"Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined,"--is an adage as true as
it is ancient. One's character, happiness, and usefulness, during his
whole life, depends, in no small measure, upon early education. The
child taught to disregard the Sabbath, and lightly to esteem the
instructions of the Sabbath school, grows to manhood devoid of aught
that can entitle him to the society and respect of the good and
virtuous. With a soul shrouded in midnight darkness, he gropes his way
through life, and at the grave sinks into oblivion, "by none esteemed,
by all forgot." However we may hope for such a soul, through the mercy
of God, as we surely do, it is not now qualified to enter upon and fully
appreciate the purity and joys of Christ's kingdom.
We seldom hear of the execution or imprisonment of one who regarded in
youth the Sabbath school. Indeed, I think it impossible for one who has
been successfully taught to reverence and to love the teachings of Jesus
of Nazareth, to become an outcast from society. It is true, envy, with
its envenomed tongue, and malice, with its still more poisonous breath,
may assail even such a one; but their shafts will fall harmless at his
feet. The shield of his soul they cannot pierce. They cannot eradicate
from the heart the influence of the high and holy lessons which it
received in youth. Its many sources of enjoyment they cannot destroy.
Pleasant and important, therefore, are the duties of teachers. The
directing of tender affections, and the development of youthful powers,
are intrusted to their hands. If they perform their duties faithfully,
they may have the satisfaction of seeing the pupils of their charge
useful among men, devoted to right, and obedient unto God. Such an
office is lovely. It is more than lovely, it is holy. It blesses him who
fills it. It exalts his affections, ennobles his purposes, and enlarges
his heart.
Do we not see the fruit of this labor in our own school? In the kindness
and love of the children for each other, in their faithfulness in the
duties of the school, and in their respectful and affectionate bearing
towards their teachers and all others, do we not recognize some of the
fruits of Sabbath school culture? And may we not expect that such
children will be beloved, honored, and useful among men?
Do we not also see some of the fruits of these influences in the
fraternal regard of teachers for each other, in their devotion to their
duties as teachers, and in their distinguishing virtues as Christians?
Have we not, especially, seen the fruit of these influences in the
enduring patience, calm hopefulness, and cheerful trust, of one of our
number whom we have just followed to her resting-place? The Lord
make us faithful, that our end may be like hers.