The following Examples are real, as taken from my note-book during the present year:
I. At one time the lesson was the parable of the Prodigal Son. The first teacher was called up for the best thought for his class in the lesson. He replied, "Like the prodigal, all children want to have their own way." The second teacher, "The farther he wandered the greater his misery." The third, "When starving, came to himself." 4. He resolved to "arise and go to his father." 5. "He returned." 6. "After his father fell on his neck, he confessed." 7. "His confidence in his father when he returned." 8. "His father saw him a great way off." 9. "Father ran,"—old men do not usually run. 10. "With joy embraced and kissed him," etc. 11. "The degradation of a sinful course." 12. The father's wonderful condescension and willingness.
II. At another teachers' meeting the lesson was Luke xviii. 18-27. The Young Ruler.—First, prayer, singing, and reading of the lesson. Then called on the teachers for their plan of teaching the lesson.
The First Teacher gave five heads. 1. Question, "What shall I do?" 2. Knowing the law. 3. Taking up the cross. 4. Rejecting the cross. 5. The great obstacle.
Second Teacher.—1. Eternal life, what is it? 2. Have you kept the law? 3. What else was required? 4. Come. 5. Overcome every obstacle. 6. You must love nothing better than Christ.
Third Teacher's plan was—The Young Ruler was, 1. Rich; 2. Pleasing; 3. Respectful; 4. Ready to learn; 5. Prostrate—the custom of the country; 6. Put first his love to neighbors; 7. Commandments—Pharisee. Show the children how far they can go and yet be lost. He was a church member, an officer in the church, a ruler: he came to Jesus prostrate, prayed respectfully—Jesus applied the touchstone and all was wanting.
Fourth Teacher.—1. Young man's great desire. 2. It was to be saved. 3. Go to God's word. 4. Justified himself. 5. He loved money more than he loved God. 6. Hollow-hearted. Study the scholar as much as the lesson. Fifth Teacher.—1. Young man's question and manner. 2. Asserting he kept all the law. 3. He thought himself honest and sincere, but was deceived. 4. Wanted satisfying peace. 5. Not willing to remove his idols. 6. Great ignorance of the young man. 7. Riches a great hindrance. 8. See our Lord's firmness.
Sixth Teacher.—We must show our love to Christ by love to our neighbors.
Seventh Teacher.—With man it is impossible, but not with God.
Eighth Teacher.—Something must be given up for Christ. What? Pride, sloth, ill-temper, bad company, bad books, love of dress, pleasure.—See Abraham going to a strange land. Offering Isaac, etc.