild flowers upon its banks, herself as pure and innocent as Spring's earliest blossoms. She was never lonely in her rural bowers; for the brook, the birds, and the flowers, ever spoke to her heart in tones of love.
But one day her teacher told her that wicked spirits were ever flying about, trying to lead away little children into their company, and make them as wicked as themselves. This much disquieted Agatha, for she had never learned before that aught existed save innocence and joy. At first, she feared to wander out alone, into the "great temple of nature," as she was wont, lest she should meet some of those malicious beings. She dared not look into the pure waters, fearing that, instead of the beautiful angel which so often met her gaze, hideous forms might rise and drag her away into their bad company.
But her heart was soon quieted again; for her teacher also told her, that good beings come down from the Spirit-land, to watch over little children, and drive the wicked ones away. So Agatha no longer feared to visit her favorite haunts, for she besought the good spirits to be her guardians. And when at night she retired to her little couch, she prayed the kind angels to watch over and protect her from evil spirits. And her prayer was answered, for none but good spirits ever visited the heart of Agatha. She was always punctual at Sabbath school; and one day after looking around in vain for one of her mates, she was very much troubled to learn that she had been led a long way off, by a company of evil spirits. She longed to tear the unfortunate victim from their grasp; but her teacher told her, that the celestial beings alone could save her, and she must pray to them.
So Agatha went home, and walked out among the flowers, thinking the celestial spirits would delight to linger in so pure a spot, and kneeling amid a cluster of roses, she prayed them to fly to the rescue of her misled companion. And everywhere that Agatha thought pure enough for the abode of the good spirits, would she go and pray that her friend might be restored. At night she would look up to the stars, and entreat the same good beings to come down from their pure, bright dwellings, and lead back the straying one. Her prayers were soon answered, and when she next went to Sabbath school, she was almost overjoyed to find her little friend at her accustomed place. Little Mary (for she it was who had been led away) seemed very happy to get back again. She kissed her schoolmates, and said she would never leave them more. But she told them a sad tale of Sin-land; how the evil ones would not suffer her to sleep, lest, in her slumbers, the good spirits might visit her and take her away;—that they would not let her walk among the flowers, for good spirits are there. And for a long time they watched her very closely, and directed her steps in their pathway.
But, at length, when she become faint and weary, the ministering angels came to her assistance, took her in their arms, and folding her weary limbs in their white robes, bore her back to her anxious companions. No one rejoiced more than did Agatha, that the heavenly messengers had led Mary back.
Their teacher said that her school was a little garden of flowers, which she was rearing for heaven. But Agatha was the most innocent flower there, and ready to bloom in the garden of paradise. The kind heavenly guides thought her too pure for earth, and they would fain have her companionship in their purer regions. So they bore her away on wings of love to their heavenly home.
May every Sabbath school scholar be, like Agatha, led by celestial spirits.
That teacher alone, whose eye is open to the immense value of religious influences, and who perceives the importance of trifles in morals, can properly feel his great responsibility, or be qualified to guide the young in the way of life.
Parents should see that their children understand their lessons, and that they commit them perfectly. They will thus both aid and encourage the superintendent and teachers.
How bright, my dear mother, this sweet summer morning,Does everything round me appear;The sun the tall steeples with gold is adorning,And lights up the skies blue and clear.
All freshly around me the west wind is blowing;And, mother, I smell the sweet hayWhich was left on the Common from yesterday's mowing;How I wish they'd not take it away.
I'm sure 'tis too pleasant of school to be thinking,Its tasks this bright day I should hate;Much better I'd like the fresh air to be drinking,Than puzzle o'er book and o'er slate.
O if it were Pic-nic to-day, my dear mother,How happy and gay I should be!How joyful without any studies to pother,Away in the woods to roam free.
I'm sorry 'tis over; how great was my pleasureThe whole of that beautiful day;I jumped, and I danced, and I sung without measure,But ah! it so soon passed away.
How well I remember the time of our starting!How quick the large cars we did fill!How screamed the shrill whistle, the signal for parting!How we flew by town, river, and hill!
