The guide; a service book for Sunday schools

Preface

One object in preparing this book was to provide a form of service in which the several departments of the school would have a part, anct at the same time make it instructive and interesting, as well as more formal than the forms usually followed. Another object was to furnish a service which would give prominence to some of our distinctive doctrines, and make clear portions of Scriptures which are often misunderstood and misapplied. It is true the necessity for this is not so apparent as it once was, yet it will not do to remain altogether silent. Although our views are not so openly and frequently attacked in these days as in the time of our fathers, yet the creeds remain the same, and the same Scriptures are used to sustain them. Hence the necessity of introducing into our services such lessons as will prevent our children from growing up in ignorance of our interpretation of God's holy Word. To meet this need, not only have many of the services in this book been prepared, but in the opening service for every Sunday, God's impartial grace and saving power and purpose are clearly indicated, so that no scholar of ordinary mind can attend a school for six months where these services are used, without knowing something of the grounds of our Faith. It was not at first in the thought of the author of The Guide to make a new book, entirely, but rather to select from other books such services as could be found to answer his purpose, and add to these such

TV THE GUIDE.

others as were needed to carry out his idea. At the suggestion of others, however, it was decided to make it in the main a new book. Thus it is that, with the exception of some of the additional prayers, all the matter has been specially prepared for this book. The prayers for Easter, Childen's Sunday, All Souls, and Christmas, were kindly contributed by Rev. H. W. Rugg ; those for Memorial Sunday, and for the Death of a Teacher and the Death of a Scholar, by Rev. H. I. Cushman ; and the one for Educational Sunday, by Rev. E. H. Capen, D. D. The prayers for Opening were made up from Rev. James Lombard's Sunday School Liturgy, and those for the Sickness of a Teacher, and also for a Scholar, were taken from Rev. Henry Bacon's Service Book. The author also gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness to Charles E. Carpenter, Esq., the long-time Superintendent of the First Universalist Sunday School in Providence, R. I., and to Henry B. Metcalf, Esq., superintendent of the Pawtucket school and a wellknown Sabbath school worker, for valuable suggestions in preparing this work, and which have made it of greater worth.

The plan of the Guide is to have an established Order of Service for every Sabbath, and for this purpose three have been prepared. The first is substantially what has been used in the Church of the Mediator School for the past six years, and which has received the hearty approval of many clergymen who in this time have visited the school. It is an elaborate service, and intended only for large schools. To carry it out in full, it is necessary, as. indeed, it is desirable, that all the departments of the school should be together at the opening. Tlie second 44 Order " is shorter and will better suit some schools.

PREFACE. V

The third " Order " is quite brief, and may be used in the smallest schools, or in any school, if desired. In each " Order " the time required is indicated at the right of the numbers, and different times are given for different hours of meeting, to wit : forenoon, noon, and afternoon. If the school meets at any other hour, the time can be easily calculated from the examples given. In the absence of the pastor at No. 6, (First Order) instead of the invocation by him, the superintendent may use one of the prayers for " Opening," or his own. At No. 10 all should bow the head, and after a few moments of silent prayer, the superintendent will follow with No. 11. Music for No. 14 will be found on page 7, and the chant for the Lord's Prayer, (No. 24) on page 8. At No. 27 let the school read in concert the study lesson for the day, where lesson papers are used. If the uniform lessons are not used, this number can be omitted. Following the study lesson, the Golden Text is to be repeated. At No. 30 the superintendent will announce the service from The Guide These services consist of Scripture selections, to be read by the superintendent, and a brief explanatory comment thereon, which may be used or not as he may elect. In some of the services, such as " The Second Coming of Christ," " The End of the World," and " Eternal Life," some explanation is necessa r y lest the children imbibe the popular idea concerning these topics. It was because of this seeming necessity that in some cases comments are added, and for the sake of uniformity the others were provided. Next come the Responses, and Prayer, which is followed by singing; the opening service closing with No. 34. This will have occupied about twenty minutes, which will leave from twenty-five to thirty minutes for the teacher's work in his class. Previous to this he

VI THE GUIDE.

should take up his collection, (No. 35) that it may be ready when the collector calls for it. After the lesson instruction is finished, the time may be used by singing, or in a review of the lesson by the pastor or superintendent. After which the library books are to be distributed. Then a closing hymn is sung, followed by silent prayer, and the " Benediction" or " Parting Invocation."

