in his breast, can look upon dying sinners around him, without feeling anxious to do something for their salvation.  The Sabbath school opens a wide field of usefulness.  Here every Christian, male and female, may become the pastor of a little flock.  Such, truly, is the relation between a Sabbath school teacher and his class.  He is appointed to watch for their souls.  This is no ordinary office.  It is one of high responsibility.  The Sabbath school teacher becomes an ambassador of Christ to the little flock entrusted to his care.  Every one of their souls is worth more than the world.

I shall offer no argument to persuade you to engage in this work, because I know your heart is in it, and I cannot see how any Christian can need urging to such a delightful employment.  I only wish to stir up your zeal in the cause, and give a few plain and practical directions respecting this highly important duty.  In doing this, it is necessary to consider the end and object of Sabbath school instruction.  This is nothing less than the conversion of the children, and their subsequent preparation for usefulness in the church of Christ.  To this end, three things are indispensably requisite:  1.  That the children should have a clear and distinct knowledge of those great though simple truths of God’s word, which teach them their lost and ruined condition by nature, and the way of salvation revealed in the gospel.  Without this, they cannot become the subjects of renewing grace; for this work is carried on in the heart, through the instrumentality of God’s word.  These truths must, therefore, be so illustrated, simplified, and brought down to their capacities, that they will see their application to themselves, and learn from them their own immediate duty.

2.  That this great end may be accomplished, it is necessary that the Holy Spirit should apply the truth to their consciences, and incline them to embrace it.  For even young sinners are so depraved that they will not listen to the most tender and melting invitations of God’s word, nor accept the offers of mercy and salvation in the gospel, until their dispositions are changed by the power of the Holy Ghost.

3.  To prepare them to become laborers in the vineyard of the Lord, it is not only necessary that they should be converted, but that they should grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  I have already shown what an intimate connection there is between high spiritual attainments and eminent usefulness, and between a knowledge of truth and the work of sanctification in the heart.  But energy of mind, and habits of deep thought and close study, are of great importance, as talents to be employed in the service of God.  These must also be cultivated in the Sabbath school.

Let it, then, become a subject of anxious inquiry how you may be instrumental in promoting these several objects, so necessary to the great end you have in view.  In this matter, the following directions may be of service to you:—­