We reached the sweet grove which in stillness was waiting,Its numerous guests to receive;We rested one moment, while we were debatingWhat wonder we first should achieve.
"Let us make some green wreaths! let us gather wild flowers!"Said some; and they bounded away."Let us fill up with music and dancing the hours!"Said others, more lively and gay.
And soon every part of the wild wood was ringingWith sounds full of mirth and of glee;Some dizzily high in the free air were swinging,While others climbed up the tall tree.
When called from our sports, to our dinner we hasted,And sat on the green grassy ground;How keenly we relished each morsel we tasted,While fanned by the soft air around.
Then came a loud summons, the signal for choosingOur Queen by the mystical ring;We crowned her with flowers; nor feared her abusingThe honors her station might bring.
We sang some sweet school-songs, and then our loved pastor,With other dear friends who were there,Told us kindly of Jesus, the Savior and Master;Of God, and his fatherly care;
Who planted the trees that were waving around us,And the wild flowers growing below;Who all our life long with rich blessings had crowned us,And watched us where'er we might go.
Then, mother, I heard all around me a whisp'ring,And soon I found out what it meant;When to hallow our Pic-nic, the sweet rite of christ'ningIts soft, holy influence lent.
Forth from the glad circle, their sweet infants bringing,Came parents, with mild, thoughtful mien;What deep, tender thoughts in all bosoms were springing!How solemn, how sacred the scene.
And I could not keep back the hot tears, my dear mother,Which came thick and fast to my eyes;For those babes made me think of my own darling brother,Now gone to his home in the skies.
When this service was over, my playmates came roundAnd drew me away to the wood;No longer light-hearted and merry they found me,For thoughtful and sad was my mood.
So on the soft turf I sat silently thinking,Of days when dear brother was by;While slowly and surely the bright sun was sinking,Far down in the clear western sky.
Ring, ring, went the bell; and then, O, what a hustling!All knew 'twas the signal to part;What searching for bonnets and boxes! what bustling!All hurrying, eager to start.
We left ere the shadows of evening were dimmingThe broad fields and woods all around;And with our swift steam-horse, again we went skimmingThrough village, and meadow, and town.
We soon reached the city, and after the sayingOf cheerful "Good night," to our friends,We sought our own home without further delaying,And the rest night to weariness sends.
'Twas a blest, happy day; and oft in my dreamingThat cool, shady grove do I see,With its bright little spots where the sunlight lay gleaming,And all that was pleasant to me.
And much do I hope, when again, my dear mother,The summer shall come with its flowers,Our teachers will kindly allow us anotherSuch Pic-nic, mid Nature's green bowers.
"O mamma, how fast it rains! Do see those bright and sparkling drops, as they fall so rapidly on the green walks and beautiful flowers! Just see how revived that little fainting flower looks on the farther border. It was but yesterday I thought it would die. It drooped its head as if to avoid the rays of the scorching sun; but now it is as fresh as any on my little bed. Who was so kind, mamma, as to send this gentle shower, purposely, as I should think, to save my favorite flower?"
"'Favorite,' my child, did you say? I thought you loved them all."
"Oh, I do; but this one looked so sickly and faint, and I have watched it so anxiously, that it really seems dearer to me than all the rest; just as when we are sick, mamma, you watch us the more constantly, and love us the more tenderly. But who did send the rain, mamma?"
"It was God, my child, who caused the gentle showers, not only to cheer your heart, by making the little flower revive, but to bless all his children. Have you forgotten your little verse, about God sending 'rain on the just, and on the unjust?'"
"O no; I remember it well. I think he is very kind to remember everybody. I am sure I shall always love him."
"I hope you always will. He is a lovable being. He delights in those that are good, and is always ready to cheer and bless them."
A careful regard to all the rules of a Sabbath school,—the rules touching the library, those concerning the time of entrance, the general exercises, the demeanor of the pupils and the recitations,—will greatly facilitate the business of the school, relieve the officers and teachers of much of their labor, and make the school itself beautiful for its order and harmony, and invaluable for its usefulness and success.
