Devotional exercises for common schools

Front matter

DEVOTIONAL EXERCISES

Ik,

FOR

Preface

If, on examination, the book here presented to the public should be thought to possess merit sufficient to justify its introduction into the common schools, the hopes rather than the expectations of the compiler will be realized. It is not intended to supplant any other book now used in schools, nor can it be condemned as an intruder on the office performed by any of the numerous excellent works in the various branches of common education. Its contents are drawn entirely from the Bible; and its object must be apparent at a single glance.

It will be perceived that each lesson consists of three principal divisions.

The first is a selection of short sentences of a didactic character, selected chiefly from the Book of Proverbs, each calculated to impress on the mind some important moral truth. These are to be read by the instructer, or by an advanced scholar appointed by the instructer.

The second division is a selection from the Book of Psalms, arranged in a suitable manner to be read by the instructer, or one, whom he may appoint to perform that office, and the pupils. The portion assigned to the pupils is generally a response in sentiment, as well as in form, to that, which is read by the person, who leads in the service.

The third division is selected chiefly from the Gospels, and embraces a complete narrative of the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of the Founder of the Christian religion, with as copious extracts from his discourses and conversations as the limits of the book would admit. This portion is also to be read by the instructer, or some one under his direction.

The Lord's Prayer is then to be recited by all the pupils in concert, following the instructer.

No other form of prayer has been introduced, because, in the judgement of the compiler, this is sufficient ; but, if any teacher who may use the book, should think otherwise, he can introduce any other, extempore or otherwise, that may seem to him to be more appropriate.

In many of the towns in New England, — probably in most of them, — the instructers of the common schools are required to open them every morning with a devotional service, — a prayer, or the reading of a portion of the Scriptures. To what extent this requirement is observed, is not known ; but, within the limited experience of the compiler, its observance is neither regular nor extensive. Many of the instructers are young, and many, also, are females, who, not having been accustomed to such an exercise, feel an awkwardness in attempting it, which is difficult to be overcome. It is obvious, too, that while the instructer is engaged in prayer, the pupils are not subject to his immediate supervision : their eyes and their thoughts are frequently diverted from the act of devotion, and it is not unreasonable to suppose, that some may treat it with levity or disregard.

This book offers a remedy for both of these difficulties. The teacher, who may use it, will be relieved from any embarrassment, that might arise from the attempted performance of extemporaneous prayer; and the pupils generally will be sufficiently interested in the exercise, to give to it a serious and respectful attention. It will be perceived, also, that the book may, if deemed necessary, be used without the participation of the teacher, and that, if the reading of the leading portion of the exercise should be performed by an advanced pupil, the teacher may, in the mean time, see that proper decorum is observed.

The language of the common translation of the Bible has been conscientiously followed. In a few instances, at the beginning of the narrative portion of the lessons, the name of Jesus is used instead of the pronoun he. Twice, the relative pronoun which is inserted where it was wanting in the text. In Lesson XXII. the word himself is substituted for a phrase less agreeable to the ear. It is believed, that there are no other variations from the common version ; but if any should be detected, they are the consequence of inadvertence in transcribing. The grammatical construction of many sentences might have been improved, and the language might have been frequently varied to correspond with modern usage, without injury to the sense ) but it has been chosen rather to follow, implicitly, the common version, than to incur the censure of the most scrupulous believer.

It will be perceived, and, perhaps, with disapprobation, that none of the selections in this book are from the Gospel of John, and it is proper that the reason for the omission should be given. Copious extracts from that Gospel were selected, and would have been inserted in their appropriate places, had it not been found, in the progress of the printing, that the book would thereby be swelled to a size, — and, consequently, to an expense, — beyond what the circumstances of the compiler would justify. The publication is an experiment. If it receive enough of public approbation to warrant a second edition, that edition will be enlarged by the introduction of ten or twelve lessons, which will embrace all the most striking passages from John's Gospel, and some other appropriate portions of Scripture. .

