KNOXVILLE, IOWA, SABBATH-SCHOOL.
By E. S. Walker
BRO. SMITH: Having seen reports from several Sabbath-schools which were quite interesting to me, and thinking that a report from us might interest others, I herewith transmit a brief report of our school, together with our plan of conducting it. The subject of a Sabbath-school had been the theme of conversation among the brethren frequently since the church had been organized in our place (which was in the fall of 1859), some of the brethren being fearful that we could not keep up an interest, urging as a reason that we could not get suitable books for the children to read at their homes, as the books published for the use of Sunday-schools were objectionable on account of the doctrines inculcated in them—the truth being mixed with the traditions of men; and they were fearful that unless we had some suitable books for the children to read during the week, we should not be able to keep up the interest. Others again thought that the study of the Holy Scriptures alone, could be made interesting to all, both young and old, and we finally determined to make the trial, trusting that God would impart his assisting grace, and that we might be enabled so to conduct our school that it might be both interesting and profitable to all who should attend it. We accordingly organized a Sabbath-school, which now numbers about seventy scholars, and is divided into about ten classes, which are classed with reference to age and qualifications, each class being superintended by a teacher, whose duty it is to select the lesson for the class, ask questions upon it, and be fully prepared to expound the scripture contained in the lesson to the comprehension and understanding of the pupils. Before dismissal, the lesson for the succeeding Sabbath is chosen, and the pupils urged to study it thoroughly through the week. The object of the school is not to have the pupils read a great many chapters over, without any apparent interest or instruction, but the great object is to search and study the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make us wise unto salvation. The children also are requested and encouraged to commit to memory portions of Scripture during the week, which they recite to their teachers upon the Sabbath. We meet in the morning at half past nine o'clock. The school is opened by reading a lesson from the word of God, and with singing and prayer, after which the teachers take charge of their several classes. Each class selects the subjects of their own lesson. Most of the brethren and sisters attend the school, and many of them participate in the exercises, finding that they can spend the time both pleasantly and profitably in receiving and imparting instruction to their brethren and sisters. The children, as far as I have been able to learn, like to attend the school, and appear to be very much interested; and they generally attend punctually. Our school has now been in operation about two months, and up to this time we have had no cause to regret the steps we have taken, but on the other hand, we have had cause to rejoice that our efforts thus far have been blessed of God, and that in the discharge of our duties his good Spirit has attended us. The school appears to grow in interest, and is growing in numbers. After having fully tested it, we feel assured and do testify that the study of the Holy Scriptures when properly conducted is both interesting and profitable to both young and old, and that the Bible and the Bible alone is not only sufficient for our rule of faith and practice, but that it is the Book of books, and contains meat for all classes—for the youth as well as for the adult, under any and all circumstances. E. S. WALKER, Superintendent.