IN addressing the supporters and readers of this periodical at the termination of another year, the editor feels encouraged with the consideration, that through the kind aid of many friends to the noble cause of Sunday schools and general education, connected with assiduous endeavors to render this Magazine more useful and interesting, the monthly demand has so far increased as to render the aggregate sales rather above that of any preceding year. Although this satisfactory progression has been attended with additional study, labor and expence, it is very gratifying to experience, that those parties for whose benefit the Magazine is chiefly designed have, in some measure, so appreciated its contents, as to excite the pleasing hope, that its circulation will be carried to a much larger extent, and thereby reach the wants, influence the spirits, and encourage the efforts of teachers generally. This Magazine being expressly devoted to the interests of all Sunday schools conducted upon evangelical principles, their officers and teachers throughout the United Kingdom may be regarded as its recognised constituents; and it may, therefore, be denominated their own organ, over which they are free to exercise a salutary influence, and in doing this, numerous opportunities will occur to render more essential service to the cause that so benevolently calls forth their active exertions, their devoted zeal, and their fervent prayers. Among the many important and interesting subjects presented to our readers during the year, that of infant classes composed of children from four to seven years of age, commands our special favor and commendation, believing, as we do, that many good and great results will ensue from this desirable extension of the Sunday school system. Besides the unspeakable benefits which such classes confer upon the little children themselves, the whole school will gradually partake of those benefits, for the scholars from their previous instruction and training, will, as they rise to the other classes, be found more than hitherto disposed to orderly conduct, and be better prepared to advance in scriptural knowledge, and their attachment to the school will, in consequence, be more easily secured. It should also be observed, that when a class of this description is conducted by a pious and skilful teacher, he may be aided by a young teacher or two of hopeful piety selected from among the senior scholars of the school. Such assistant teachers, under the direction of the principal teacher, will learn the proper methods of school government, training, and instruction; and when they, in due time, are appointed to other classes, they will be more competent to perform the duties required of them. The infant class will, therefore, prove as a kind of normal school for the training of young teachers. By this means an incalculable advantage can be added to the Sunday school system. Our affectionate yet decided counsel is, begin religious education early, and begin well. We beg most sincerely to assure our readers, that whatsoever things may tend to the elevation of the sacred cause of education; to the encouragement of the hearts of teachers; and to the augmentation and sustaining of the tone of feeling proper to teachers, shall have the invariable support of all the reputation, ability, and diligence, which we can possibly procure or supply, even at a cost of labor and expence greater than that which has hitherto been bestowed upon this periodical. In this nation, unquestionably the most abounding in evangelical schools of any other in the world, fixed principles, and fixed methods of religious education are as yet not sufficiently understood and practised, because even intelligent christians have not taken the pains and trouble to study the constitution and nature of man, acccording to the true light in which scripture and philosophy present this momentous subject. Impelled by motives more high and holy than aught else which appertains to this earth, christian teachers have gone forth to remove the ignorance which surrounds them, and to inculcate those eternal truths which lead their recipients to present satisfaction, and future happiness. Admirable and laudable as such motives and conduct truly are, yet numerous instances are found of even teachers themselves feeling a consciousness of the want of proper qualifications for their work, and of means and appliances for its right performance, hence disappointments are often felt, and discouragement ensues. How extremely needful, then, that they should possess, and carefully peruse a monthly commentary on the nature of their work, that they may be enlightened on those points in which they apparently fail; that they may be reminded of the prosperity already resulting from past labors, although not performed so efficiently as could have been desired; and that they may be animated and encouraged to further advancement, by being shewn how defects may be removed, how suitable plans may be adopted and employed, and how the easy and effective management of schools and classes may be best secured. But above all, our pages will be constantly devoted to supply incentives to action as arising from the standard principles of the gospel of Christ; and to cultivate and increase among teachers, firm faith in their work, combined with that spirit of piety, devotedness, and charity, which the Scriptures inculcate as essential to the upholding of a truly christian character. Such is "The Teachers' Magazine, and Journal of Education." Give to it your voluntary, invariable, and zealous support, together with hearty recommendation, that it may prove a still more valuable and efficient auxiliary to the religious teachers of the young. your December, 1845. |