The time required for the entire service is one hour and a quarter. As all schools are supposed to have a singing book, it was thought best to omit hymns and leave each school to select its own music. Although three forms of service are provided, it is, of course, optional for any school to use either one, or any other form it may choose to adopt ; or either may be contracted or enlarged in any way that may be thought best. And if the pastor or superintendent should at any time prefer to pray himself, nothing here need prevent him, though to the author it seems desirable that as a rule the school should repeat a prayer in concert. In all prayers the children should be taught to at least bow the head. If in addition to this the eyes be coveted with the hand it will be still better.

HYM^T. VII

HYMN ECU PRIMARY CLASS.

Jesus said of little children, "Suffer them to come tome."

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Yes, we hear thee, And we come, dear Lord, to thee,

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Singing,singing with the awgels,Hallelujah ! praise the Lord.

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THE GUIDE.

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ORDER OF SERVICE.— I.

1 — 12.13 P. M. First Bell — Preparation.

2 — 12.15 " Second Bell — Perfect silence.

3 — Superintendent — O come, let us sing unto the Lord.

4 — School — Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of

our salvation. 5 — Singing — By school or a select choir. f! — Invocation, by Pastor. 7 — Supt. — I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go

into the house of the Lord. 8 — Asst. Supt — Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise ; be thankful unto him and bless his name. 9 — School — Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of heed. 10 — Silent Prayer. — (All bow the head.) 11 — Supt. — God be merciful unto us and bless us; and

cause his face to shine upon us. 12 — School — Blessed are they that dwell in thy house;

they will be still praising thee. 13 — Primary Class Teachers — Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven. 14 — Primary Class Song —

Jesus said of little children,

"Suffer them to come to me."

Yes, we hear thee, blessed Saviour,

And we come, dear Lord, to thee — Singing, singing with the angels,

Hallelujah! praise the Lord. I

15 — Supt. — Behold what manner of love the Father hath

bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons

of God. 16 — Males — And we have seen and do testify, that the

Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 17 — Females — The Father loveth the Son and hath given

all things into his hand.

IS— Supt. — And he has said : — " All that the Father giv-

eth me shall come to me, and him that cometh to

me, I will in no wise cast out." 19 — Bible, or Young Peoples' Class — For he must reign

till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 20 — Teachers — The last enemy that shall be destroyed is

death. 21 — School — Then cometh the end when he shall have

delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father ;

when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 22— Supt. — I beseech you, therefore, brethren by the

mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living

sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your

reasonable service. 23 — School — For whether we live, we live unto the Lord ;

and whether we die, we die unto the Lord ; whether

we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. 24 — Chant — Lord's Prayer. 25 — Confession — (All uniting.)

"We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and. the duty, interest, and final destination of mankind.

We believe that there is one God, whose nature is love, revealed in one Lord, Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore lh" whole family of mankind to holiness and happiness.

ORDER OF SERVICE. 11

We believe that holiness and true happiness are insepara toly connected, and that believers ought to be careful to main, tain order and practice good works, for these things are good and profitable unto men.

27 — Scripture Lesson for the Day.

2$ — Golden Text.

29 — Invocation Hymn —

I need thee every hour —

Teach me thy will, And thy rich promises

In me fulfill.

I need thee ! oh. I need thee,

Every hour I need thee !

O bless me now, my Saviour !

I come to thee.

30 — Service — Page —

32 — Supt. — Come now and let us reason together, saith

the Lord. 33 — School — Let us " Hear instruction and be wise, and

refuse it not." 34 — Supt. — That it may be said of thee, "From a child

thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are

able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith

which is in Christ Jesus." 35 — Collection. 36 — Lesson Study. 37 — 1.02 — Preparatory Bell. 38 — 1.05 — Second Bell — Silence. 39 — Singing. 40 — Remarks. 41 — Notices. 42 — Distribution of Books.

44 — Silent Prater. — (All bow the head.)

45 — 1.30 — Benediction by the pastor, or the following :

Parting Invocation — (All uniting.) The Lord watch hetween me -and thee when we are absent

one from another.

ORDER OF SERVICE.— II

1—10.43 A. M. First Bell — Preparation.

2 — 10.45 " Second Bell — Perfect silence.

3 — Superintendent — O come, let us sing unto the Lord.

4 — School — Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of

our salvation. 5 — Singing. 6 — Supt. — I was glad when they said unto me, Let us

go into the house of the Lord. 7 — School — Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in

time of need. 8 — Silent Prayer. — (All bow the head.) 9 — Supt. — God be merciful unto us and bless us ; and

cause his face to shine upon us. 10 — School — Blessed are they that dwell in thy house :

they will be still praising thee. 11 — Supt. — Behold what manner of love the Father hath

bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons

of God. 12 — Male — And we have seen and do testify that the

Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 13 — Females — The Father loveth the Son and hath given

all things into his hand.

