THE Sunday School Companion DESIGNED FOR BIBLE CLASSES, AND THE OLDER PUPILS IN THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. BY REV. J. G. BARTHOLOMEW. "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh BOSTON: N. E. Universalist Publishing House, NO. 87 CORNHILL. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by TOMPKINS AND COMPANY, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts 3V 1561 .B3 PREFACE. In presenting this little volume to the public, the Author deems it necessary that a word of explanation should be given of it, by way of introduction. The plan of the work was suggested by his own experience in the Sunday School; and his purpose in preparing it, has been in part, to meet and answer those questions which are so often raised by Classes of pupils, to which Teachers sometimes find it difficult to give a ready and comprehensive answer, sustained by & "thus saith the Lord." It is not designed to spare the Teacher that labor, without which no Sunday School can be successfully conducted, but rather to furnish themes for discussion, and incite the mind to deeper thought on the subjects of which it treats. The mechanical routine of hearing lessons, is well in its place; but no pupil can make great proficiency in spiritual knowledge, who depends entirely on the letter of text books, or who is able to answer, even satisfactorily, the several questions contained in the lessons. There must be original thought and investigation. The mind must be trained to rigorous action. It must think fearlessly independently, and not be tied down to abstract formulas. It is to assist the Teacher, and assist the pupil, that the following pages have been prepared. And embracing as they do, a Series of Lessons on the Old Testament and the New, and on various points of Christian doctrine, they cover a field sufficiently wide to meet the demands of the most advanced pupils. There is no attempt at an exhaustive analysis of the subjects treated; besides the answers and the array of Scriptural texts, there is latitude intentionally allowed for the Teacher to elaborate each answer, and by familiar discussion and illustration, to amplify his own thoughts upon it. Let it be kept in mind that this is not intended as a mere Lesson Book. It can be used successfully, only by those, who, feeling the importance of spiritual culture, are willing to give the time that is needed to prepare for each recitation by previous study. The Reference Table with which the volume closes, will be found useful in defining various words and phrases which occur in the Scripture quotations. The author is aware of the imperfection of his work, but if it shall be instrumental in any degree of advancing the cause of truth, it will not have been prepared in vain. To this end, may the blessing of God attend it. J. G. B. Roxbury, June, 1862. |