repeated by the whole class at the same time, and if the truth be important, three or four times over. The Teacher then proceeds to the next child, asking a further question, which is to be answered and repeated in like manner. The repetition of the answers may at times be omitted, but it is generally useful as a means of enlivening the lesson, of impressing each single truth upon the minds of the children, and of making the whole class partake in the instruction given to each child. The Teacher is supposed to introduce a farther variety, by frequently enforcing or illustrating what has been said; he may often call their attention by asking “what did I say," &c. If he perceive any particular impression to have been produced, he should take advantage of the moment, and make some practical application which may strike home to the hearts of the children. Those who have observed the nature of the human heart, must be aware of the importance of not passing the point of feeling when it has been excited: at such a moment the Teacher may conclude the lesson, and resume the subject at another opportunity.* * To prevent confusion, a little attention is required in keeping the other children silent when the question is addressed to one alone. In answering a question, the child may occasionally present a new or unexpected idea to the Independently of the questions, we have at times offered some observations which the Instructor may either introduce or not: the sentiments contained in them are such as we found difficult to bring into the form of question and answer, or considered as above the comprehension of children. Should the Teacher enter into the ideas, he may be able, on other occasions, to bring them before his pupils. We must bear in mind that there are but few avenues through which abstract knowledge can be imparted to very young persons, Their impressions are chiefly received from things around them, and they have had little experience of the workings of their own mind, or of the dispositions and habits of men. It is desirable to lead them to the truths we wish them to receive through the ideas they already possess. But this cannot always be done; spiritual things are not the objects of sense, in one respect they cannot be taught; words cannot convey them; the ideas signified by words may Teacher's mind. An able Instructor will often seize the idea thus presented, illustrate it, follow it, vary his lesson accordingly; and though he may previously have arranged the sub. ject in his mind, he will pursue another train of thought, and resume his own in a subsequent lesson. Thus the child will often shew his Instructor how to instruct him. If the Teacher be really interested in his work, he will interest the children; he will strike out for himself particular methods adapted to their capacities. be received by the Understanding, but this is not sufficient; we need the reality, and the reality can only be given by the Spirit of God. This conviction, however, should not prevent our conversing upon spiritual things: while we commune together and reason, we may hope that Jesus Himself will draw near and be with us. The Understanding may be elevated and impressed by the glory and excellence of that divine truth which far transcends it the heart and affections may at the same time, be benefited by that secret influence which God, in the use of means, is often pleased to impart.* * It may be objected, that though taking a word in the manner we have recommended, may be useful with respect to other subjects, yet that since we allow divine truth transcends the human understanding, the method cannot profitably be applied to spiritual subjects. We answer, that though our comprehension cannot grasp the extent of divine things, yet we may have true and just ideas of them. To say that our conceptions must fall far short of the reality, does not imply that these conceptions must be erroneous. The nature of God, for instance, is far above our comprehension; yet our ideas of his nature may be true or false. We may and ought to seek true ideas of His goodness, power, &c.; but the extent and excellence of His power and goodness cannot be comprehended. On the other hand, we may have false notions of the nature of God, which will have a practical influence upon our conduct. We should therefore use our understandings in seeking true ideas of spiritual things; always however remembering that ideas of spiritual things Let it be remembered that the Holy Spirit chiefly influences the heart. Through the heart he enlightens the mind: and, though we have been speaking of cultivating the Understanding, we would in the strongest manner recommend an united attention to the heart, passions, and affections. and affections. It has been remarked that there never was a child who did not love to read in the Revelations. Does the child then comprehend all it reads, -or may the glory and excellence of the subjects be felt in indefinite admiration and pleasure? The mercies of Redemption are above all calculated to affect the heart. That love of Christ which passeth knowledge is revealed to the soul by a life-giving communication and energy little understood, but absorbing its deepest powers. The commencement of this effect frequently appears in the operation of the Divine Spirit upon the heart, by means of instruction which would otherwise have been inefficient. What a holy inexpressible power will sometimes pervade the pious soul when contemplating the words and actions of Jesus, are only useful so far as they lead to the pursuit of the things themselves. Such subjects in their inward nature will indeed transcend our natural faculties; and, in general, it is the truest idea we can form, that they do transcend them. Happy will it be, if this conviction lead us to seek Truth in its great eternal source. recorded by the Evangelists! How truly are they spirit and life to the inwardly poor and humble, who embrace them with the faith of the heart. It will ever be found that the more our hearts accord with the spirit of the Scriptures, the more we shall receive of the supernatural influence imparted through them—that influence which breathes in the hidden life of the Son of God.-One means of coming to this state, is a serious examination of the sacred volume, according to the opportunities we enjoy. By patient continuance in this exercise, we shall be brought into nearer acquaintance with the divine Inspirer. By waiting at the gates of Wisdom, we shall meet with Him who opens them to everlasting life.* * Should these pages fall into the hands of those who have no direct view to the instruction of others, we would gladly induce them to pursue for themselves an object which is of universal importance. They may form a habit of privately examining the Scriptures. Private reading may be improved to peculiar advantage. Let them reflect upon the truth of an important word or sentence, and seek to have it applied to their own hearts. Having recollected themselves, as in the presence of God, let them endeavour, to realise the subject, above all, to realise the Saviour, who is "Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end."-Let them attentively listen to the still small voice, and embrace the spirit of the Scriptures, in the simplicity of faith, with earnest prayer. Were but half an hour daily spent in this manner, what might be its fruit in eternity! (Luke viii. 18; John v. 39; vi. 63; xx. 31.) |