_ children and _talking to_
them. By the former, you call their minds into exercise, and get hold of
their feelings. Thus you will secure their attention. But the latter
will be much less likely to interest them; for, being the recipients of
thought, instead of thinking for themselves, they participate less in
the exercise. By engaging them in conversation, and leading that
conversation in the investigation of truth, you teach them to _think_.
The mental discipline which this calls forth, is a matter of no small
consequence. It may have an important bearing upon their whole future
characters.

If we simply explain to a child the meaning of a passage of Scripture,
the whole benefit lies in the instruction he receives at the time. But,
if we show him practically how to ascertain the meaning himself, and
bring him under the mental discipline which it requires, we give him a
kind of key to unlock the meaning of other passages. By an ingenious
mode of catechizing, children's minds may be led to perceive and
understand almost any truth, much more distinctly and clearly than by
any direct explanation which, a teacher can make. By _catechizing_, I do
not mean the repeating of _catechisms_; but the calling out of their
minds upon any Scripture truth that may be before them, by a series of
simple questions, leading them to see the truth as though they had
discovered it themselves.

This is a subject well worthy of your prayerful attention. Remember that
you are dependent upon the Holy Spirit for the proper direction of the
powers of your mind. Pray, then, for clearness of perception, and
discrimination of judgment, that you may understand the truth; and for
skill to communicate it to your class. Study every Sabbath school lesson
in your closet, with these ends in view. Persevere in your efforts till
you become mistress of the art of teaching.

3. _Let your own heart be affected with the truth you are endeavoring to
teach._ Upon this, so far as your instrumentality is concerned, greatly
depends your success. Unless you _feel_ the force of the truth yourself,
it will be very difficult for you to convince the children that you are
in earnest. While preparing the lesson, in your closet, try to obtain a
realizing sense of the personal interest which you and your class have
in the subject you are contemplating. See what bearing it has upon your
and their eternal destiny; and pray for the Holy Spirit to impress it
powerfully upon you