CHAPTER X.

METHOD OF TEACHING-BIBLE.

Improvements in Reading, and retaining Bible Lessons-Higher object still to be aimed at-Charity as well as Knowledge-Lessons should be accompanied with seriousness and feeling-Preparation by Teacher-Generates suitable frame for impressing Pupils Effect of Scriptural Lessons though apparently lost, yet discoverable in after Life-Bible should not be used for Grammar and Spelling-Home study-Reading by selected portions-Bible Lessons should be daily-Adaptation of Passages to Pupils' powers -Application of Scriptural Knowledge to other Lessons-Examples.

"They read in the book in the Law of God distinctly, and GAVE THE SENSE, and CAUSED THEM TO UNDERSTAND the reading."-NEHEMIAH, viii. 8.

THERE is no part of the business of the School to which the remarks already made with respect to the object and mode of thoroughly mastering the lessons are more applicable than to the department of Bible instruction, and none in which a faithful system of careful preparation steadily carried out, will be attended with greater interest and benefit to both Teacher and pupils.

A

very marked improvement has taken place of late years, in so far as regards the intelligent reading of the Bible, and the retention of its substance. This will appear from a comparison of the extracts subjoined to this branch of the Report, with the state of matters in 1835 and 1836. In 1835, at the School of, a class in Exodus could "give no account, either of the passage now read, or of what they have previously perused. The state of ignorance in which these children are, may be inferred from their inability to tell who Moses was, out of what country he led the Israelites, or into what land, or to give the meaning of 'congregation,' or of similar simple words." In 1836, at, after reading the verse, "Saul breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord," not one of the class "could tell who was meant by 'the Lord,' or by disciples,' nor could any of them tell whose history is contained in the Gospels." At, in the same year, pupils reading the book of Psalms, showed entire ignorance of such parts of the Bible as had been previously perused. "None could tell who sold Joseph, who he was, who was his father, until prompted by the Teacher." It is believed that few of the Schools in the three Counties would now present occasion for such remarks.

While, however, so satisfactory an advance has been made intellectually in Bible instruction, it would be rash to conclude, that this branch of the business has reached, or indeed that it has generally approached that degree of efficiency, with

regard to the attainment of its true objects, which an adequate apprehension, and a diligent and well directed pursuit of these objects might accomplish. On this subject the Reporter would speak with diffidence, and with a regard to what is due to the feelings of a class containing so many aspirants to the office of the holy ministry. But he will write frankly and faithfully, trusting that what is well meant, and dictated by a sense of duty, will (should the Trustees think fit to communicate it) be well taken, and that, even should his remarks appear unnecessary, they will be excused on account of their object,-viz. the desire to improve by the suggestion of some things which may not occur to the Teachers themselves, a department of instruction so vitally important.

The design of Bible instruction is not merely to communicate the facts, or impart an understanding of the statements recorded in the sacred volume. Confined to these purposes, this study becomes a mere handmaid to the knowledge which puffeth up. In order to accomplish its true design, the Bible must be taught in such a manner as to affect the heart, and impress the soul and conscience, and its study be thus made a means of the growth in the spirit of that charity which edifieth.

Now, it is obvious that, where such is the result aimed at, viz. the impressing of Gospel truth upon the reason and feelings in such a manner as to give it a fixed place in the pupil's mind, and a practical bearing on his character,--the successful

attainment of that result must, to a large extent, be dependent upon the manner in which the Bible lesson is set about and executed. If it is read just as if it were a secular lesson about things not possessing any peculiar interest different from the interest attached to all facts encountered in the ordinary course of reading, its proper object and desired result will be, in a great measure, if not altogether, missed. But where, on the other hand, this lesson is gone about with a proper degree of solemnity, and the deep importance of its truths visibly recognised in the very seriousness and feeling with which it is read and commented upon, there is hope that, besides the facts being retained, suitable and lasting impressions may, by the blessing of God, be left upon the pupils' hearts and understandings.

The observations formerly made respecting the importance of careful preparation by the Teacher have here a strong and direct application, not only with a view to his knowledge of the chapter or passage being refreshed or extended, but also, and more especially, in order to ensure that, in coming into contact with his pupils' minds, he shall bring with him the interest and zest communicated by recent study and reflection. His preparation will also tend to what is here most important,—viz. the duction of such a frame of mind as all feel to result from meditation upon subjects calculated to excite sentiments of humility, and tenderness of heart and spirit. It is certainly in such a frame, and when the mind is most deeply impressed with these feelings, that a Teacher will make the best im

pro

pression upon his pupils; for there is a latent but unfailing sympathy which ensures to the sentiments uttered under such an influence a responsive echo in every heart. Of this a familiar and conclusive illustration is afforded by the proverbial efficacy of a mother's instructions.

There is no doubt that those Teachers whose bearing and manner appear to indicate such a tone of mind and feeling as is above referred to, are the most successful in the Bible lesson, and generally in the whole department of religious instruction.

The ingenuous Teacher, therefore, will never long lose sight of the inquiry, whether his instructions are of such a nature as, besides communicating the historical facts of the Bible, to impress the hearts and consciences of his pupils, and implant in them the seeds of virtue and of religious principle-and his intelligence will readily suggest the detection of such incidental, and it may be unconscious indications, as will furnish the answer, without incurring the risk of exciting an ostentatious or pharisaical spirit by any direct appeal. But even if he should fail to discover any apparent return, experience teaches us not to regard such labours as lost. The germs engrafted may remain for years forgotten, unobserved, and unproductive, and yet they are there, and will obtain a vital energy, when God's appointed time has arrived; and that even in hearts the most entirely shut out to all human appearance from the hope of such resuscitation. The most powerful instrument for