Our Gift - Teachers of the School Street Universalist Sunday School, Boston
"I hope you always will. He is a lovable being. He delights in those
that are good, and is always ready to cheer and bless them."
OBEY THE RULES.
A careful regard to all the rules of a Sabbath school,--the rules
touching the library, those concerning the time of entrance, the general
exercises, the demeanor of the pupils and the recitations,--will greatly
facilitate the business of the school, relieve the officers and teachers
of much of their labor, and make the school itself beautiful for its
order and harmony, and invaluable for its usefulness and success.
THE WAYS OF PROVIDENCE.
"God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm."
We may understand by Providence the all-providing care of God over his
creatures. He is our staff. Without his aid and support, we should sink;
all our efforts would be of no avail. Without his sustaining power, we
could not endure the cares and troubles attending this life. He cares
for us in the broad day, urging us to resist temptation. He watches us
by night, that no harm shall befall us. Mighty was the power of our
Savior at the marriage feast, when he turned water into wine, and many
were the miracles he performed during his stay in this world, in healing
the sick, the lame, and the blind. The ways of God appear mysterious to
us, because we cannot understand his motives. We know that all he does
is right, and for our good; therefore we should not indulge a murmuring
spirit at anything that may happen to us. It is our duty, as we cannot
understand His manifold ways, and all-wise purposes, to study deeply the
Holy Scriptures, and be willing to be taught by those wiser and better
informed than ourselves. We should confidently rely in God's wisdom and
knowledge, which are so much greater than ours; yielding all things to
him; looking forward to that bright and happier world, where there is no
sorrow, and striving to make ourselves worthy of his love, which is
unbounded.
Philanthropy.--He is the wisest philanthropist who employs his energies
and resources in the promotion of virtue.
Preparation For Death.--He who is prepared to live, is prepared to die.
And he who thinks and feels aright, is prepared for both.
TO ALBERTA.
And thou art gone, Alberta,
No sound shall wake thee now;
The dreamless sleep thou sleepest,
Death's shadow on thy brow.
Like a bright summer flower.
Borne by rude winds away,
Whose odors yet shall linger,
Though the fair form decay,--
So, long thy spirit, wafted
In fragrance back to earth,
Shall bloom in memory's bowers,
Mid plants of heavenly birth.
We tune our harps to sadness,
And songs of sorrow sing,
And to the Father's altar,
A mournful tribute bring.
No more thou strowest flowers
Of sunshine o'er our path;
Thy song forever silent,
Thy voice is hushed in death.
Yet not for thee we sorrow,
Thy sorrows all are o'er;
Thine earthly journey ended,
Thou'st reached that happy shore,
Where spirits blest are waiting,
To welcome thee above;
There evermore to lead thee
In realms of peace and love.
And hand in hand with angels,
Around God's throne to stand,
Warbling sweet anthems ever,
Amid that heavenly band.
Farewell! we would not wake thee,
'T were vain to wish thee here;
A Father's arms receive thee,
Sleep on, nor danger fear.
Rise! and in Jesus' kingdom
Thy blissful station take;
A Father's house is open,
To life immortal wake!
OBT. Alberta Richardson, aged 8 years and 4 mos.; a beloved member of
the 2nd Universalist Sabbath school.
THE DISCONTENTED SQUIRREL.
A FABLE.
In a wood, pleasantly situated in the southern part of ----, there lived
a squirrel. One day, as it was viewing the departure of some migratory
birds from its neighborhood, it could not prevent the escape of a deep
sigh, accompanied with the exclamation, "O dear! I wish some land fairy
would make me a bird. I could then soar to a great height, or dart
swiftly through the air. Even if I were a little fish, to play about in
the water, I should be much better satisfied than in living here all my
life, and having nothing to do but gather nuts and acorns."
At that moment, a fairy, who was near, having heard the soliloquy of the
discontented squirrel, immediately complied with its wish, and changed
it into a beautiful bird. This amazed the poor squirrel very much, and
when it attempted to call the attention of its companions by its
customary chatter, its scream ended in a song.
The squirrel now thought its happiness was complete, and it concluded to
make use of its wings by a visit to some distant land. It had not gone
far before a storm arose, and it was obliged to take shelter in a tree.
It now began to wish it was in its snug little nest with its former
companions.
