Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1914-12-11

to us through twenty long centuries,
and whether we like it or not, it has
taken the throne. 1t has won its posi-
tion by sheer ability to be of service.
1t has demonstrated its efficacy, and
as many believe, it has so entrenched
itself that it is in no immediate dang
er of being dislodged. Our method
should be regulated by our aim to
make a. single impression when we
reach the end of the lesson. Taking
for granted that we purpose to reach
the end every Sunday, it ought to be
reached in such way as to leave one,
unmistakable impression. This is
the method which we should try to
master, and some already have been
convinced that it is impossible to labor
along this line for nought. We, there
fore, ought to plan to carve one, in-
delible impression upon the minds of
our classes every Sabbath.
How is this to be accomplished !?
This question might not be so easy as
it appears. But the answer to it is,
by conscientious, intelligent applica-
ton. This is the guiding rule. But
let us not forget that it is indispens-
able. We are to acquire this method
by hard work. No one can handle it
at once. 1t is pearl of great value,
and it can not be bought only with a
price. Those who have mastered it
have invested in it years of unweari-
ed, logged toll. But as we glance
about US, they are the happiest of all
teachers, because they are always
able to look upon every lesson taught
as completed job. They realize that
a definite act has been done. The
fragments have been gathered into a
basket. This in itself is worth striv-
ing for, because it has the power to
produce in our hearts that joy that
passeth understanding. Who can read
the parallels of the Master without
being impressed with this idea? See
how the details are manipulated to
serve His purpose? See hoy every
thing is rejected that is contrary to
His design? He does not swerve
from the line of thought, and when
the end is reached. you know what he
intended to do. The single impress
sion has been made, and it goes with
out saying that this is exceedingly
satisfying. Effective teaching then
depends upon our ability to make a
single impression when we arrive at
the end of the lesson.
Now, permit me to ask another
question: What do you suppose is
the reason for the hold that the short
story has upon those who read them ?
Or, in other words, how can you ac-
count for the energy of this little piece
of literature? It has battered to the
ground all its foes. 1t has carried in
it's bosom such load of conviction
that its enemies have been scattered
hither and thither. This small bit of
writing has forced itself to the fore
front, in spite of numerous opposi-
tions and conflicts, and what do you
suppose is the reason for it? How
can you account for this manifesto
ton of strength? 1t leaves the read
er with just one, unmistakable impress
sion upon his mind. The author has
taken pains to discard every feature
that had the least tendency to divert
the mind of the reader from the main
channel. He has selected with care
what he wanted for his intention, and
thereby the short-story has become a
mighty factor in the world of letters
Learning to be satisfied with this
seemingly small performance has
given it conspicuous place in the
literary world. In fact, it has placed
it on the throne, never to be over.
thrown. This is its ruling principle
CONTINUED on page Eight)