"God moves in a mysterious way,His wonders to perform;He plants his footsteps in the sea,And rides upon the storm."
We may understand by Providence the all-providing care of God over his creatures. He is our staff. Without his aid and support, we should sink; all our efforts would be of no avail. Without his sustaining power, we could not endure the cares and troubles attending this life. He cares for us in the broad day, urging us to resist temptation. He watches us by night, that no harm shall befall us. Mighty was the power of our Savior at the marriage feast, when he turned water into wine, and many were the miracles he performed during his stay in this world, in healing the sick, the lame, and the blind. The ways of God appear mysterious to us, because we cannot understand his motives. We know that all he does is right, and for our good; therefore we should not indulge a murmuring spirit at anything that may happen to us. It is our duty, as we cannot understand His manifold ways, and all-wise purposes, to study deeply the Holy Scriptures, and be willing to be taught by those wiser and better informed than ourselves. We should confidently rely in God's wisdom and knowledge, which are so much greater than ours; yielding all things to him; looking forward to that bright and happier world, where there is no sorrow, and striving to make ourselves worthy of his love, which is unbounded.
Philanthropy.—He is the wisest philanthropist who employs his energies and resources in the promotion of virtue.
Preparation For Death.—He who is prepared to live, is prepared to die. And he who thinks and feels aright, is prepared for both.
And thou art gone, Alberta,No sound shall wake thee now;The dreamless sleep thou sleepest,Death's shadow on thy brow.
Like a bright summer flower.Borne by rude winds away,Whose odors yet shall linger,Though the fair form decay,—
So, long thy spirit, waftedIn fragrance back to earth,Shall bloom in memory's bowers,Mid plants of heavenly birth.
We tune our harps to sadness,And songs of sorrow sing,And to the Father's altar,A mournful tribute bring.
No more thou strowest flowersOf sunshine o'er our path;Thy song forever silent,Thy voice is hushed in death.
Yet not for thee we sorrow,Thy sorrows all are o'er;Thine earthly journey ended,Thou'st reached that happy shore,
Where spirits blest are waiting,To welcome thee above;There evermore to lead theeIn realms of peace and love.
And hand in hand with angels,Around God's throne to stand,Warbling sweet anthems ever,Amid that heavenly band.
Farewell! we would not wake thee,'T were vain to wish thee here;A Father's arms receive thee,Sleep on, nor danger fear.
Rise! and in Jesus' kingdomThy blissful station take;A Father's house is open,To life immortal wake!
OBT. Alberta Richardson, aged 8 years and 4 mos.; a beloved member of the 2nd Universalist Sabbath school.
A FABLE.
A FABLE.
In a wood, pleasantly situated in the southern part of ——, there lived a squirrel. One day, as it was viewing the departure of some migratory birds from its neighborhood, it could not prevent the escape of a deep sigh, accompanied with the exclamation, "O dear! I wish some land fairy would make me a bird. I could then soar to a great height, or dart swiftly through the air. Even if I were a little fish, to play about in the water, I should be much better satisfied than in living here all my life, and having nothing to do but gather nuts and acorns."
At that moment, a fairy, who was near, having heard the soliloquy of the discontented squirrel, immediately complied with its wish, and changed it into a beautiful bird. This amazed the poor squirrel very much, and when it attempted to call the attention of its companions by its customary chatter, its scream ended in a song.
The squirrel now thought its happiness was complete, and it concluded to make use of its wings by a visit to some distant land. It had not gone far before a storm arose, and it was obliged to take shelter in a tree. It now began to wish it was in its snug little nest with its former companions.
The storm was soon over, and our bird again started on its journey. But just then a hungry hawk, who had watched it for a long time, pounced upon it. Fortunately, the fairy, who was near, seeing the bird was sufficiently punished for its folly, took compassion on it, changed it into a squirrel again, and placed it safely in its own tree. The squirrel was ever afterward contented.