The storm was soon over, and our bird again started on its journey. But
just then a hungry hawk, who had watched it for a long time, pounced
upon it. Fortunately, the fairy, who was near, seeing the bird was
sufficiently punished for its folly, took compassion on it, changed it
into a squirrel again, and placed it safely in its own tree. The
squirrel was ever afterward contented.
Moral.--Every one should be contented with his lot; for every station in
life has its own ills.
SCHOOL STREET SOCIETY.
This Society, which has exerted an influence in the Universalist
denomination second to that of no other, was incorporated December 13,
1816. The meeting for organization was held at the Green Dragon tavern,
on the evening of January 25, 1817. Major John Brazer was chosen the
first Moderator. The Standing Committee consisted of John Brazer, Dr.
David Townsend, Edmund Wright, Daniel E, Powars, Lemuel Packard, Jr.,
Levi Melcher, and John W. Trull, who were directed to ascertain where a
suitable lot of land could be procured on which to erect a house of
worship. After examining several lots, the one was selected on which the
church now stands, in School street, and it was accordingly bought about
the first of May following.
The original means for building the church, was a subscription for
shares of one hundred dollars each; one hundred and thirty-nine shares
being taken by forty-three persons. Of this number, after a lapse of
nearly a third of a century, the following are still spared to us, as
willing supporters of the Society and cause to which they devoted the
meridian of their days, to wit: William Barry, Daniel E. Powars, Winslow
Wright, Joseph Badger, Caleb Wright, John W. Trull, Samuel Hichborn, and
Job Turner.
On Monday, May 19, 1817, the corner-stone was laid, and within it was
deposited a silver plate, the gift of Dr. David Townsend, with this
inscription: "The Second Universal Church, devoted to the Worship of the
true God: Jesus Christ being the chief Corner Stone. May 19, 1817." The
building of the house was carried forward with energy, and on the 25th
of August the Chairman of the Committee was directed to address a letter
to Rev. Hosea Ballou, asking him if it would meet his approbation to be
considered a candidate for the office of pastor. The house having been
completed, it was voted to dedicate the same on Wednesday, October 15,
1817. The Rev. Thomas Jones was invited to preach the sermon, and Revs.
Edward Turner, Hosea Ballou, and Paul Dean, to conduct the other
services as might be mutually agreeable to them. In consequence,
however, of the Cattle Show at Brighton taking place on that day, it was
afterwards thought expedient to postpone the Dedication until the
succeeding day.
On the day following the Dedication, the Society met for the purpose of
selecting a pastor; and the Standing Committee were instructed, by a
unanimous vote, to invite the Rev. Hosea Ballou to that office, at a
weekly salary of twenty-five dollars. This vote was communicated to him
in an appropriate letter from the Chairman of the Committee, to which
the following reply was received:--
Boston, Oct. 24, 1817.
Sir,--The call of the Second Universalist Society in Boston,
inviting me to the labors of the Christian Ministry with them,
together with the liberal terms which accompany said invitation, has
been duly considered. And after weighing all the circumstances
relative to the subject, so far as my limited mind could comprehend
them, I have come to the conclusion that it is my duty to accept
their call on the conditions therein stated. I largely participate
the "peculiar pleasure" afforded by the consideration of the
unanimity of the Society, and entertain an humble hope that, with
the continuance of this harmony, we may long continue to enjoy all
spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.
The Society's most humble servant in Christ,
Hosea Ballou.
To John Brazer, Esq.
He was publicly installed on Christmas day, December 25, 1817. Sermon,
from John xx. 24, and the Fellowship of the Churches, were given by Rev.
Paul Dean; Installing Prayer and Charge by Rev. Edward Turner, and the
Concluding Prayer by Rev. Joshua Flagg.
At the annual meeting in May, 1818, the thanks of the Society were
presented to Lemuel Packard, Jr., Esq., for his generous donation of a
chandelier for the use of the church. The clock now in the church was
the gift of John Brazer, Esq., probably during the time of the building
of the church.
In the summer of 1822, Mr. Ballou received an invitation to become the
pastor of the Second Universalist Society in Philadelphia, at a larger
salary than he was then receiving. In a letter to his Society, Mr. B.
states, that they are under no engagement to him beyond the term of six
months; and that, his salary being barely sufficient to support his
family, he felt bound to lay the invitation of the Philadelphia Society
before them for their assistance, in any decision he might make in
regard to it. The Society was accordingly called together, and by a
unanimous vote his salary was raised to thirty dollars a week. This vote
being communicated to him, he informed them in reply that the salary
voted him was fully and abundantly satisfactory to him, and that he
accepted it with pleasure.
