In appending some examples or lessons in teaching, I have selected two varieties from the "Gall" or "Lesson System," of which the late James Gall, of Edinburgh, was the author. I have done so, first, because it is a system and conforms to all good rules of teaching; secondly, because, having used it for more than a quarter of a century, I have found it to be of more value to the teacher and interest to the children than any or all others, if varied and adapted with a sound discretion; and, thirdly, because there are more suggestions in it to teachers than any other; in fact, it includes all others. Particular care must be taken not to attempt too much. Never attempt to use the whole ten exercises on any one Sabbath lesson, or pursue the same order. Generally use the catechetical, the explanations, and the lesson every Sabbath. In some lessons five or six can be used. All are suggestive.
The great leading principle of the system is to teach the use of knowledge—not to communicate information merely, but to train the young, by certain definite rules, to make use of all the information they receive. The first lesson here given is for younger classes; the second for more advanced:
Lesson No. 1.
As taught by the "Gall Lesson System."
(Matt. viii. 1-3.)
"When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed."
Who came down from the mountain? From what did Jesus come down? What happened when Jesus came down from the mountain? Who followed him? Whom did the multitudes follow?
Who came to Jesus? To whom did the leper come? What did the leper do when he came to Jesus? Whom did the leper worship? When did the leper worship Jesus? What did the leper call Jesus? Whom did the leper call Lord? What did the leper say? If who would? What could Jesus do if he would? What did the leper say Jesus could do? Who could make him clean?
What did Jesus do? Who put forth his hand? What did Jesus put forth? What did Jesus do when he put forth his hand? Who touched him? Whom did Jesus touch? When did Jesus touch the leper? What did Jesus say? Who would? What was the leper to be? Who said he was to be clean?
What happened when Jesus said he was to be clean? What was cleansed? Whose leprosy was cleansed? When was the man's leprosy cleansed? By whom was the man's leprosy cleansed?