Moral.—Every one should be contented with his lot; for every station in life has its own ills.
This Society, which has exerted an influence in the Universalist denomination second to that of no other, was incorporated December 13, 1816. The meeting for organization was held at the Green Dragon tavern, on the evening of January 25, 1817. Major John Brazer was chosen the first Moderator. The Standing Committee consisted of John Brazer, Dr. David Townsend, Edmund Wright, Daniel E, Powars, Lemuel Packard, Jr., Levi Melcher, and John W. Trull, who were directed to ascertain where a suitable lot of land could be procured on which to erect a house of worship. After examining several lots, the one was selected on which the church now stands, in School street, and it was accordingly bought about the first of May following.
The original means for building the church, was a subscription for shares of one hundred dollars each; one hundred and thirty-nine shares being taken by forty-three persons. Of this number, after a lapse of nearly a third of a century, the following are still spared to us, as willing supporters of the Society and cause to which they devoted the meridian of their days, to wit: William Barry, Daniel E. Powars, Winslow Wright, Joseph Badger, Caleb Wright, John W. Trull, Samuel Hichborn, and Job Turner.
On Monday, May 19, 1817, the corner-stone was laid, and within it was deposited a silver plate, the gift of Dr. David Townsend, with this inscription: "The Second Universal Church, devoted to the Worship of the true God: Jesus Christ being the chief Corner Stone. May 19, 1817." The building of the house was carried forward with energy, and on the 25th of August the Chairman of the Committee was directed to address a letter to Rev. Hosea Ballou, asking him if it would meet his approbation to be considered a candidate for the office of pastor. The house having been completed, it was voted to dedicate the same on Wednesday, October 15, 1817. The Rev. Thomas Jones was invited to preach the sermon, and Revs. Edward Turner, Hosea Ballou, and Paul Dean, to conduct the other services as might be mutually agreeable to them. In consequence, however, of the Cattle Show at Brighton taking place on that day, it was afterwards thought expedient to postpone the Dedication until the succeeding day.
On the day following the Dedication, the Society met for the purpose of selecting a pastor; and the Standing Committee were instructed, by a unanimous vote, to invite the Rev. Hosea Ballou to that office, at a weekly salary of twenty-five dollars. This vote was communicated to him in an appropriate letter from the Chairman of the Committee, to which the following reply was received:—
Boston, Oct. 24, 1817.
Sir,—The call of the Second Universalist Society in Boston, inviting me to the labors of the Christian Ministry with them, together with the liberal terms which accompany said invitation, has been duly considered. And after weighing all the circumstances relative to the subject, so far as my limited mind could comprehend them, I have come to the conclusion that it is my duty to accept their call on the conditions therein stated. I largely participate the "peculiar pleasure" afforded by the consideration of the unanimity of the Society, and entertain an humble hope that, with the continuance of this harmony, we may long continue to enjoy all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.
The Society's most humble servant in Christ,
Hosea Ballou.
To John Brazer, Esq.
He was publicly installed on Christmas day, December 25, 1817. Sermon, from John xx. 24, and the Fellowship of the Churches, were given by Rev. Paul Dean; Installing Prayer and Charge by Rev. Edward Turner, and the Concluding Prayer by Rev. Joshua Flagg.
At the annual meeting in May, 1818, the thanks of the Society were presented to Lemuel Packard, Jr., Esq., for his generous donation of a chandelier for the use of the church. The clock now in the church was the gift of John Brazer, Esq., probably during the time of the building of the church.
In the summer of 1822, Mr. Ballou received an invitation to become the pastor of the Second Universalist Society in Philadelphia, at a larger salary than he was then receiving. In a letter to his Society, Mr. B. states, that they are under no engagement to him beyond the term of six months; and that, his salary being barely sufficient to support his family, he felt bound to lay the invitation of the Philadelphia Society before them for their assistance, in any decision he might make in regard to it. The Society was accordingly called together, and by a unanimous vote his salary was raised to thirty dollars a week. This vote being communicated to him, he informed them in reply that the salary voted him was fully and abundantly satisfactory to him, and that he accepted it with pleasure.