During the year 1836, the Society built the vestry in the attic story of
the church, and the following year, 1837, the interior of the church was
altered by a new pulpit, ceiling, introduction of gas, painting, &c. at
an expense of nearly five thousand dollars. And in the year 1840, the
Society purchased the organ now in the church.
During the first years of the existence of the Society, the singing was
considered of a superior order; and it may be interesting to some of the
younger members of the Society to know that, in 1833, the Standing
Committee approved of the selection, by the choir, of Miss Charlotte
Cushman, as the leading female singer. Mr. Win. Barry, one of the
original proprietors, and at present one of the oldest men of the
congregation, conducted this part of public worship for several years.
In 1840, the subject of an associate pastor was first brought forward;
and, in 1841, commenced those unfortunate difficulties in regard to it,
which continued with little interruption until the fall of 1845, when
the proprietors were called together to act upon a proposition to sell
the meeting-house and wind up the affairs of the Society. This
proposition was, however, rejected, by a decisive vote of more than two
to one, out of one hundred votes cast. During this period, the pulpit
was supplied one half the time by Father Ballou, and the other half by
Rev. T.C. Adam, from May, 1842, to May, 1843; by Rev. H.B. Soule, from
May, 1844, to May, 1845; and the other two years by the Standing
Committee.
That portion of the Society who voted against the proposition to sell,
had, early in that year, taken counsel together in regard to the future
prosperity of the Society. Father Ballou expressed a willingness to be
relieved from all active duties as pastor of the Society, other than
those he might choose to perform as senior pastor, and also to
relinquish his salary if the Society felt that with their whole means
they would be able to secure the services of one who would again unite
them together. Accordingly, September 28, 1845, the proprietors were
called together, and his proposition was accepted. They also unanimously
invited the Rev. E.H. Chapin to become junior pastor, at a yearly salary
of two thousand dollars; and on the 8th of November the following
acceptance of their call was received by the committee through whom the
invitation was tendered.
Charlestown, Nov. 8, 1845.
_Brethren:_--
The invitation to become associate pastor of your Society, which you
have extended to me, is hereby accepted. Preliminaries relative to
the time when I can assume my connection with you must be the
subject of future communications. And that God may bless this
decision to your good, to mine, and to his glory,--is the prayer of
Yours, Fraternally,
E.H. Chapin.
To the Committee.
Br. Chapin was installed January 28, 1846. The sermon was preached by
Father Ballou, from I Peter iv, 10 and 11. Rev. Messrs. Cook, Hichborn,
Streeter, II. Ballou 2d, Skinner, Fay, and Cleverly, took part in the
services. At the annual meeting in May, 1846, a committee was appointed
to express to Rev. Hosea Ballou the feelings of high regard unanimously
cherished towards him by the Society, in consideration of his long and
valuable services as their pastor; and to assure him that their prayers
for his welfare were still with him in his relations as senior pastor of
the Society. To this, the following reply was received by the committee.
Boston, May 25, 1846.
Messrs. Benajah Brigham,
Joseph Lincoln, and Bela Beal,
_Brethren_:--
After having enjoyed so many years of pastoral connection with the
Second Universalist Society in this city, and having served the same
so long a time with constant solicitude for their spiritual
prosperity and with a consciousness of my many imperfections, I find
that words are insufficient to express the satisfaction I feel on
the reception of the unanimous vote of the Society expressive of
their approbation of my services, as pastor, and their prayers for
my happiness in my present position as senior. You will, brethren,
accept my thanks for the acceptable manner in which you have
communicated the vote of the Society to me, and assure the Society
of my fervent prayer for their spiritual prosperity under their
junior pastor.
In the bonds of the Gospel,
HOSEA BALLOU.
At the annual meeting in 1847, the Standing Committee were directed to
invite Father Ballou to sit for his portrait, and that the same, when
finished, be placed in Murray Hall. This work was successfully executed,
and Father Ballou expressed himself highly complimented by the action of
the Society in regard to it.
Early in 1848, the Society were called together to act upon the
following letter from Brother Chapin.
Boston, Feb. 5, 1848.
