Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
This clear perception that teaching is only a part of education marks the setting of an important step in the science . After comments upon the powerful influence of the social principle in the management of schools , we find the following remarks : —
" A patient investigation , we believe , will show , that , while concentrated masses of human beings afford peculiar facilities and encouragements to vice , the same socrAL sympathy may prove the very means of moral improvement . In fact , the present supposed bane of our country , large towns and factories , by propei * means , may yet be turned morally , and consequently politically , into great national blessings .
" The principle of social sympathy , so powerful in towns , and at present producing evil habits , ought to be laid hold of in our educational system as an instrument to good . We must not expect , however , that such results will be accomplished by feeble efforts or sentimental wishes . A great national good like this cannot be brought about without a great national expenditure "
We consider this passage to contain correct principles of peculiar importance at the present moment , when the regulation of factories is under the consideration of the legislature . We wish we could contemplate with pleasure the use to which the conductors of the Glasgow schools are turning the power they know so well how to wield . In their hands it is likely to become a most fearful instrument of evil . The Bible ,
and the Assembly ' s Shorter Catechism , are the books from which they teach . The * Assembly ' s Shorter Catechism' contains all the mysteries which have been grafted b y Priestcraft upon the few and simple , though profound principles , for the sake of which Jesus Christ lived and died . Ori g inal Sin , the Trinity and Unity , the Atonement , Predestination , Election , Justification by Faith according to the Calvinistic model , are
there expounded . Here are subjects on which to employ the minds or infants from two to six years of age ! The plan of instruction from the Bible may be appreciated from the following extract . At the top of the page is the picture of a fiercelooking lion - " t after which we find the questions to be answered in the children ' s own words : "—
" Which animal is said to be the king and strongest of beasts ?—Proverbs xxx . 30 . " What is the noise the lion makes called ? . " Who , does the Bihle say , goes about day and night like a roaring lion ?—1 Peter v . 8 .
" Who was cast into the lion ' s den ? Daniel tL The child ' s attention may he directed to the character and conduct of Daniel and of Darius the King , as also of the Princes of Babylon , and their dreadful fate when cast into the lion ' s den . " Who is called the lion of the tribe of Judah ?—Rev . v . 5 . * Why th # lion of the tribe of Judah ? " What prophet was slain by a lion ?—1 Kings xiii . 28—27 .
