Page:The Life and Works of Christopher Dock.djvu/145

Rh When this was explained to them in part, they had to look up passages referring to the various qualities. Whoever finds a passage, steps forward, the next follows, and so they form a row, boys and girls separately, as each finds some passage of Scripture until they are all in a row. Then the first reads his passage. But if another one should have the same passage, he steps out and looks for another, and then joins the ranks again at the foot of the class. This is done in order to have them find all the rare Bible gems which express these qualities. It also becomes evident that the more passages are found dealing with a certain quality, the more clearly does the truth of the same appear. In this way one passage of Scripture serves not only to fix another one in memory, but also to elucidate and explain it. After the references have all been read, the children are asked several questions, which are easily answered from such references. The references are then repeated. This generally gives rise to different points which are brought to light by the passages made use of, in part for instruction, partly for comfort and strengthening of faith, partly for warning and chastisement. Besides, when the pupils have had much practice in finding references, they are at times put to the test and reminded that outward seeking is not in itself undesirable, but that it should be tried in another form. I let them sit very still, pay attention, and think no idle thoughts, but the first passage that enters their minds, they shall stand and read. In this exercise I have often marvelled how God