ast moment before the meeting. The increased
attendance of later years, made it advisable to hold these Bible
meetings in the chapel, and there both classes met together.

TRAINING THE MEMORY

The memory, the natural power of retaining and recalling what has been
learned, is the basis of all progress in study. It is the faculty that
enriches the mind by preserving the treasures of labor and industry. The
beauty and perfection of all the other mental faculties are dependent on
it. Without its aid there can be no advancement in knowledge, arts and
sciences; and no improvement in virtue, morals and religion.

Those who cannot read acquire knowledge by hearing, and their vision is
occupied principally with large rather than small objects. It was soon a
matter of observation that the children of illiterate parents in whose
homes there are no books, find it very difficult to learn to read, after
they have passed fourteen years of age. That which is natural and easy
in childhood, becomes more difficult the longer it is delayed. They form
the habit and find it much easier to acquire knowledge like their
parents by the ear, or "by air" as it is sometimes called, than by
poring over the letters and words of a printed line in a book. Many that
are over fourteen before they are sent to school shrink from the mental
discipline and labor of learning things so small as letters and words,
and seek relief by looking elsewhere than on the printed page.

By the aid of a memory that has been trained for service in childhood,
one is able to learn easily and rapidly; and also to express their
treasures of knowledge in such a way as to give life and animation to
every word that is uttered.

The memory is very responsive to training in childhood and youth. Its
retentive power may then be very greatly increased by judicious exercise
and labor, which have that distinct end in view, just as the limbs
gradually grow stronger by daily exercise. If it is accustomed to retain
a moderate quantity of knowledge in childhood, it is strengthened and
fitted for more rapid development in youth. That is the golden period to
learn the "form of sound words," that shall exert a moulding influence
upon the entire life.

Repeated acts form a habit, and habits of thought may be aided by a
methodical system in the arrangement of intellectual possessions.
Frequent review, repetition, conscious delight in the things to be
learned and association of the new wi