Page images
PDF
EPUB
[blocks in formation]

BIBLE CLASSES.

To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine. MY DEAR BROTHER,-If an experience of fifteen years in the conduct of Bible classes will enable me to meet the inquiry of your correspondent" Præmonstrator," the following communication is at his service.

On the utility of such institutions I shall offer no comment, further, than that a conviction of it must have a very fast hold on the mind of any one who would conduct them efficiently, and must be sustained by fervent and agonizing prayer, and that in the face of whatever discouragement and disappointment he may meet with.

pared upon the first lesson, embracing every variety of topic it will admit, and adapted to every grade of capacity which the class can possibly present. These, written out with consecutive numbers, and wafered to a small board, are first read to the class, and then exhibited for the next fortnight near the door of the room, where the evening service is held, allowing each one to copy the question which she prefers, and the announcement of scripture containing the lesson, which it is expected all will read and study before the next meeting. An answer to one of these questions, without any signature or clue to the writer, is put into a box with a slit in the lid on the Monday evening preceding the next meeting. This I unlock, and, taking home the contents, examine, and write upon each paper, any remark which occurs as appropriate, with replies to any questions which members of the class may have appended to their own answers; and which are often more interesting and valuable than my own, as coming warm from a heart affected with some personal experience of the subject of inquiry. The class re-assembles with an abundance of deeply interesting material. Each has a capital embarked in the business, and looks forward with lively feelings to profit derivable out of the common stock; while the concealment of their names, even from the minister, who must sedulously labour not to identify the writer, leaves room for the utmost freedom I will take the case of a class now under and candour of remark, shuts out all motive my care, consisting of females, for the most to display, and gives a charm which can part well-informed, and capable of giving in- scarcely be estimated but by actual experitelligent written answers to questions on the ment. The meeting is constituted by prayer, subjects discussed, and without limitation of which, though very short, must not be cold age or condition [of life, except such as is and formal. The scripture under discussion, involved in the ability to write. The time of if not too long, is read, and then come the meeting is fortnightly, an hour before the answers to questions. These, being carefully week evening lecture, and the attendance ne- refolded, arranged, and numbered, Question cessarily punctual. On the first assembling I. is read, and all the answers upon it in sucof the class for the season, a book of scripture cession, with such remarks as are written or is announced, say, the Epistle to the He- may occur at the time, as well as comments brews, which I divide into as many sections upon the subject involved in it. After the as there will be meetings in the season. perusal of all the answers, questions to myAbout six or eight questions have been pre-self, if there are any, are then read and com

Two things appear to me to have conduced to the failure of some of these efforts which have been begun with deep interest and lively hope the want of plan and perseverance on the one hand, and a tenacious adherence to one undeviating course on the other. That which will unite a clear, compact, intelligible system, with a vigorous, lively, and plastic adaptation to times, persons, and topics, has the greatest prospect of success. The same plans which would be necessary to success in one place, would ensure defeat in another. I could have wished to avoid speaking of my own labours, but I feel that a reference to facts will do more to illustrate my views, and to meet the wishes of your correspondent, than any other mode.

VOL. VII.-FOURTH SERIES.

F

mented upon, and the whole is concluded with prayer.

It is scarcely possible for this process to be formal and uninteresting, for every member is encouraged to make her replies not only intelligent but experimental; while the questions proposed in return, which are few and quite spontaneous, and embrace every variety of topic, are not unfrequently the vehicle of some of the most glowing aspirations of a devout heart, or the first yearnings of the soul after God, and are sometimes followed by special interviews with the writer. I can aver, that the preparation for a faithful, intelligible, and affectionate disposal of the various subjects and cases coming before me in one evening, including an exposition of the lesson, costs me far more time, labour, and solicitude, than that for a sermon; but the results amply repay. So far as these are seen in the increase of knowledge and grace in members of the church, and in originating and maturing them in others, I need scarcely depict them. On my own ministry its influence is incalculable. I see before me the next hour these same individuals, whose entry into the meeting in a body is a cheering sight to aged saints, who hail them as their hopeful successors. And who cannot preach better, with his own heart and the hearts of some twenty-five or thirty of his hearers prepared by an intercourse of so confiding, intelligent, and spiritual a character, and cemented by a united approach to the throne of grace?

