PREPARATION FOR TEACHING.
NATURAL aptitude for teaching is a gift to be coveted, but it will never do away with the necessity of careful preparation. The keenest blade will soon dull and lose its edge if it is not sharpened. There are many who fail either wholly or partially as teachers, and plead in extenuation that they possess neither knack nor fitness for this service, when in reality their lack is that of thoughtful preparation. The kind of genius that achieves success in Sabbath-school work, as in other things, as a rule, has its root in faithful, persistent labor. "Helps" are excellent in their place, but they need to be mixed with individual brain thought and prayerful meditation in order to become available. A hurried reading of the verses on Sabbath morning, or a mechanical asking of the questions from the lesson leaf, is not teaching. Back of that service there must be both mental and spiritual preparation. The study of the lesson should begin early in the week. If the verses are read thoughtfully on Monday, and recalled to mind as there is opportunity during the week, they will become more and more luminous with truth and illustration, and the great difficulty will be to choose what is most important to bring before the class. This method of preparation, if faithfully pursued, is sure to kindle an enthusiasm and interest that makes the work of teaching a joy and privilege. Those who are under the pressure of heavy and varied responsibilities in home and business life, find that in adopting this plan, they secure in odd moments of leisure, the necessary time for study, and gain spiritual strength for every-day duties. The class of teachers who cannot find time to prepare for their work, are generally those who neglect or forget the matter until the bells ring on Sabbath morning. Preparation for teaching includes much more than a general knowledge of the lesson. Adaptation, clearness of statement, and simplicity of definition, are essential to success in the instruction of children, and this power is the result of study, and not of any happy gift or inspiration. If the minister of Christ needs spiritual preparation for his work, no less is it required by the teacher. Both alike are using instrumentalities for a common end—the spiritual welfare of those placed under their guidance. Seed-sowing for eternity is a work of infinite importance; and the more fully this is realized, the deeper will be the sense of dependence on the divine guidance and help. Spiritual preparation will direct both heart and truth aright. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."—Sunday-School Times.