During the year 1836, the Society built the vestry in the attic story of the church, and the following year, 1837, the interior of the church was altered by a new pulpit, ceiling, introduction of gas, painting, &c. at an expense of nearly five thousand dollars. And in the year 1840, the Society purchased the organ now in the church.
During the first years of the existence of the Society, the singing was considered of a superior order; and it may be interesting to some of the younger members of the Society to know that, in 1833, the Standing Committee approved of the selection, by the choir, of Miss Charlotte Cushman, as the leading female singer. Mr. Win. Barry, one of the original proprietors, and at present one of the oldest men of the congregation, conducted this part of public worship for several years.
In 1840, the subject of an associate pastor was first brought forward; and, in 1841, commenced those unfortunate difficulties in regard to it, which continued with little interruption until the fall of 1845, when the proprietors were called together to act upon a proposition to sell the meeting-house and wind up the affairs of the Society. This proposition was, however, rejected, by a decisive vote of more than two to one, out of one hundred votes cast. During this period, the pulpit was supplied one half the time by Father Ballou, and the other half by Rev. T.C. Adam, from May, 1842, to May, 1843; by Rev. H.B. Soule, from May, 1844, to May, 1845; and the other two years by the Standing Committee.
That portion of the Society who voted against the proposition to sell, had, early in that year, taken counsel together in regard to the future prosperity of the Society. Father Ballou expressed a willingness to be relieved from all active duties as pastor of the Society, other than those he might choose to perform as senior pastor, and also to relinquish his salary if the Society felt that with their whole means they would be able to secure the services of one who would again unite them together. Accordingly, September 28, 1845, the proprietors were called together, and his proposition was accepted. They also unanimously invited the Rev. E.H. Chapin to become junior pastor, at a yearly salary of two thousand dollars; and on the 8th of November the following acceptance of their call was received by the committee through whom the invitation was tendered.
Charlestown, Nov. 8, 1845.
Brethren:—
The invitation to become associate pastor of your Society, which you have extended to me, is hereby accepted. Preliminaries relative to the time when I can assume my connection with you must be the subject of future communications. And that God may bless this decision to your good, to mine, and to his glory,—is the prayer of
Yours, Fraternally,E.H. Chapin.
To the Committee.
Br. Chapin was installed January 28, 1846. The sermon was preached by Father Ballou, from I Peter iv, 10 and 11. Rev. Messrs. Cook, Hichborn, Streeter, II. Ballou 2d, Skinner, Fay, and Cleverly, took part in the services. At the annual meeting in May, 1846, a committee was appointed to express to Rev. Hosea Ballou the feelings of high regard unanimously cherished towards him by the Society, in consideration of his long and valuable services as their pastor; and to assure him that their prayers for his welfare were still with him in his relations as senior pastor of the Society. To this, the following reply was received by the committee.
Boston, May 25, 1846.
Messrs. Benajah Brigham,Joseph Lincoln, and Bela Beal,
Brethren:—
After having enjoyed so many years of pastoral connection with the Second Universalist Society in this city, and having served the same so long a time with constant solicitude for their spiritual prosperity and with a consciousness of my many imperfections, I find that words are insufficient to express the satisfaction I feel on the reception of the unanimous vote of the Society expressive of their approbation of my services, as pastor, and their prayers for my happiness in my present position as senior. You will, brethren, accept my thanks for the acceptable manner in which you have communicated the vote of the Society to me, and assure the Society of my fervent prayer for their spiritual prosperity under their junior pastor.
In the bonds of the Gospel,
HOSEA BALLOU.
At the annual meeting in 1847, the Standing Committee were directed to invite Father Ballou to sit for his portrait, and that the same, when finished, be placed in Murray Hall. This work was successfully executed, and Father Ballou expressed himself highly complimented by the action of the Society in regard to it.
Early in 1848, the Society were called together to act upon the following letter from Brother Chapin.
