GRAHAMSTOWN WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 28, 8 November 1871, Page 3

GRAHAMSTOWN WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL.

Tiie anniversary soiree in connection with the Grahamstown Wesleyan Sunday School was held last evening in St. George’s Hall, the Rev. J. Buller presiding. There was a large attendance of children, and also of parents and friends. Full justice having been done to the good things provided through the kindness of the ladies, the meeting adjourned to the Wesleyan Church, when the Rev. J. Buller was again called to the chair. The proceeding commenced with tho singing of the “greeting song’,” “Auotheryearhas passed away,” &c. —Prayer having been oifered up by the Rev. Mr. Lewis, the Chairman addressed a few words to those present, saying he rejoiced to see so large an attendance, which lie was sure would encourage the school teachers to work with additional zeal in the great cause in which they were engaged.—Mr. Miller, the Secretary, then read the report, which was, upon the whole, of an encouraging nature, .and showed a balance in hand of £45. —On the motion of Mr. Kernick. seconded by Mr. Fletcher, the report was unanimously adopted.—The Chairman apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Rev. Sir. Lush and Rev. Mr. Hill.—Hymn, “ There’ll be something in heaven for children to do.”—The Rev. Rutland then delivered an excellent address on the subject of the “ Teacher,” especially as applied to Sun-day-school teaching. The duties of the office were ably descanted upon, the lecturer observing that a man to make a good teacher must be a converted Christian ; he must be a man of prayer, and of consistent character, and must carefully guard his temper. He should also be adapted to the work, and be capable of influencing the susceptible minds of children, and of gaining their affections. He should also himself make personal visits to the parents, and by this means would be enabled to say many a word in season, which he would not otherwise have the opportunity of saying, and would greatly increase his influence with both parent and child.—Visiting, said Mr. Lewis, could no more be done properly by proxy than “ courting.” (Laughter).— The Rev. S. Wilson next gave an interesting discourse on the “ Scholar,” which he observed was co-relative with “ teacher.” The speaker said he conid not understand any system of education being pursued that was purely secular, as religion entered into the history of every nation, and was indeed its chief element. The scholars were the rising generation and would be our future citizens, and the importance of their being carefully trained in early life could not be over estimated. The minds of most children were such as easily to imbibe knowledge when properly imparted, and they were generally inquisitive, full of curiosity, quick to learn, and fond of the marvellous — such familiar stories as “ Jack the Giant Killer,” and “Cinderella” being remembered by very many throughout the longest lifetime.—Hymn: “I long to be there,” The Rev. J. Lewis then addressed the meeting in eloquent language on the study of the Bible. If, said the speaker, he were not a clergyman, but a layman, this was the Book he should pic Per as a study to all other books whatsoever. To study the Bible rightfully, it must be reverently, prayerfully, and continuously read, and it would then become the source of the purest delight and comfort, more precious than rubies or the finest gold. It was to the Bible that England owed her greatness, and when she neglected the Bible the sun of her greatness would go down. After some further remarks as to the connection between natural and re-

vealed religion, the speaker concluded amidst warm applause, which also greeted the previous speakers. Hymn “ The Volunteer.” It was announced that this (Wednesday) evening the Rev. J. Buller will preach a sermon on the death of Bishop Patteson and the Rev. J. Adkin. A vote of thanks to the ladies was carried by acclamation, on the motion of Captain Richards, seconded by Mr. Stanton. —The singing of the Doxology terminated the proceedings, which were of a most interesting and encouraging character to all who have the welfare of the Sundayschools at heart.