THE Sunday School Companion DESIGNED FOR BIBLE CLASSES, AND THE OLDER PUPILS IN THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. BY REV. J. G. BARTHOLOMEW. "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh BOSTON: N. E. Universalist Publishing House, NO. 37 CORNHILL. BV 1561 ·B3 сор-2 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by TOMPKINS AND COMPANY, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts PREFACE. In presenting this little volume to the public, the Author deems it necessary that a word of explanation should be given of it, by way of introduction. The plan of the work was suggested by his own experience in the Sunday School; and his purpose in preparing it, has been in part, to meet and answer those questions which are so often raised by Classes of pupils, to which Teachers sometimes find it difficult to give a ready and comprehensive answer, sustained by a "thus saith the Lord." It is not designed to spare the Teacher that labor, without which no Sunday School can be successfully conducted, but rather to furnish themes for discussion, and incite the mind to deeper thought on the subjects of which it treats. The mechanical routine of hearing lessons, is well in its place; but no pupil can make great proficiency in spiritual knowledge, who depends entirely on the letter of text books, or who is able to answer, even satisfactorily, the several questions contained in the lessons. There must be original thought and investigation. The mind must be trained to rigorous action. It must think fearlessly — independently, and |