EXTENSION SUNDAY SCHOOLS
This work is, of course, in full swing already. It needs only this notice: during two or three generations this country has been changing from the Bible-country of the world, with a wide general respect for the Book, and some tradition, however deficient, of reading it, to one whose ignorance of Scripture is appalling. The maturing generation was not taught the Bible in its youth, left Sunday School as soon as it was of age because it saw its parents did not go to church, and does not teach the Bible to its children. We are pre-eminently the Bible teachers of the nation, however small our numbers, and it is an office with possibilities we cannot estimate. Experience has shown, in many districts, that hundreds of parents are glad to allow their children to attend our schools and learn the Word. Their reasons may be soundly religious, vaguely pious, or simply opportunist in hope of quiet Sunday afternoons. We prefer the first, but cannot refuse any. The ends are two: to teach the children themselves the form of sound doctrine, 3 and have them decide for themselves whether they will accept the faith; and to have them carry to their parents what they learn.

Of course, there will be setbacks. Many children of age about fifteen will leave us. Many parents will be untouched. But the setbacks are equally bad in all our attempts to preach the Word. The children will be very ignorant of the Bible and will be given far less encouragement at home to pursue their instruction than children of Christadelphian parents expect. The method of teaching will have to be radically revised to meet these needs.

But the work is beyond the first experimental stage. Numbers of ecclesias have large and flourishing schools consisting entirely of children from non-Christadelphian homes. They display an enthusiasm for the work they do which is the answer to doubts. Fruits to the Truth's acceptance have been borne. There is limitless scope for the furtherance of the endeavour.