WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 27, 31 January 1872, Page 2

WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.

The anniversary tea meeting, in aid of the above schools, took place last evening, when the attendance was remarkably good. After partaking of tho good things so well provided by Mr. Dixon, an adjournment was made to the Church, where Mr. Drew presided at the public meeting, which was opened by the children singing the hymn " Shining Way." After a prayer by the Rev. J. B. Richardson, of Blenheim, Mr. Drew, in an earnest and appropriate speech, reminded both teachers and parents of their several duties and responsibilities in the work of training the rising generation, to fill, with credit to themseives and their trainers, their future positions in the world — especially important in this fast age, whpn tho busy disseminators of atheistic principles, if not jealously watched, would be likely to counteract all their labors for good, which would have a fearful effect on the social and moral tone of society generally. The mind of a child he compared to a broad, blank, susceptible sheet, on which parents aud teachers were responsible for the impressions made. After recommending that their joint endeavors should be accompanied by earnest prayer to Almighty God for his guidance iv that behalf, and feeling sure that He would answer their prayers, and that with such Divine help they must succeed, be called upon the children again, when the sung the hymn "Beautiful City." The Geueral Secretary, Mr. R. Lucas, then read tho follo'-ving report, which was unanimously adopted : —

The -Superintendents and Teachers desire to accord their thanks to Almighty God for his care over them and the scholars during the past year; tbey are happy to state that no breach has been made in their ranks by death ; and though they find their work attended -with much discouragement, yet their hope is in God, from whom proceedeth every good and perfect gilt. 'I hey feel their utter inability to perform the work they have put their hands to, but look to Him who has promised to give help in every time of need.

The Superintendents must state that during the past year, they have not had the constant and unremitting attention of the Teat hers as could be desired, and hope that during the coming year the Teachers will afresh dedicate themselves to God and to this particular work, and if spared to another Anniversary day, will have something more favorable and encouraging to report.

The prayers of the Church are asked for that God would raise up, qualify, and send laborers into this part of his vineyard. The work is difficult, and we are often, too anxious to see fruit to our labors, forgetting that we are commanded to 6ow beside all waters, and also forgetting. the promise that we shall reap in due season if we faint not.

We are afraid that we too often forget our duty and privilege of bringing the children to Jesus, who, in the days of his flesh, took them in his arms and blessed them, and when his disciples rebuked those who brought them ho said, " Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." We think that good might be effected if some special efforts were ihade to bring the parents and teachers together for mutual prayer, say tbe first or last Sunday in the month in the schoolroom at halt-pasts,

We fear that there is not sufficient home influence tor good exercised towards the children by parents; if tbey (the parents) would see that the children learned the various lessons at hrnne d ui ing the wef-k they would be greatly profited and their children blessed. *' Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old be will not depart from it." " May the great Head of the Church aid us in this our important work. Numbers on the book : — Male teachers, 1 1 ; female, 6 ; total, 17, average attendance, 11 Male scholars, 80; female, 78; total, 15S, average attendance, 08. Admitted during the year — teachers, 0; scholars, 57. Left during the year — teachers, 9; scholars. 56; showing a decrea-e of 3 tiaidurs, increase of 1 scholar. Superintendrnts: Messrs. Uoundy and Brent. School Secretary : Mr. N. Stick. Librarian : Mr. T. Other, jun. Income for tbe past year, £2l 10s 3d; expenditure. £-20 12s 7d. Balance iv hand of Treasurer, 1 7s Bd. The Rev. J. B„ Richardson, after deliveries some stiictures on " Co.lonia! Boy 8 " and "Colonial Girls," regretted the almost universal spread of what was called tractarianism in the religious world, j and the incalculable dangers and evils to i bo feared from the general tendencies of the piesent age, which were taking sundry forms — infidel republicanism, international societies, &c, and hoped that our children might be so trained as to exercise an wholesome influence over these evils in the next generation. He had, he said, enjoyed his visit to _\e!son on this occasion, and should return to Blenheim with sunny memoiies. After giving some excellent advice to teachers and children, aud the hymn, "The Beautiful Land," having been sung, the meeting was addressed by Mr. Hahvet, who urged the advantage of moral and religious train in 2 as against tho fearful spread of atheism ; tho value of prayer in teachers, officers, and parents ; parents were the best teachers of religious truth, if they would do it, but the work was made more difficult, because it was, for the most part, left to the teachers. Mr. Ltjxfobl>, of Wellington, followed with a somewhat humorous description of the different classes of Christians, interspersing his address with anecdotes, and concluded by admiring the true cheerful Christian, who was not actuated ia his profession by any interested or mercenary considerations. The Rev. W. Cannell encouraged Sunday School teachers iv their good work, reminding them of their precious charge, and said that a great deal might be done by pious conversation; words fitly spoken were like bread cast on the waters bearing good fruit, in some cases, after many years, in proof of which he related some anecdotes, spoke of the success " of the present meeting, and hoped for greater success in the coming year. The hymn "My dear Sunday School " was then sung, and Mr. J. T. Smith proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, the Misses Younger, and gentlemen who had undertaken so kindly and creditably the couduct of the children's singing, the Rev. J. B. Richardson, aad ladies and gentlemen who had assisted at the tea-party. In referring to the children's portion of tho service — the singing, which was really excellent, he paid a graceful tribute to the memory of an estimable lady, who formeily took part with I the children in this training, but who had since gone to the beautiful land they had been singing of. Mr. Shannon seconded the proposition, which was carried witb the usual demonstration. The benediction having been pronounced, this pleasant gathering was brought to a conclusion by the children sinking "Shall we Gather at the Rivor." The collections amounted in all to £12 4s. 2d.