_Brethren_:--
After, as I trust, deliberate and proper consideration, I have
concluded to take up my connection with your Society, and accept of
the invitation from New York. I might extend this letter to great
length and yet not express the feelings with which I do this act. I
can only say that I do so with the utmost kindness and with deep
gratitude, and shall always cherish, with unalloyed satisfaction,
the harmonious season we have passed together. I invoke God's
blessing upon the Society you represent, and to you personally
tender the warmest sentiments of personal regard.
Fraternally yours,
E.H. Chapin.
To the Standing Committee.
At the same meeting, February 20, 1848, Rev. A.A. Miner was invited to
become the junior pastor of the Society, at the same salary which had
been paid Brother Chapin, and on the 15th of March, the committee
received the following letter, accepting the invitation.
Lowell, March 15, 1848.
_Brethren_:--
The invitation which I received at your hands, to become associate
pastor of the Second Society of Universalists in Boston, has been
duly considered, and is hereby accepted. Although this decision
seemed compatible with my duty, it has not been arrived at without a
severe trial, both on account of the existing ties it will sever,
and of my conscious unfitness for so responsible a station.
Trusting, however, in Him who is always able to help us,
I remain,
Yours in the Gospel,
A.A. Miner.
To the Committee.
On the last Sunday in April, Brother Chapin preached his farewell sermon
from the text, "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word
of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an
inheritance among them which are sanctified." Acts xx. 32. Brother Miner
was installed May 31. Sermon, by Mr. Chapin, from John x. 10. The other
exercises were performed by Rev. Messrs. Dennis, Mott, Ballou, H. Ballou
2d, Fay, Streeter, and Cook.
Under the ministry of Brother Chapin, the Society was united and
prosperous; and under the present ministry of Brother Miner, that union
and prosperity are unabated. May the favor of God grant them a long
continuance.
THE EXAMPLE OF THE BEE.
The little bee, by instinct alone, is taught the necessity of faithful
labor. In the summer, it collects honey from every flower, that it may
have a supply of food for the approaching winter, when the flowers have
all faded. But children have reason, instead of instinct, to guide them;
and should be industrious in childhood and youth, in gathering the
sweets of knowledge and virtue for spiritual sustenance in the winter of
life.
THE MORNING WALK.
Children, in the early morning,
When the sun's first rosy ray,
Bright'ning on the distant hill-top,
Gilds the tall spire o'er the way,
Raise the heavy, sleepy eyelid,
Welcome cheerfully the light;
Nature's time for rest and slumber
Passes with the hours of night.
While the air is freshest, purest,
And the city seems at rest,
Rise, and while the eye beams clearest,
Roam with me, an out-door guest.
And abroad we'll gayly wander,
Till the hour for breakfast calls;
Passing through those streets that lead us
To our lofty State House halls.
Enter now our glorious Common!
On its beauty gaze awhile!
As the glowing sunshine greets it,
See the "face of Nature smile!"
On the broad, smooth walks tread freely,
Sentinelled by stately trees,
Whose green leafy boughs o'erarching,
Herald every passing breeze;
Casting, too, at brightest mid-day,
O'er these paths a pleasant shade;
Blessings on our City Fathers,
Who this wise provision made.
Here, just opposite the fountain,
On this block of granite rest;
While with eye and ear attentive,
Admiration is expressed.
See the living spray-drops leaping,
Crowned with dancing diamond light;
Midway hangs the bright-hued rainbow!
Is it not a dazzling sight?
And in what a gay confusion
Do the waters meet below!
Now compare this stone-paved basin
With the "frog-pond," years ago!
Rustling leaves, and murmuring fountain,
Fill with melody the air,
Blending with the wild birds' singing,--
Such sweet sounds can banish care.
Notice, how the grass is laden,
Thickly gemmed with sparkling dew,
Which at eve so gently falleth,
Thus its verdure to renew.
Viewing these fair works of Nature,
With the art of man combined,
Are our thoughts not tending upward
To the Author of mankind?
Yes, with grateful hearts we thank Him,
For our lives so truly blest;
Asking strength to meet time's changes,
Faith to think them for the best.
We must learn life's varied lessons,
Their deep meaning must unfold;
Sad or merry, they will yield us
More true wealth than mines of gold!
Hark! the breakfast bell is calling!
Hasten to your homes away!
Let us hope to meet here often,
Welcoming the early day.
TRUE SATISFACTION.
