UNITED METHODIST FREE CHURCH.

Press, Volume XVIII, Issue 2492, 26 April 1871, Page 2

UNITED METHODIST FREE CHURCH.

The anniversary tea meeting in connection with the Sabbath school of the above church took place last evening in thechurch. St. Asaph street, There was a very good attendance at tea. the church being well filled. The tables, which were amply supplied, were presided over by the ladies of the congregation. Ample justice having been done to tlio good things, a public meeting was held ia the church, which was largely attended tho church being crowded to excess. The meeting liaving been opened with devotional exercises, the Rev. M. Baxter took the chair. The CHAIRMAN said that the Rev. T. R. Fisher should have presided over the meeting tbat night. As tbe president of the school, it was only right that he should havo presided. They knew*, however, that Mr Fisher had suffered severely from illness, .and that he could not therefore be out in the ni<-ht air. Therefore it was tbat tbe teachers had selected him to preside over the meeting. He did not know whether they expected him to make any speeches, but he thought it would be far better if he instead of delivering one long speech gave them a few short ones. He was sorry to say that the secretary of the school was obliged to attend to his busi ness, but he might say that he had deputed an individual (Mr Pen dray) to act in his stead. He thought, however, that the reason why Mr John Baxter did not attend was that he had, from au occurrence that took place in England, eschewed the platform. This he thought was the real reason and not bis liaving to attend to bis business. He would now call on the Rev J. J. Pendray to read the report. The Rev. J. J. Pendrat then read the following report:— '' Another year has passed away since we last met, to celebrate the anniversary of our Sabbath schools, aud within that period some of those who were with us ou that occasion, aud who would have been glad to have been with us on this, have been laid in their last resting place to await the summons of their Judge. But, thank Cod, we aro still alive, and meet together under such auspi ; cious circumstances. " Brethren, Sunday schools have been, and are still, an incalculable boon to the youth of our country in ch_ sing away the mists of ignorance, aud leaduig them into ' tho narrow path that lead us to eternal life.' '• No wonder then that Sunday school reports are usually listeued to with great interest and pleasure, especially when these reports indicate not only an increase iv tho number of attendants, but also of attachment to these establishments. True, we have occasionally the melancholy duty to report a death, or it may be more, but we state with devout gratitude that in numerous instances we have reason to believe ' our loss has been their eternal gain,' and wo have the consolation to know that we shall meet them again (if faithful) iv that world 1 where there is no more death.' •• During the past year we have had eight removals, consisting of five scholars and three teachers; one death, and forty-four non-attendants, but we have in the same period admitted sixty scholars and nine teachers. "The following statistics will show our present position—Teachers : Left or removed, 9 ; admitted, 9. Scholars : Left, removed, or died, 50 ; admitted, 60 ; thus showing an increase on the year of ten scholars. The number of scholars on the books is 104 ; and their average attendance iv the morning is 48, aud the afternoon, 60. It will be perceived from the above statistics that the increase is not large, iv fact, it falls far short of our anticipations ; but taking all things into consideration, we have, on the whole, had a successful year, and have reason to * Thank God and take courage.' " One pleasing feature in connection with our. sohool is the reciprocal affection which exists among our teachers and scholars, cementing them, as it were, together, by which means things are done more amicably and harmoniously. We trust that this feeling will ever exist among us, and on a much larger scale. Our impression is that unless love is the crowning element in our midst, J Paul may plant in vain, and Apollos water in vain.' We believe with John Angell James, that' Love should be the superintendent of every school.' It is by love that wo attract the little immortals around us and teach them the lessons inculcated by oar Redeemer when on earth, and direct them especially to that great example of love who sacrificed himself on the Cross—* The just for the unjust.' " Within the past year one of our old and useful teachers has taken her departure from our midst to enter another field of usefulness iv another quarter of the Lord's vineyard. To illustrate what we have previously said with respect to the love existing among oar teachers, and to do justice to them we append the following :—A farewell tea meeting was held a short time previously to our sister embarking for her mother country, aud at the after meeting our sister was presented with a handsome Bible and framed address on parchment, which were supplied by the teachers, and which were given to her as an expression of the deep respect and love they had for her, and we are sure our friend was filled with kindred feelings for their kindness, and though she is now far from us, she will I ever think of us when she opens the sacred I volume to read its pages. May her future life be illustrated by a long line of brilliant successes. " Our annual treat was held in January, and was a success. The annual election ot officers was held iv November Inst, when several of the old officers were re-elected. The following are the office-bearers for the ensuing year : —President, Rev. T. R. Fisher ; treasurer, Mr E. Clarkson ; superintendents, Messrs Caygill aud Nicholas; librarians, Messrs H. Wood and C. Hyde : visitor, Mr T. Rogers ; secretary, Mr John Baxter. "Ourfinancial position,according to particulars furnished by onr Treasurer, is satisfactory, there being a balance of £12 16s lld in hand. " As to the future prospects of our school, we think they look very favorable; but, notwithstanding this, we would exhort you to increased work and zeal. ' May you never weary in well doing.' True, you may have been occasionally discouraged at finding that after mouths of teaching some of your scholars have made no perceptible progress, aud you have said to yourselves, ' It is like ploughing on a rock and sowing on the sand ;' and feel rather inclined to abandon the work. But never yield to such feelings —teach on, remembering that innumerable instances have occurred in which the dullest scholars have been the teachers' richest rewards. As John Angell James says— * Plants of great excellence are of slow growth and pay with ample interest the gardener's heavy toil and delayed expectations. And even should no such results crown your efforts, still bear with their dullness, recollecting this very circumstance renders them more needful of your benevolent regard.' " Work on, fellow-laborers, work on. It is a golden age you now enjoy, and it is rapidly passing away ; it will never return ; diligently improve it, therefore, while it lasts. * Work while it is called day, for the night cometh when no mau can work. Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might, for there is no work, no device in the grave whither thou goesfc.' May the Gjfeat Head of the Church bless and sanctionjpuendeavors to abundantly pour out upotf us | the Spirit of His Grace." | The Chairman said he thought the report

