The first edition of this pamphlet was published in Cincinnati, in 1822. The manuscript was examined by the clergymen of that place, and recommended to the Sunday School Societies, at whose expence it was published, and distributed gratuitously throughout the city, through the medium of the Sunday Scholars. It is lamentable to reflect, that there is so large a portion of our fellow men, still unprovided with such a source of moral and religious instruction for their offspring, as the Sunday School institution is calculated to afford. If the public mind was enlightened on this momentous subject, we should see every village, and every interior section of this extensive country, provided with its Sunday School. As one step towards the wider dissemination of the necessary information, it has been thought advisable to republish this pamphlet, with suitable alterations to adapt it for circulation throughout the United States, and to include some particular directions for the institution and management of a school, so that any one into whose hands a copy may chance to fall, may be able by its assistance, to commence and carry on a school. A great many pious persons, no doubt, are prevented (especially in the country, where books are scarce, and the means of obtaining them difficult) from actively engaging in such undertakings, for the want of information how to proceed. Even in our large cities, there are but few books to be found relating to Sunday School instruction. Application has been made to some of the most benevolent citizens of Providence and its vicinity, and a sum has been subscribed sufficient to print a large number for gratuitous circulation. It is contemplated, after furnishing our own State, the neighboring parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut, to send one to every city and town in the Union. It is hoped that it will be published again and again, by bene volent individuals, and be generally circulated throughout the United States. #g Introduction. THE compiler of the following pages has been, for several years, an instructor in Sunday Schools, and has observed, with pain, the ignorance and indifference which prevails, respecting these important institutions. He has met with many parents who were unacquainted with the existence of such schools, supported by the patronage of the benevolent, where children are taught, gratuitously, the rudiments of learning, and the fundamental principles of Christianity. Even among those, who are connected with these schools, a want of attention and information, respecting the duties which devolve upon them, is too apparent. This must be attributed, principally, to the great deficiency of publications through every part of our country, respecting the design and management of Sabbath Schools. Under these impressions, the compiler has been desirous, for some time, that means might be taken to diffuse the information required. He has consulted many of the best writers on the subject, and from them, has endeavoured to draw the most useful information. His most difficult task has been to compress, within so small a space, the important and instructive matter which he has met with Many volumes would be requisite to contain all the useful and necessary information which might be selected from the copious contents of Sabbath School repositories. Those Christians, who still doubt the propriety |