The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-03-23

meaning of the Scripture word than the pro
lessor, In which sense it has so often been
taken.
The teacher in the Sabbath school stands
in loose ndundefned relation to the Church.
And worker in the Church of so much i'm
portance should be known by the session in
an official relation. Let the Church consider
and adopt this plan or something like it:
l. Let a number of our church members
be set apart for the teacher work.
2. Let them prepare themselves for it;
take charge of it, and be responsible for 1t.
GONE LESSON FOR THE SCHOOL"
The universal adoption of this rule was
ably urged by Major Stiles. If all are stu
dying the same lesson, the Superintendent
can supplement the work of inferior teachers
and enforce the teaching of all by his clos
ing lecture or illustration. The hymns and
prayers can be made to harmonize with, and
deepen the impression of the lesson.
Bright scholars can be transferred from a
lower to higher class, and be at once ready
for review of previous instruction. And
not the least of its advantages is the interest
it must give to the teachers meeting-for
conference on the lesson.
The sentiment the convention seemed
to be unanimc Or of One Lesson
for tie Scl6
"We Prepardtson Of the Lesson. Dis
cussion opened by the Rev. G. S. M. See.
Why prepare? In order to have clearness
of thought; promptness; facility of illus
tration; accuracy, (teaching, as nearly as
may be, the very truth of God, and to Sc
cure that quickened interest which glows
around well prepared theme.
How prepare? Read the lesson carefully,
setting down on paper every point of inquiry
that suggests itself. Then use helps in an
swering these questions-and jot down an
swers. Then determine what to use; strike
out all else. Arrange this material careful
ly and form written plan and fix this in the
memory.
"OGect Teaching" by Major Jed. Hotch-
kiss. Several happy illustrations of the way
in which the blackboard can be used in
teaching topography. And also of the way
in which instruction can be impaired by u.s.
ing simple object as an illustration. This,
wisely and skillfully done, can often be made
very effective. "Show me the tribute
money!" is good example. And so are
the bread, and wine and water of the Sacra-
ments. No subject yet introduced called
out the expression of such opposite views.
Enough was said in opposition to the black
board to show that if used, it must be judi
ciousy.
NIGHT SESSION.
".Sabbath School Contributions. Rev.
7. W. Hooper made an admirable address
on the Importance of training children to
habits of self. denying liberality, in giving
to the cause of God.
He has weekly "penny contribution" :"
which is devoted to the Sabbath School, for
papers, library, &C.
Once month he breaches to the children,
and at that time takes up collection for
Foreign Missions. In nine months this
amounted to $50
Cultivate children's benevolent feelings,
and train them in habits of giving, with the
Just expectation that they will not forget
these things in mature life.
DR.. Stiles gave an interesting account of
a family in which this grace of giving had
descended to the third generation.
THURSDAY MORNING.
"Sa5bath School Music. Rev. 7. D. Bell
opened the discussion. Children love sing
ing, and easily learn to sing In childhood
the ear, the voice and the taste are most Ca
pable of instruction. And if you would
have all the congregation to sing, the chill
dren MUST sing.
But let the singing be of the right sort
1. Let the Hymns be free, pure, devo-
tional and rich in Gospel truth, chaste in
style, correct rhythm-not lecture, not an
essay, but WORSHIP.
Many of our best composers of music, are
not fit men to select our hymns.
2, Let the tunes be correct, in good taste,
not frippery, free from objectional asso-
citation and not heavy; though children will
learn and enjoy even the grand old chorals,
if they be sung with animation.
There is danger of having too much mu-
sic, so that one congregation using one sci
of tunes and another, another set, they can.
not sing together when they meet.
There must be instruction in music; but
teaching the rudiments of music, is too sec
nlar for the Sabbath day.
Call the attention of the children to the
sentiment of the hymns, and inculate the
habit of attending to the sentiment.
Sing such hymns as "Rock of ages" from
the Hymn book; teach children hymns that
they will not be ashamed to sing, at the noon
or in the evening of life. The following
sentiment was uttered with great emphasis
"Have more of the church hymns in the
Sabbath School, and more of the children
hymns in the church." But do not make
singing
ERNooN.
"Library Books and Keeping. Mr.. J.
D. K. Sleight, the keeper of the bookstore
of our Publication Committee opened the
discussion.
There are not less than 5000 books, from
various sources, knocking for admission tc
our Sabbath School Libraries, some of them
good, more, Indifferent, and many absolutely
perniciOus.
The Committee is diligently examining these
books, trying to select only the good, and to
reject all rubbish.
Let each church appoint committee, the
best it can, on library books.
Let this committee select the books to be
ordered, or let them leave to the Publishing
Committee the selection.
When the books are received let the com
mittee examine them, and if there are any