was one of very great interest. He would Snd them that there was at last annual Jeering a balance of £12 m the hands of the tourer, and this would now be supplemented by about £17 from this anmver-L-v There was another point which the report did not mention, and that was that the committee intended to appropriate the whole of the money for the purpose of stockin"- the school library with entertaining -vorks for tlie school, and works of reference for the assistance of their teachers in the performance of their arduous duties. He felc sure that they would agree with him that if the committee had studied for twelve months or twelve years they could not have made a more profitable selection for the investment of the money. In connection with alf handicrafts it was known that the best tools were necessary to turn out excellent work, and that was the more applicable to Sunday school teachers, who had before them a work which was the noblest work on the earth, and therefore it was that the expenditure of the money in this way was a wise and benevolent one, as the instruments through which the knowledge was imparted should be rendered as perfect as possible. He contended that the Sabbath school teachers were engaged in a work which had for its motto the one given to the shepherds by the Angels, and that was " Peace on earth, and good-will to men." The choir and children then sang the third hymn in the collection, Mr J. H. Tompkins presiding at the harmonium. The Chairman then called upon Mr Booth to address the meeting. Mr Booth, who was loudly applauded on rising, said he had been asked what subject he was going to speak about, and he was sorry to have to say that he did not know. He "should like to occupy their attention with something worthy of the listening to. The word "gathering" had been on his thoughts for two or three days, and what different associations they awoke in his mind. They had family gatherings, and this was one of the most pleasant of gatherings. Then there were gatherings of a social kind —gatherings in connection with every phase of society. As a people they had gatherings, -and these were held] to elect their municipal rulers and their lcisiators. These were very important gatherings, and brought with them responsibilities which could not be thrown off by any man. The question then came, what was the object of these gatherings ? What was the mainspring of such gatherings as they had that evening 1 He thought that it was the subject of education ; and when they looked.round and saw so large an assemblage, it showed that the liveliest interest was taken in the education of the rising generation, and rightly so as it was, particularly at the present time, one of the most vital questions of the day. He had seen that on the London Board there were two ladies,.who took a very lively interest in tbe proceedings, and sat there as the representative of the ratepayers. He trusted that in the next session of the General Assembly they would follow the example of the mother country, and elect ladies on the committees. He felt that whatever education they gave, the Bible should form the basis ; but he must not be understood by this to mean that too great an amount of sectionism should be introduced. The question of moral education was in his mind most important, and the children should be trained so as to fit them for a religious life on earth and a life to come. The Chairman, in reference to Mr Booth's remarks respecting the appointment of the ladies on the Board of Education at home, said he thought the credit, if any, of introducing this system was due to their American cousins, but he thought they had gone somewhat too far in the matter. A series of recitations by the children of the school then took place as follows —** SelfReliance," by Master Robinson; " The Glowworm," by Master Thomas Cooper; " Tlie Weaver's Song," by Master Vermeil. This one was excellently rendered by the littlo fellow with much pathos and taste, and he was warmly applauded. Altogether the recitations were very creditable. The Chairman then called upon Mr Brown to address the meeting. Mr Brown said that he get the same tale to tell them, and that was that he had not got a speech prepared. He had endeavored