The interest excited by this plan is indicated by the fact, that the penny post is the vehicle of questions and answers, conveyed through the medium of some resident member of the class, when the writer has been compelled to remove to a great distance.

and the new lesson for the female class be put on the opposite side of the board, duly numbered for distinction.

A different plan must be pursued where the numbers and character of the class vary greatly from the above. In one instance, I had a class of sixty young women from factories. In this case, instead of a continuous course which would only have wearied, and writing, which would only have perplexed, I selected on each occasion a parable or a narrative, and read and questioned viva voce, giving both to my questions and comments as much of an experimental character as possible. The short time occupied by this, before it was broken off by a failure in health, was not without very hopeful indications of good.

It is absolutely essential that the class should be held in some place secure against the intrusion of others during any part of the meeting.

Sincerely praying that your correspondent may realize the divine blessing on whatever plan he may pursue, and assuring him of my readiness to afford any further explanation through a private medium,

I am, my dear brother,
Yours faithfully,

ANDREW G. FULLER.
Saville Place, Mile End Road,
Nov. 14, 1843.

DEAR SIR,-To the inquiry of your correspondent of this month on the subject of "bible classes," you will probably receive many answers; and as the object of the question is to elicit information, the greater the number and variety of replies, the more ample will the opportunity given to your correspondent be to "cull the choicest," and carry into operation what may appear to him, from the nature of the materials placed at his disposal, and the description of persons on whom his plan would be brought to bear, the most efficient mode of securing the design of the bible class.

The papers are carefully preserved; they are a treasure which may prove the solace of many an hour in years to come; nor can I cease to hope and pray, yea, and confidently believe, that many of the writers will be a yet higher source of joy to me "in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming." It seems scarcely necessary to remark, that True, there may be here and there a paper the same method of conducting such a class which in reading it may be needful to curtail, cannot always be adopted even by the same or whose defects in composition it may be minister in different congregations, as a divernecessary to conceal; but these are not always sity of circumstances may render a change of the least valuable, or identified with the low-system indispensable. The character and est amount of profit. Occasionally, the words of Henry or Scott may be copied verbatim; but this indolence may be corrected by hearing the very same thing in the next paper; when the smile elicited will hardly fail to stimulate the industry of both writers on the next occasion. I need scarcely add, that on each succeeding evening a fresh lesson is prepared, and exhibited ready for the next occasion. A male class may be held on the alternate lecture evenings, after the service, an arrangement generally more suitable as to time. The same course of lessons will serve,

ages of the individuals, the extent of their information, the probable degree of mental capacity, &c., &c., must of course be taken into account in devising any plan for conducting efficiently a class of this description.

The method I at present have in working, is simply this: the bible class is accessible to all the young persons in the congregation between the ages of fifteen and thirty, including, of course, the senior scholars in the Sunday school, with all the teachers. For the sake of convenience, they are separated into male and female divisions, and each assem

bles every alternate Thursday evening, from seven until half-past eight o'clock, in the vestry. At the previous meeting the subject is announced, and the different portions of God's word bearing upon it are specified for their perusal during the interim. At the time of meeting I take my place at the head of the table, and immediately around me some of the best readers take their seats; the remainder of the company filling up the rest of the room. After singing and prayer, I commence reading the portions of scripture previously selected, and all those around me read audibly in turn, until the whole has been gone through, the rest of the class following us with their bibles before them.

Having read the various parts of holy scripture referred to, I then go back and lead their attention through the whole, showing the connexion of the different portions, imparting such information as I can obtain from other sources adapted to illustrate the subject, which is generally historical, and interspersing all with such observations as a review of the many characters and events we meet with in our progress naturally suggests; so far, at least, as they are likely to promote and improve the moral and religious character and interests of the persons around me.