ORDER OF SERVICE. 13

14 — Supt. — And he has said : — " All that the Father giveth me shall come to me, and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out."

15 — School — For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

16 — Teachers — The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

17 — School — Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and authority and power.

18 — Supt. — I beseech you, therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

19 — School — For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord ; whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

20 — Confession — {All uniting.)

We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New- Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and the duty, interest, and final destination of mankind.

We believe that there is one God, whose nature is love r revealed in one Lord, Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore the whole family of mankind to holiness and happiness.

We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected, and that believers ought to be careful to maintain order and practice good works, for these things are good and profitable unto men.

22 — Scripture Lesson for the Day.

23 — Golden Text.

24 — Invocation Hymn —

I need thee every hour —

Teach me thy will, And thy rich promises

In me fulfill.

I need thee ! oh. I need thee,

Every hour I need thee !

O bless me now, my Saviour!

I come to thee.

25 — Service — Page —

27 — Supt. — Come now and let us reason together, saith the

Lord. 28 — School — Let us " Hear instruction and be wise, and

refuse it not." 29 — Supt. — That it may be said of thee : — " From a child

thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are

able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith

which is in Christ Jesus." 30 — Collection. 31 — Lesson Study. 32— 11.32— Preparatory Bell. 33 — 11.35 — Second BELL-^Silence. 34 — Singing. 35 — Remarks. 36 — Notices. 37 — Singing.

38 — Silent Prayer — (All bow the head.) 39 — 12.00 — Benediction by the pastor, or the following:

Parting Invocation — (All uniting.')

The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another.

ORDER OF SERVICE. 15

ORDER OF SERVICE.— Ill

1 — 1.58. P. M. First Bell — Preparation.

2 — 2.00. " Second Bell — Perfect Silence.

4 — Superintendent — Let us come boldly unto the

throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and

find grace to help in time of need. 5 — Silent Prayer. — (All bow the head.) f> — Sv/pt. — God be merciful unto us and bless us ; and

cause his face to shine upon us. 7 — Confession. — (All uniting.)

We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and the duty, interest, and final destination of mankind.

We believe that there is one God, whose nature is love, revealed in one Lord, Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore the whole family of mankind to holiness and happiness.

We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected, and that believers ought to be careful to maintain order and practice good works, for these things are good and profitable unto men.

9 — Service — Page — 10 — Singing.

ll-^Stipt. — Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord.

12 — School. — Let us "Hear instruction and be wise, and

refuse it not." ]3 — Supt. — That it may be said of thee, ''From a child

thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are

able to make thee wise unto salvation through

faith which is in Christ Jesus. 14 — Collection. 15 — Lesson Study. 16 — 2.48 — Preparatory Bell. 17 — 2.50 — Second Bell. 18 — Singing. 19 — Remarks. 20 — Notices. 21 — Singing.

22 — Silent Prayer — (All bow the head.) 23 — 3.15 — Benediction by the pastor, or the following: Parting Invocation — (All uniting.}

The Lord watch between me and thee when we ate

absent one from another.

SEE VICE L— The Mercy of the Lord,

The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children ; for thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive ; and plenteous in mercy unto alL them that call upon thee. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy : for thou renderest to every man according to his work. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.

God's mercy is akin to bis justice. It does not manifest itself by relieving us of necessary and just punishment. The father who spares his disobedient child is not merciful. Punishment is necessary for our good. God's mercy consists in meting out punishment according to our needs. He never punishes more than is required for our good. The Psalmist says, "Unto thee, Lord, belongeth mercy; for thou renderest to every man according to his work." God, then, shows his mercy, not by withholding punishment, but by punishing us no more than we deserve.

RESPONSES.

Supt.— Ho, every one that tliirsteth, come ye to the waters,

School. — And he that hath no money come ye, buy and eat :

Supt. — Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

School— Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?

Supt. — And your labor for that which satisfieth not?

School. — Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good,

Supt. — And let your soul delight itself in fatness.

School. — Incline your ear and come unto me :

Supt. — Hear, and your soul shall live.

AIL — And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

PRAYER.

