The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-05-04

be reached by no other means. we cannot
afford to give it up, for it is too dear to the
hearts of the children, and too valuable in
its power for good.
The less machinery we can have in the
Sunday school, the better-and no part OF
the mere business details of the school, should
ever intrude upon the time of the teacher,
when in active session.
The simplest, and most effective OF all the
so-called ''check systems" that have seen,
| will here briefly set forth. Something
nearly like this originated, L believe with
Mr.. Edward Eggleston, of Chicago. AT
the entrance of the child into the school, it
is provided with card, upon which appears
the name of the scholar, the number of the
class, and list of the 50 Sabbaths in the
year. A second card is also given to each
scholar, containing simply their name, and
the class 70 which shey belong WIN a blalk
space for putting down the name of num-
Der of books, any of which will suit them.
These they select, with the aid of parents or
teacher, from catalogue which is furnished
to each scholar, to be kept at home. The
shelves of the bookcase are partitoned Oft,
each place fitting book, and numbered to
correspond with the book.
Mary White for example,) appears for
the first time, handing both cards to the
Librarian. He glances at card No. 2, and
selects the book she wishes, puts the card
back in the book, and she afterwards regu-
larly retains it, leaving it in the returned
book, at the door of the school room, as she
enters each Sabbath, with revised list of
books wanted, noted thereon.
Card No. l, the librarian retains; draws
his pencil through the figures denoting the
date of the transaction, and slips it into the
place made vacant by Mary's book. Here
it remains showingexactly and simply, just
who has it, and when itAwas .taken-until
the book is returned, when it takes the place
of the next book she draws. After the first
drawing of book, the scholar on entering
the school leaves it, containing the card,
with new list in the hands of the librarian.
During the session, he makes the required
changes, and, just at the close of the school,
hands to the teacher of each class the books
demanded This is all.
But, some will say, this is all very good
for the older scholars, but would never an
swer for the smaller children-as their cards
would soon be lost, and the catalogues never
understood. On this point, brethren, | am
clearly of the opinion, that for the little ones,
and the infant departments Of our schools
a good Sunday school paper, every soeek, if
We can get it, is far better than Sunday
school books. The paper is their own "to
keep"-and, as such, is more highly priced
than the book, which must be returned
and is read and re read, and then carefully
treasured away as precious.
In large school, of nearly 800 members,
another plan was successfully carried on for
years. It's this: A librarian was appoint,
ed, with three good assistants. After the
opening exercises, at the tap of bell the
Superintendent gave notice that ten minutes
would be given to the exchange of books
The four librarians, all in readiness with
their loaded baskets passed simultaneously
down the four rows of classes, leaving 10 or
Is volumes to each class. Just before the
10 minutes expired, they began the home
ward trip to the library, gathering up all
that were left-and, at the stroke of the bell,
the work was concluded.
In another school they have still differ
ent plan, from either of these, and one that
for two years, or more, has worked success
fully:
The regular exercises of the school, begin
at 81 oclock-but the school room is open
at 9-and the teachers and scholars, are ex-
pected to be present in full time to transact
the library exchange; attend to the distri
button of tickets, and all the mere mechani-
cal matters of the school, before lf-past
9 o'clock. Then, the card is turned, and 81
am late," stares the laggard in the face
while no more tickets, or books, are given
out. This plan ensures the punctual attend
ance of teachers aud scholars, and nothing
Of a business character interferes with the
devotional exercises of the school during the
entire session. In order to make it sue
cess-for some teachers aoiU be tardy-the
Superintendent and three young men have
formed themselves into a committee, to be
present at 9 o'clock. They enter upon the
work at once, serving those classes whose
teachers are ABSENT and after such teachers
have found their work done by others few
times, a sense of shame, at least, will bring
them to their work in season, save in cases
of sickness, &c. At half-past nine, the bell
strikes; its warning notes spell stall, to the
childrens ears-the busy hum is hushed, and
the real Sabbath work begins in quiet.
Thus in brief, have I attempted simply to
open the discussion upon this important
theme.
Is IT NOT A WONDERFUL THING that the
sum of the Revelation which God has given
20 no in the Rihla NAV be nnmnressed into