The subject on which we are at present engaged, is the rebuilding of the Jewish temple. The portions read and commented on at our last meeting were 2 Kings xvii.; Ezra iv., v.; Haggai i.

It is desirable that the attendance at the bible class should be confined to young persons as much as possible, as they invariably feel most deeply interested in what is peculiarly their own. An occasional visit from the deacons, or other influential members of the congregation, would tend to do good notwithstanding.

In the presence of so many persons, I find it is difficult to induce them to ask questions on any part they do not understand. In order to obviate this, a box is placed near the door into which those who prefer putting their queries in writing may drop their papers, which are afterward taken out and read and replied to at the next meeting for the benefit of the whole class.

Through my connexion with this interesting fraternity, I am easily brought into an acquaintance with any young persons who are under serious concern on the great subject of personal religion, and am now forming from it my inquirers' class. I find the bible class a connecting link between the Sunday school and the church. Hoping the length of these remarks may not defeat the design of the writer,

I remain, dear sir,
Sincerely yours,
W. R. BAXTER.

Westbury Leigh, November.

Since the foregoing letters were in type, we have received some others, extracts from which may be advantageously subjoined.

[ocr errors]

C. T. says, referring to a class consisting of persons whose ages range from fourteen to thirty :-"The course commenced with an address on The Bible-its character and claims. I then went through every book, remarking on its chronology, writer, literary character, moral design, &c., without going into a specific examination of any particular part. Having thus travelled through to the book of Revelation, I suggested that any member might propose a subject,—a portion of scripture, a series of doctrines, or consecutive topics, such as the parables, and mentioned as a highly instructive inquiry, the Life of Christ,' intending to educe the great essentials of our economy in the progress. This subject was adopted, taking for the plan the Harmony,' as given at the end of Matthew Henry's commentary, without confining ourselves to his numerical distinctions. We may unite two or more of his subjects on he same evening, or linger on one through many, as in the current subject, Christ's Baptism,' in which we are sifting the whole doctrine of baptism. I commence the exercise with singing a verse or two: some friend engages briefly in prayer. The subject for the evening is then announced, having been previously intimated, and also being advertised by a paper which is fixed on the wall of the vestry. My introductory remarks are very general, reserving minute explanations and criticisms for suitable opportunities as they may arise in the course of the meeting, or at its close. I invite observations or questions from male or female, every one holds a bible, references are traced, and illustrations are sought.

"Many do not speak, but we are never barren of varied and interesting materials suggested by pertinent remarks from one and another. Some of our female members have most materially aided. I sum up with a suitable address; and the hour expiring, my rising is the signal for closing prayer.

"The exciting interest of this exercise is sustained without a particle of diminution. My only cause of regret is that many do not attend who I am sure would be benefited."

T. C. says, "I beg leave to refer Præmonstrator for information on the subject of bible classes to a work entitled 'Senior Classes,' by Mr. W. H. Watson, published by the Sunday School Union. Having had the advantage of a name and a place' in the author's class, I can bear my testimony to his competency for giving instruction on this matter.

"Your correspondent desires a plan for action. Probably he will have many presented through your magazine; but if not, the following is at his service :-While pastor of a village church in Somersetshire, I conducted two classes, viz., a junior class for children

under sixteen years of age, competent to read the bible, and a senior class for young persons from sixteen to twenty. My plan for the junior class was as follows: -- To read a chapter, selected at the last meeting-interrogate on the principal parts; to ascertain the amount of attention paid to the chapter in the week; go over it again with comment, familiarly explaining obsolete terms, and reconciling apparent discrepancies. Anecdotes and illustrations from eastern customs, natural history, &c., will be found both interesting and instructing to a junior class.

"The senior class was conducted much after the manner of a mutual improvement society. To the members of this class I dele

gated a share in its government. After the first meeting (which was principally to form the class, state its design, and the advantages of intellectual piety), no member was admitted but by consent of the majority. For this class I selected some of the principal doctines of scripture, as original depravity,' 'redemption by Christ,' ' necessity of the Spirit's influence,' justification by faith," &c.