To the faithful teacher, there is no greater pleasure than is afforded
on each returning Sunday, by his labors with his class. Wielding
Christian truth in the full exercise of human affections, he moulds the
young heart as with a hand divine.
Punctuality.--One of the beauties of the Sabbath school is the
punctuality of its scholars and teachers.
FEMALE EDUCATION.
In ancient days female education was almost entirely neglected, and
woman's intellectual powers were left to slumber. Her mind was a barren
waste, exhibiting no rich, luxuriant verdure, diversified only by a few
outward accomplishments, which served to please the fancy of the
stronger sex. The Spartan woman, distinguished for her sternness of
character and warlike disposition, looked with shame upon a son who
could return from battle unless victorious, ever teaching him, from his
earliest infancy, "to conquer, or to die on the battle-field." All the
gentle and amiable qualities of the heart were repressed in their
growth; and, while Sparta offered to her _sons_ the rich boon of
intellectual culture, her _daughters_ were thought unworthy of the gift.
And Athens, that great and mighty city, exercising a most powerful
influence over the civilized world, distinguished for her legislators,
her philosophers, and her historians,--what was the condition of woman
there? The slave, rather than the companion of man, she knew not that,
were the storehouse of knowledge opened for her, she could come forward
and stand on an equality with the "proud lord of creation!" Rome, too,
the metropolis of the world, denied to woman her proper station in
society, not dreaming of the hidden gems of thought which lay
undiscovered beneath the thick incrustations of ignorance and
superstition.
But _now_, all the precious gifts which learning can bestow are justly
extended to _her_ also; and man, with his increase of knowledge, has
wisely learned to respect the mental abilities with which God has
endowed her; has found that she may, like himself, ascend the steep hill
of science, enjoy its pleasures, cull its sweetest flowers, and drink of
the pure and living waters from the inexhaustible fountains of
knowledge.
And what has caused this change? The bright star which appeared to the
"wise men of the East," eighteen hundred years ago, heralding a Savior's
birth, foretold also woman's release from the thraldom which had bound
her. It was to her a star of promise, telling her that the strong chains
of ignorance and superstition which bound her, should be broken asunder
by the gentle influences of the religion of the lowly Jesus. It is
Christianity which has raised her from the degradation which was once
hers, and induced man to acknowledge her equality with him.
Education exalts and refines the mind of woman, and enables her to
contribute to the happiness of those around her. It is that which
renders her the dutiful and obedient daughter, the kind and affectionate
sister, the trusting and loving companion, and the fond and tender
parent. The old adage, "woman must be _ignorant_ in order to be useful,"
has been long thrown aside among the rubbish of the past, and remembered
only as a relic of the superstitions of other days. _Home_, with its
duties, is woman's sphere of action; and, to fulfil properly those
duties, _she must be educated_; she must not be kept in intellectual
bondage, but must be fully awakened to the responsibilities of her
station. It is she who watches over our infancy, guides our childhood,
presents to our infant minds the rudiments of knowledge, and cheers us
in our progress by showing us the honors which attend those who acquire
_true wisdom_, and therefore must her mind be early taught to comprehend
the duties which devolve upon her.
A broad field is that of Education; and while she strives to make
acquisitions in the various branches of knowledge, let her not forget
that _better_ education of the mind and heart. Talent, without virtue to
guide, is like a ship without sails or rudder, exposed to the wild winds
of the storm on the broad expanse of the ocean. What sadder spectacle
can there be, than to behold a mind employing its talents and its
learning in endeavoring to lead its fellow-beings away from the paths of
rectitude, disregarding the laws of God and man, and refusing to
acknowledge the Source that gave it birth? From such an example we turn
with sorrow and disgust, and gladly look to those good and noble ones
who have adorned their sex. The names of Hannah More, Maria Edgeworth,
Felicia Hemans, Letitia Landon, Harriet Martineau, and a host of others,
show what woman can do when properly educated; for they are equally
distinguished in private, for their amiable and domestic qualities, as
in public for their high intellectual attainments. Let woman follow
their example, never failing to embrace all opportunities presented to
her for moral and intellectual improvement.
ONE FAMILY.
We are all brothers and sisters of one great family, and should always
treat each other as such. If you suffer provocation, let the remembrance
that it is a brother who has injured you, prevent retaliation, and
secure for him entire forgiveness. He who can forgive injuries, puts
himself beyond the reach of harm, and secures a peace of soul more
valuable than the gold of Ophir.