Boston, Feb. 5, 1848.
Brethren:—
After, as I trust, deliberate and proper consideration, I have concluded to take up my connection with your Society, and accept of the invitation from New York. I might extend this letter to great length and yet not express the feelings with which I do this act. I can only say that I do so with the utmost kindness and with deep gratitude, and shall always cherish, with unalloyed satisfaction, the harmonious season we have passed together. I invoke God's blessing upon the Society you represent, and to you personally tender the warmest sentiments of personal regard.
Fraternally yours,
E.H. Chapin.To the Standing Committee.
At the same meeting, February 20, 1848, Rev. A.A. Miner was invited to become the junior pastor of the Society, at the same salary which had been paid Brother Chapin, and on the 15th of March, the committee received the following letter, accepting the invitation.
Lowell, March 15, 1848.
Brethren:—
The invitation which I received at your hands, to become associate pastor of the Second Society of Universalists in Boston, has been duly considered, and is hereby accepted. Although this decision seemed compatible with my duty, it has not been arrived at without a severe trial, both on account of the existing ties it will sever, and of my conscious unfitness for so responsible a station. Trusting, however, in Him who is always able to help us,
I remain,
Yours in the Gospel,
A.A. Miner.
To the Committee.
On the last Sunday in April, Brother Chapin preached his farewell sermon from the text, "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among them which are sanctified." Acts xx. 32. Brother Miner was installed May 31. Sermon, by Mr. Chapin, from John x. 10. The other exercises were performed by Rev. Messrs. Dennis, Mott, Ballou, H. Ballou 2d, Fay, Streeter, and Cook.
Under the ministry of Brother Chapin, the Society was united and prosperous; and under the present ministry of Brother Miner, that union and prosperity are unabated. May the favor of God grant them a long continuance.
The little bee, by instinct alone, is taught the necessity of faithful labor. In the summer, it collects honey from every flower, that it may have a supply of food for the approaching winter, when the flowers have all faded. But children have reason, instead of instinct, to guide them; and should be industrious in childhood and youth, in gathering the sweets of knowledge and virtue for spiritual sustenance in the winter of life.
Children, in the early morning,When the sun's first rosy ray,Bright'ning on the distant hill-top,Gilds the tall spire o'er the way,Raise the heavy, sleepy eyelid,Welcome cheerfully the light;Nature's time for rest and slumberPasses with the hours of night.
While the air is freshest, purest,And the city seems at rest,Rise, and while the eye beams clearest,Roam with me, an out-door guest.And abroad we'll gayly wander,Till the hour for breakfast calls;Passing through those streets that lead usTo our lofty State House halls.
Enter now our glorious Common!On its beauty gaze awhile!As the glowing sunshine greets it,See the "face of Nature smile!"On the broad, smooth walks tread freely,Sentinelled by stately trees,Whose green leafy boughs o'erarching,Herald every passing breeze;
Casting, too, at brightest mid-day,O'er these paths a pleasant shade;Blessings on our City Fathers,Who this wise provision made.Here, just opposite the fountain,On this block of granite rest;While with eye and ear attentive,Admiration is expressed.
See the living spray-drops leaping,Crowned with dancing diamond light;Midway hangs the bright-hued rainbow!Is it not a dazzling sight?And in what a gay confusionDo the waters meet below!Now compare this stone-paved basinWith the "frog-pond," years ago!
Rustling leaves, and murmuring fountain,Fill with melody the air,Blending with the wild birds' singing,—Such sweet sounds can banish care.Notice, how the grass is laden,Thickly gemmed with sparkling dew,Which at eve so gently falleth,Thus its verdure to renew.
Viewing these fair works of Nature,With the art of man combined,Are our thoughts not tending upwardTo the Author of mankind?Yes, with grateful hearts we thank Him,For our lives so truly blest;Asking strength to meet time's changes,Faith to think them for the best.
We must learn life's varied lessons,Their deep meaning must unfold;Sad or merry, they will yield usMore true wealth than mines of gold!Hark! the breakfast bell is calling!Hasten to your homes away!Let us hope to meet here often,Welcoming the early day.