Almighty and most merciful God, no mortal eye hath ever seen thee, yet thy presence is manifest in the genial rays of the sun, which warm and invigorate the earth; in the gentle influences that surround us on every hand, by which we are sustained and blessed; and by everything which makes life attractive. We thank thee that thou hast not left us without a witness of thyself ; that by the gift of thy wellbeloved Son thou hast made provision for our spiritual wants, which are so great, and yet so little regarded by us. We thank thee that though subject to the same trials and disappointments which so often beset us, yet he was able to en-

GOD'S PLEASURE AISTD PURPOSE. 19

dure all ; that though tempted in all points like as we are, yet he was without sin. May we seek his guidance and be helped by his example/so that when tempted, we shall resist every allurement of evil. Make us grateful for thy abundant mercies, and though wilful and blind to our own best good, be merciful to its still, God, and cause thy face to shine upon us. Bless our church, school, and parish. Make them thy instrumentalities for much good. Prosper us in every good work. Increase our interest in spiritual things. Deepen our love for thee, and help us to work together with one heart and purpose to establish thy kingdom on earth, even in the hearts of thy children. And thine through Christ, our Lord, be all the praise. Amen.

SERVICE II. — God's Pleasure axd Purpose.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ : according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love : having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace ; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence ; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which lie hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all tilings in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him. So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth : it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it.

Not only are God's pleasure and purpose to save all his children clearly set forth in our lesson, but we also have the assurance that he will not fail in either, but will do his pleasure according to his good purpose. To believe otherwise would be to doubt his word and dishonor his holy name.

eespokses.

Supt. — As I live, saith the Lord God,

School. — I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.

Supt. — Thou hast created all things,

School. — And for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Supt. — My counsel shall stand ;

School. — And I will do all my pleasure.

Supt. — The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying,

School. — Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass ;

Supt. — And as I have purposed, so shall it stand.

School. — I have purposed it, I will also do it.

Supt. — Is the law against the promise of God?

AIL— God forbid.

PROMISES OF GOD. 21

PRAYEK.

Almighty God, thou hast created us and not we ourselves ; and for thy pleasure we are and were created. We bless thee that thou didst create us in thine own image and fashion us after thine own likeness. And though by our disobedience to thy just laws, we have in a measure lost our likeness to thee, thou dost not forsake us, but hast declared thy purpose to save to the uttermost all whom thou hast created. As w r e realize this blessed truth, our Father, may we be drawn nearer to thee in confidence. And though thou art so great and altogether beyond the comprehension of mortals, make us to realize that the humblest and smallest of thy children may come into thy spiritual presence and commune with thee, with the full assurance that thou art pleased to receive their offerings of gratitude and praise. Help us, ever gracious Parent, to appreciate this privilege, and to so improve it that we may live as in thy presence ; and may we receive from thee that strength which thou hast promised to the humble and trusting heart. May we live for thee and in thy service, as disciples of the risen Lord, our Saviour. Amen.

SERVICE III.— PROMISES OF GOD.

We know that all tilings work together for good to them that love God. He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners. The Lord preserveth all them that love him. They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time : and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. The Lord knoweth the days of the upright : and their inheritance shall be forever. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord : and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down : for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright : for the end of that man is peace.

The promises of God are many, but sure. Let us hearken unto him, and diligently serve him, and we shall reap the sure reward of our welldoing.

RESPONSES.

Supt. — Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,

School. — And the man that getting understanding ;

Supt. — For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver,

School. — And the gain thereof than fine gold.

Supt. — She is more precious than rubies :

School. — And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Supt. — Length of days is in her right hand.

School. — And in her left hand riches and honor.

Supt. — Her ways are ways of pleasantness.

School. — And all her paths are peace.

Supt. — She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her :

School. — And happy is every one that retaineth her.

PROMISES OF GOD. 23

Supi. — The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth :

School. — By understanding hath he established the heavens.

Supt. — My son, let not them depart from thine eyes ;

School. — Keep sound wisdom and discretion :

Supt. — Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely,

School. — And thy foot shall not stumble.

Supt. — When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid :

All. — Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

PRAYER.

Infinite Creator of all things, Ave render unto tliee our grateful acknowledgments for the manifold blessings thou art constantly bestowing upon us. We thank thee that thou hast created us ; and for this world of beauty and glory. We realize that we have done nothing to give us any claim on thee, that all thou hast done for us has been through thine infinite goodness ; and we thank thee that notwithstanding our unworthiness, our short comings, our repeated failures to live worthy of thee, thou withholdest nothing we need. Every moment of our lives is a proof that thou hast not forgotten us ; everything that makes life desirable calls upon us to bless and praise thee as the giver thereof. Father, may we not be ungrateful for these blessings, nor unmindful of our duty to thee; but may our hearts ever go up to thee in grateful adoration. May we render thee the service which is thy clue, yield thee a willing obedience, and be blessed with the assurance that we have found favopin thy sight. Pardon all thou seest amiss in us. Sanctify every blessing to our highest good, and save us with an abundant salvation, through Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.

SERVICE IV.— GOD'S LOVE.