hat the love of
souls was everywhere predominant. It was for this that he condescended
to be made flesh, and dwell among us. It was for this that he labored
and toiled. For this he suffered, bled, and died. If we can, in any
manner, be instrumental in saving souls, the love of Christ must
constrain us to _do what we can_. If we have not his Spirit, we are none
of his. No one, with the love of Jesus burning in his breast, can look
upon dying sinners around him, without feeling anxious to do something
for their salvation. The Sabbath school opens a wide field of
usefulness. Here every Christian, male and female, may become the pastor
of a little flock. Such, truly, is the relation between a Sabbath school
teacher and his class. He is appointed to watch for their souls. This is
no ordinary office. It is one of high responsibility. The Sabbath school
teacher becomes an ambassador of Christ to the little flock entrusted to
his care. Every one of their souls is worth more than the world.

I shall offer no argument to persuade you to engage in this work,
because I know your heart is in it, and I cannot see how any Christian
can need urging to such a delightful employment. I only wish to stir up
your zeal in the cause, and give a few plain and practical directions
respecting this highly important duty. In doing this, it is necessary to
consider the end and object of Sabbath school instruction. This is
nothing less than the conversion of the children, and their subsequent
preparation for usefulness in the church of Christ. To this end, three
things are indispensably requisite: 1. That the children should have a
clear and distinct knowledge of those great though simple truths of
God's word, which teach them their lost and ruined condition by nature,
and the way of salvation revealed in the gospel. Without this, they
cannot become the subjects of renewing grace; for this work is carried
on in the heart, through the instrumentality of God's word. These truths
must, therefore, be so illustrated, simplified, and brought down to
their capacities, that they will see their application to themselves,
and learn from them their own immediate duty.

2. That this great end may be accomplished, it is necessary that the
Holy Spirit should apply the truth to their consciences, and incline
them to embrace it. For even young sinners are so depraved that they
will not listen to the most tender and melting invitations of God's
word, nor accept the