MY DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS― Following up the course indicated last month, we will briefly consider the importance of bearing in mind that those who compose the classes are children, in order that they may be suitably taught. This will to some extent cover the two points named— (1) who is being taught, and (2) how they are to be taught.
It is altogether a mistake to speak to a Sunday School class as if it consisted of adults. Do not talk in a learned strain on difficult subjects. It is useless, for instance, to select the various aspects of righteousness as the subject in a class where the ages average about ten years. On the other hand, do not fall into the mistake that silliness is simplicity. You must aim at being simple, but be careful it does not end in being foolish. You can only speak simply when you yourself understand what you say and whereof you affirm (1 Tim. 1:77Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. (1 Timothy 1:7)). Clear water does not flow from a muddy ditch.
There is no necessity in speaking to a child to speak as a child. Possibly a child in speaking of the boyhood of Joseph might describe him as a “very dear, good, little boy who had a lot of bad, wicked, naughty brothers.” You, however, in teaching your class would certainly be in error in using such language in order to make clear to the class what you wished to bring before them. There is a manner in which you “ought to speak” (Eph. 6:2020For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:20); Col. 4:44That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:4)); and that manner is the one which is best suited to make the subject plain.
But this is not the place or the season to speak of rules of grammar. It is undoubtedly good to have a correct mode of speech. But it is far more important to be firmly impressed with the fact that in the person of the Lord Jesus all the truths of the Bible are embodied.
Of course, I do not now speak of geographical and historical facts, such as the settlement of the tribes of Israel in the land of Canaan, or the order of the succession of the kings of Judah. For while instruction in such points has its value, it is not the object of Sunday School teaching. Your object should be that the scholars may know Christ through the scriptures. The things hidden from the wise and prudent are revealed unto babes (Matt. 11:2525At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. (Matthew 11:25)). And the babes know them because they are seen in Christ.
The Old Testament is full of Christ in types and shadows, while promises and prophecies everywhere speak of Him. And the Gospel histories set forth all of the Lord’s life here that it concerns us to know, and afford an abundant supply of subjects suitable for children. How much of God’s love and power, wisdom and tenderness is exhibited in the ways of Christ. Magnify Christ in the eyes of the children. If you wish, for example, to teach humility, you can never make it plainer than by speaking of Him. Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel and others are helpful, but only in so far as they were like Christ.
Christ is called “the Light.” As by means of the light a child can see its parent’s face as well as a grown-up person, so the Lord said to His disciples, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:99Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? (John 14:9)). In His words and works the truths of God are so portrayed that the youngest can understand according to its measure. Hence the great importance of setting Christ before your class. In this way only will any worthy object be attained.
I am, Yours faithfully, “You.”