The Portland gazette., 1818-07-28
MISCELLANY.

Manner in whick the Scriptures were studied
in the Sunday Schools in Great Britain about 80
years since -
The following method was adopted, with a
view to draw as much instruction as possible SIM
ply from the Bible, as well as to make the regu-
lation of the instruction agreeable to the differ
emf denomina ions Of christians who naturally
supported it.--A plain and easy question on some
religious subject Gas for instance, the obligation
Of any particular duty-the evil of any particular
sinA-the attributes Of God-the different ends of
the righteous and the wicked, &c.) was given
each Sunday to those children who could read in
the Bible. To this question they were required
to bring as many texts of scripture as they could
find, by way Of proof, on the Sunday following,
and to repeat them well by heart. AFTER a lit
tie care had been used to teach them to apply
the texts properly and few months experience,
many Of them were able to produce twenty well
chosen proofs to any plain question.
This exercise was found to engage their atten-
ton in great degree, and by the habit OF seek
ing for proofs, they became well acquainted with
different parts of scripture.-It not only employ
ed them during the school hours, but some of
them would meet during the week to assist each
other in this employment, with the eagerness Of
entertainment rather THAI az task and the
parents also were sometimes induced through the
enquiries ofthe children,t to assist them in search
ing the Scriptsres.'--In order to vary the mode,
the scholars were directed now and then tolearn
by heart small portion OF scripture history, or a
parable, in the explanation of which they were
instructed to apply the knowledge gained by
seeking for proofs. They were soon able to an
swer any questions proposed to them IN a more
clear and pertinent manner, in the language Of
scripture and to explain one passage by others Of
similar meaning retained in their memory.
This simple method it is humbly conceived has
some peculiar advantages.
1st Children are hereby taught not only to
exercise their memories but to improve their atll-
derstdndiag.
I'd. They learn one thing at once they treas
use up in their minds fund of religious knowl-
edge on each separate duty, which is dug out by
their own aborious attention.
3D. This method is unexceptonable to those
who might differ in the choice Of catechisms for
the use of public institutions and
Lastly, Children are led to an early and famil-
lar Acquaintance with the Bible, and reverence
for it /; and are taught to seek for truth at the
pure and unpolluted fountain OF Divine wisdom.
a Popular PreGcber.-The Rev. Dr.-is is
what is usually denominated a popular preach
err His reputation, however, has not been ac-
quired by his drawing largely On his stores Of
knowledge and eioquence, but by the skill with
which he appropriates the thoughts and language
OF the great divines who have gone before him.
Those who compose fashionable audience are
not deeply read in pulpit lore, and accordingly,
with such hearers, he passes for wonder of cru
dition and pathos. II did nevertheless happen |
that the Doctor was once detected in his larce-
nies. One Sunday, as he was beginning to de-
light the bellies Of his quarter Of the metropolis,
grave old dgentleman seated himself close to the |
pulpit, and listened with profound attention. |
The Doctor had scarcely finished his third sem /
tence, before the grave old gentleman muttered
loud enough TO be heard by those near, {" That's
Sherlock ~ The Doctor frowned, but went on. /
lie had not proceeded much farther when his
tornenting interrnpter broke ont with $ That's