"The subject having been announced at the last meeting, each member was expected to bring in writing, either their opinion of the doctrine in their own language, or passages of scripture having a reference thereto. A chapter bearing on the subject was read, then these papers examined and criticised. This done, I stated my view of the doctrine, with proofs from scripture in support of those views. In this case, as well as the junior, reference to ancient manners, scripture natural history, and geography, will be found profitable and interesting. To the senior class I allowed the use of a selection from my books, after the manner of a circulating library, but free from charge. Devotional exercises menced and concluded each meeting. As a general rule, a class should not be detained beyond one hour."

EDITORIAL POSTSCRIPT.

While we direct attention to a circular on General Education on our thirtieth page, issued by the committee of the Baptist Union, we find that sufficient space is not left to enable us to do justice to our purpose of expressing at the same time our deep regret at the course pursued by the Wesleyan body, and the Congregational Union. The Wesleyans have indeed been so much accustomed to act apart from other dissenters that their determination to establisl denominational schools is not very surprising but we were scarcely prepared to expect that our congregational friends should adopt so completely the principle of those episcopalians who demand that the religious instruction of the children of the poor should be placed under the superintendence of their own bishops. Ha the congregationalists, as a body, rallied cordi ally with the baptists, the quakers, and other friends of education, around the British School Society, as the various classes of churchmen have rallied around the National School Society, incalculable good might have been expected. Their influence would have conduced to ensure a course of action on the part of that society, in full accordance with dissenting principles; and its management would not have been left chiefly to those to whom dissenting principles are of secondary importance. But their determination to establish exclusive schools wherever they are strong enough to do so, and to unite with others only where they perceive that they are not strong enough to carry on a denominational school successfully, will do more to divide and weaken dissenters than their most sanguine opponents could have hoped. Denominational education is not what the exigencies of the occasion require. What is needed is provision for those who belong to no denomination, and a conviction among the parents that we have no To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine. DEAR SIR,-I have received lately a kind in offering to teach their children. But it has personal or congregational interests to subserve letter from an unknown friend, begging (in come to this: after all that has been written the writer's own words) the "acceptance of the enclosed trifle as a mite towards the pub- and spoken about union, and after all the meetlishing or circulating of your invaluable Lec-ings convened to make public demonstration of tures on the baptismal regeneration controvesry." The sum kindly denominated by the giver "a trifle," is £10, for which, if this should meet the eye of the party, he will receive herewith my most sincere thanks. I have also been obliged by my friend J. Shoard, Esq., for kindly presenting twentytwo copies of the second edition of the same work to poor ministers in Somersetshire and the adjoining counties. I feel more deeply the obligation under which I am thus laid, because of the means which have been used by interested parties to prevent these Lectures from being read. Dear Sir, I am yours, London, Dec. 19, 1843. C. STOVEL.

AN UNKNOWN FRIEND.

com

unity, our brethren cannot unite with us to teach our common Christianity to the children of the poor or the ignorant, but must have their schools, if possible, purely denomina

tional!

We are requested to state that a memoir of the Rev. John Foster, including a selection from his letters, is about to be published by Mr. J. E. Ryland, who has been requested by the family to undertake it. A selection from Mr. Foster's lectures, delivered at Bristol in 1822-1825, is also preparing for publication, which it is proposed to send to the press very speedily.

[graphic][subsumed][merged small][merged small]

This building, which it is hoped will facilitate greatly the transaction of the business of the Baptist Missionary Society, and cause the Jubilee Fund to be remembered with gratitude in many future years, is so far advanced towards completion, that its occupation by the end of March may be fully expected. It is situated on the western side of Moorgate Street, near London Wall; and, in the engraving, parts of the adjoining houses are rendered visible, in order to show the more clearly its position and aspect.

VOL. VII.

« PreviousContinue »