1. =In the Early Sunday School.= A study of origins has shown that in the earliest Sunday schools in America, as in England, provision was made for the payment of officers and teachers. In the first schools established in and near Philadelphia, each paid teacher had charge of what would now be considered a department, and the practical teaching was given under his direction by scholars, who were called monitors. But in a new country, where the settlements were small and the people mostly poor, the system of paid teachers soon passed away, and the schools were carried on by voluntary and unpaid workers. It was fortunate for the American Sunday school that in its beginnings it required but little money. For the place of meeting any chapel or schoolhouse or settler's cabin would serve. The literature was exceedingly meager--a few Testaments and spelling books, and generally these were brought by the teachers and scholars. When the earliest lesson books were published, they were not quarterlies, nor annuals, to be thrown away after one using, but were studied year after year. The largest item of expense was the library; and as this was an institution for the entire neighborhood, the families willingly contributed toward it. Not until the Sunday school had become thoroughly founded did the question of its financial support arise as a problem. 2. =In the Modern Sunday School.= As the Sunday school advanced in position, in influence, and in better methods of work, its expenses naturally increased. Now, in the opening of its second century, its financial requirements are far greater than they were even a generation ago. It asks for special and suitable buildings, with rooms and furnishings adapted to the educational needs of its several departments; for a periodical literature suited to teachers and scholars of every grade, and requiring to be renewed every year; for an organ or piano--often for several, with an orchestra added; for an equipment of song books different from those in the church service; for entertainments and gifts at Christmas, and a day's outing for all in the summer; for libraries containing popular books for the scholars and helpful works for the teachers in their work. The demands of a large and growing Sunday school, in city or country, are great, but in nearly all congregations the funds for the support of the Sunday school are obtained with less effort than those for any other department of church activity, and in this liberality the Christian people show their wisdom and insight.