to prepare one, but had failed, as he always did. He, however, would speak of the Sunday school teacher as an individual. The work in which they were engaged was, as had been justly said, one of the noblest works meu could be engaged in, and therefore a Sabbath schoolteacbershouldbe in earnest, and be punctual and unfailing in his attendance in his class. The earnest teachers would rather seek to lead than to drive their scholars ; aud thus win their affections, making them ready to receive the impressions the teacher wished to make upon them. The earnest Sabbath school teacher should also be interested in his scholars, not only in the school but also in the week ; and, further than this, he should fully aud carefully prepare himself for meeting his scholars on the Sabbath, and thus save himself from the critical position of not liaving the information requisite to answer the questions which were certain to be put to him. Again, the Sabbath school teachers had a great power for good or evil over the minds of their scholars, therefore it behoved them to be doubly watchful and careful in their labors. He would urge upon those who had put their hand to the plough not to look back, but to press forward iv the good work with redoubled vigor. Some further recitations were then given by Master J. A. Caygill, " The Disciples going to Emmaus," and Miss Mary Ballinger, " Signs of Rain, v both of which were exceedingly well given. The CHAIRMxVN then called upon the Rev J. J. Pendray to address the meeting. The Rev J. J. Pendray said he agreed with Mr Brown that the system of teaching should be far more that of love than of fear. Mr Booth had said that he agreed with ladies taking an active part on the Education Board, and he also thought it a good thing, but it might be carried too far. Mr Pendray concluded by urging upon his hearers the necessity of early educating the youth of the country in the knowledge-of religion. The "choir then sang the fifth hymn iv the collection. The Chairman then called upon Mr Caygill to address the meeting. Mr Caygill said that previous speakers had left him very little to say. He would say, however, that he was always proud to be connected with Sunday schools, and to labor in them, as his heart was in the work. He retained many pleasing memories of his own boyhood as a Sunday school scholar, and although many years had passed, they were still as fresh as ever. As they were aware, this was the anniversary of the school, and they had some progress to report, although not- so much as he should have liked to have been able to report to them. "With respect to their financial statement, it had been said that they had in hand £12, but he wished to say that this had been voted for the purchase of a library for the teachers, and before the next anniversary they hoped to have the library in the vestry. He would also report that the receipts that evening had been £9 4s 3d, which, added to the collection of the Sabbath before of £7 !0s 7d, made a total of £16 14s lOd. Last year the amount was £14 8s 6tL thus leaving a balance of £2 6s 4d in favor of this year. He trusted that in addition to financial pro87__5, they had also made spiritual progress during the past year, and he hoped they would continue to do so. The Chairman then called upon Mr Tremayne to address the meeting. Mr Tremayne said he was very much pleased to address them that evening, as he w as a teacher of their Sunday school, and he nu'ght say that he took great interest in the w ork. Mr Tremayne then proceeded to give 51 sketch of the rise and progress of Sabbath schools in England. He thought they were to be congratulated on the progress evinced ia their -report, Since they last met'there f-auy of the scholars had encouraged the teachers by having shown fruits of their work. He thought this should encourage jne_Q to go on with more energy than ever in the work, and if they did so he was certain -bat A revival would ensue in their Sunday

schools, and their labours would be shown not to have been made in vain. Miss Betsey Rogers then recited '" Let Mc Go Honu , ." very well. The choir having sung the seventh hymn of the selection, the Benediction was pronounced by the Rev. M. Baxter, and the meeting dispersed.