AN APPEAL TO THE CHURCHES IN THE NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE.
By D. A. Robinson
Will New England be behind in the Sabbath-school work? Every believer in present truth is aware of the fact that this work is aggressive. Advance steps are being taken, broader plans are being laid, and the necessity of a more perfect organization, that there may be unity of action in every branch of the work, can be readily seen. At the last session of the General Conference, steps were taken to bring about a Sabbath-school organization that should be nearer perfect. It was recommended that each Conference organize a Sabbath-school association. Accordingly, at the last session of the general quarterly meeting held at South Lancaster, Mass., May 5, an association was organized, adopting the Constitution of the Michigan S. S. Association, as will be seen in this week’s REVIEW. We ask for the co-operation of all our churches and companies that meet on the Sabbath in every part of this Conference. Wherever the Sabbath-schools are not fully organized according to suggestions herein stated, steps should immediately be taken to complete an organization. At our next general quarterly meeting, which will be held in July, we shall expect a report from every company in this Conference. That our brethren may act understandingly and unitedly in this matter, we recommend that they carefully read the articles upon this subject in REVIEW No. 13, March 28, by W. C. W., G. H. Bell, and M. K. White. In order to give this quarterly report, it will be necessary that the secretary make a This report should be read every Sabbath morning at the opening of the school, and it should contain an account of the proceedings of the week previous and the number of classes, and each absence should be noted. The report should be something like the following :— No. 1, Class of adults numbering seven, Bro. A. teacher; absences, two. No. 2, Class of youth numbering ten, Sr. B. teacher; scholars all present, teacher absent. No. 3, Infant class numbering six, Sr. C. teacher; no absences. The report should also contain the amount of weekly contributions. This must be a summary of the weekly reports. We offer the following, not as a precise form, but to give an idea of what is wanted :— South Lancaster Sabbath-school; D. W. Johnson, superintendent; M. A. Buzzell, secretary. Bro. Bell’s Question Books are used in all our classes. The interest in the school has increased during the past quarter. Nine scholars have been added, and one new class has been organized. Any other items of interest may be added. In every school two officers are indispensable, superintendent and secretary, the latter of whom may act as treasurer. In small schools either or both of these officers may act as teachers or pupils. It is found necessary that each school have a fund, in order to defray any expenses of the school or association. The plan usually adopted is a penny contribution weekly from each one connected with the school. Each report should be made out and sent to the secretary of the S. S. Association, Mrs. F. A. Buzzell, South Lancaster, Mass., immediately after the reorganization of the school, which should take place the first Sabbath in each quarter. Do not neglect this work a single week. If you have no Sabbath-school, and there are no more than two families that meet, organize and see what can be done. Invite in your neighbors to take part with you. We also suggest that in no case the recitations exceed one hour and a half. One hour is better. If further information is wanted in this matter, correspond with the secretary at South Lancaster, Mass., and she will always give what information is needed. D. A. ROBINSON, Pres. N. E. S. S. A.