THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER: DESIGNED TO AID IN ELEVATING AND PERFECTING THE SUNDAY SCHOOL SYSTEM. BY JOHN TODD, PASTOR OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA, PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM BALL, ALDINE CHAMBERS, BY ALL BOOKSELLERS. 1838. PREFACE TO THE LONDON EDITION. WHEN a new institution rises unexpectedly and spontaneously into existence, without any previous model by which to form and fashion its various parts; and when its establishment is confided chiefly to undisciplined minds, and to somewhat unskilful hands, it will naturally exhibit deficiency of strength and symmetry; especially if the materials needful to uphold it be scantily supplied. Such was the Sunday-school system in its origin, and such has been its progress, and therefore no surprise need be excited by its apparent defects; and yet the simplicity of its construction, and its admirable adaptation for general usefulness, form the strongest pledges of its permanency, and afford the firmest hopes of its future power, extent, and greatness. This system was originated by the philanthropy of ROBERT RAIKES, of Gloucester, in the year 1781, the first jubilee of which was celebrated on the anniversary of his birth-day, September 14, 1831. His greatest achievement has been the production of an Agency, most remarkable for disinterestedness-most wonderful for extent. Little more than fifty years have glided away since this agency first arose, in boldness of purpose, and yet scantiness of numbers. It was a bold and adventurous attempt to grapple with ignorance and depravity in their lowest forms; and the very first effort proved an encouraging prelude to future success. The infancy of Sunday Schools was as a new settlement in the |