Chapter 277 of 325

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With teachers of piety, judgment, and sufficient cultivation of mind, the following somewhat similar scheme of instruction has been tried. The Minister has fixed on a course of subjects (such as the principal histories of the Bible; or the Miracles, Parables or Life of Christ), sketching out for the teachers the plan which he wishes them to pursue in questioning and explaining the subject in their several classes. This scheme admirably prepares the children’s minds for his examination, and it directs the general course of Scriptural instruction throughout the School. Take as an illustration one of the first and most important events of Scripture—The Fall of Man, Gen. 3. I. As it regarded Satan. 1. His object—To show his enmity against God—To make man as miserable as himself. 2. His subtilty in accomplishing his object, verse 1.—Undermining Eve’s confidence in God, vv. 1, 3,—Appealing to her weakest part—her appetites—her senses, vv. 5, 6. II. As it regarded man—The inability even of perfect Adam to keep himself—The gradual effect of the poison, vv. 2, 3, 6. Eve tempted, becomes the tempter—The instant fruit of shame, verse 7,—fear—sense of guilt, vv. 8-10,—prevarication—laying the fault on the other, vv. 12, 13. III. As it regarded God—His law broken—his love slighted—his justice called into exercise, vv. 14-19—himself separated from his creatures, verse 24—his wisdom—contriving a marvellous way of recovery, verse 15, etc. Learn to dread being left alone in temptation—Eve was weak—much more are we. Watch against hard thoughts of God’s commands or prohibitions. Suspect all that coincides with the lusts of our own hearts. Remember the constant need of self-denial. When you fall into sin, beware of keeping away from God—as Adam did—of hiding or excusing sin—of throwing the blame on others. Humble yourselves before God—The way to come to God is more plainly revealed than it was to Adam. Improve it for obtaining pardon. See here all the principles of sin, in disobedience—rebellion—and unbelief. Learn to trace all the sin and misery in your heart, and in the world to this source. Learn to adore the plan that restores and raises the sinner, and glorifies God.

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