To the faithful teacher, there is no greater pleasure than is afforded on each returning Sunday, by his labors with his class. Wielding Christian truth in the full exercise of human affections, he moulds the young heart as with a hand divine.
Punctuality.—One of the beauties of the Sabbath school is the punctuality of its scholars and teachers.
In ancient days female education was almost entirely neglected, and woman's intellectual powers were left to slumber. Her mind was a barren waste, exhibiting no rich, luxuriant verdure, diversified only by a few outward accomplishments, which served to please the fancy of the stronger sex. The Spartan woman, distinguished for her sternness of character and warlike disposition, looked with shame upon a son who could return from battle unless victorious, ever teaching him, from his earliest infancy, "to conquer, or to die on the battle-field." All the gentle and amiable qualities of the heart were repressed in their growth; and, while Sparta offered to hersonsthe rich boon of intellectual culture, herdaughterswere thought unworthy of the gift.
And Athens, that great and mighty city, exercising a most powerful influence over the civilized world, distinguished for her legislators, her philosophers, and her historians,—what was the condition of woman there? The slave, rather than the companion of man, she knew not that, were the storehouse of knowledge opened for her, she could come forward and stand on an equality with the "proud lord of creation!" Rome, too, the metropolis of the world, denied to woman her proper station in society, not dreaming of the hidden gems of thought which lay undiscovered beneath the thick incrustations of ignorance and superstition.
Butnow, all the precious gifts which learning can bestow are justly extended toheralso; and man, with his increase of knowledge, has wisely learned to respect the mental abilities with which God has endowed her; has found that she may, like himself, ascend the steep hill of science, enjoy its pleasures, cull its sweetest flowers, and drink of the pure and living waters from the inexhaustible fountains of knowledge.
And what has caused this change? The bright star which appeared to the "wise men of the East," eighteen hundred years ago, heralding a Savior's birth, foretold also woman's release from the thraldom which had bound her. It was to her a star of promise, telling her that the strong chains of ignorance and superstition which bound her, should be broken asunder by the gentle influences of the religion of the lowly Jesus. It is Christianity which has raised her from the degradation which was once hers, and induced man to acknowledge her equality with him.
Education exalts and refines the mind of woman, and enables her to contribute to the happiness of those around her. It is that which renders her the dutiful and obedient daughter, the kind and affectionate sister, the trusting and loving companion, and the fond and tender parent. The old adage, "woman must beignorantin order to be useful," has been long thrown aside among the rubbish of the past, and remembered only as a relic of the superstitions of other days.Home, with its duties, is woman's sphere of action; and, to fulfil properly those duties,she must be educated; she must not be kept in intellectual bondage, but must be fully awakened to the responsibilities of her station. It is she who watches over our infancy, guides our childhood, presents to our infant minds the rudiments of knowledge, and cheers us in our progress by showing us the honors which attend those who acquiretrue wisdom, and therefore must her mind be early taught to comprehend the duties which devolve upon her.
A broad field is that of Education; and while she strives to make acquisitions in the various branches of knowledge, let her not forget thatbettereducation of the mind and heart. Talent, without virtue to guide, is like a ship without sails or rudder, exposed to the wild winds of the storm on the broad expanse of the ocean. What sadder spectacle can there be, than to behold a mind employing its talents and its learning in endeavoring to lead its fellow-beings away from the paths of rectitude, disregarding the laws of God and man, and refusing to acknowledge the Source that gave it birth? From such an example we turn with sorrow and disgust, and gladly look to those good and noble ones who have adorned their sex. The names of Hannah More, Maria Edgeworth, Felicia Hemans, Letitia Landon, Harriet Martineau, and a host of others, show what woman can do when properly educated; for they are equally distinguished in private, for their amiable and domestic qualities, as in public for their high intellectual attainments. Let woman follow their example, never failing to embrace all opportunities presented to her for moral and intellectual improvement.