Should the book be deemed entirely superfluous in respect to the peculiar object, for which it has been compiled, it may possibly meet with favor from some, into whose hands it may fall, from other considerations. For reasons, which it is unnecessary here to recite, the Bible is now excluded from many of the schools, and has become almost a sealed volume to the younger classes of society. This compilation contains nothing, which can offend the most scrupulous delicacy, — nothing, it is presumed, that will render it obnoxious to the censure of an age of refinement. If not needed to assist in a devotional exercise, it may, without impropriety, be used as a class-book. If, in either case, it should create in the youthful mind a taste for the simple, the beautiful, the energetic attributes of the English language, and inspire a sentiment of reverence for the volume, which must ever be esteemed sacred, as the foundation of virtue and piety here, and the only sure conductor to eternal life, the time and labor, which its preparation has cost, will not have been spent in vain.

J. T. B,

ADVERTISEMENT

TO THE SECOND EDITION.

In the fulfillment of a suggestion in the Preface, the compiler nas added to this edition ten new exercises, embracing as many extracts from the Gospel of St. John, as could be introduced without incurring an expense, which would render an addition to the price of the book indispensable. These extracts consist chiefly of incidents and discourses not recorded by the other evangelists.

In compliance with the advice of friends, and the request of instructers, Hymns have been added to the Exercises. By adopting a smaller type, these have been inserted without increasing the number of pages. Since singing has become, in many places, a part of public instruction, and is generally practised in public schools, it is hoped that the introduction of sacred poetry, suitable for that exercise, will add something to the value of the book.

In the belief that this humble offering to the cause of popular education will not be altogether worthless, it is again submitted to the public ; but should the compiler's expectation be disappointed, it is hoped that good intention will be a sufficient apology for the presumption.

DEVOTIONAL EXERCISES.

h

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother. If sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Walk not thou in the way with them ; refrain thy foot from their path : For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

Teacher. Give ear unto my words, O Lord; consider my meditation.

Pupils. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for unto thee will I pray.

T. I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me out of his holy hill.

P. I laid me down and slept : I awaked, for the Lord sustained me.

T. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord : >

P. In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

T. For thou art not a God, that hath pleasure in wickedness :

P. Neither shall evil dwell with thee.

T. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight :

P. Thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

T. Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness :

P. Make thy way straight before my face.

T. Let all those, that put their trust in thee, rejoice :

P. Let them, also, that love thy name, be joyful in thee.

T. For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous : P. With favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

jT. O give thanks unto the Lord ; for he is good : P. For his mercy endureth for ever.

It came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Csesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed ; and all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed, with Mary his wife : and while they were there, she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were, in the same country, shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo ! the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them ; and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not ; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you : Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and, on earth, peace, good-will towards men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go to Bethlehem, and see this thing, which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they went, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying, which was told them, concerning this child ; and all they, that heard it, wondered at those things, which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things, that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS.

I

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come;

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us, this day, our daily bread : And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil :

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.

AMEN.

a

O God I how endless is thy love !

Thy gifts are every evening new ; And morning mercies, from above,

Thou spread'st the curtains of the night, Great Guardian of our sleeping hours :

Thy sovereign word restores the light, And quickens all our drowsy powers.

We yield our powers to thy command 3

To thee we consecrate our days : Perpetual blessings, from thy hand,

Demand perpetual songs of praise.

IT

Lord ! in the morning, thou shalt hear

My voice ascending high ; To thee will I direct my prayer,

To thee lift up mine eye.

O may thy Spirit guide my feet

In ways of truth and grace ; Make every path of duty straight,

And plain before my face.

II

My son, forget not my law, but let thy heart keep my commandments; for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add unto thee.

Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Be not wise in thine own eyes ; fear the Lord, and depart from evil. Despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of his correction : For, whom the Lord loveth, he correcteth, even as a father the son, in whom he delighteth.

ii

Teacher. Hear me, when I call, O God of my righteousness :

Pupils. Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

T. O Lord, deliver my soul : P. O save me for thy mercy's sake. T. For in death there is no remembrance of thee :

P. In the grave, who shall give thee thanks? T. O Lord, my God, in thee do I put my trust : P. Save me from all them, that persecute me. T. God judgeth the righteous : P. God is angry with the wicked every day. T. I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness :

P. And will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.

T. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

P. Out of the mouth of babes thou hast ordained strength.

T. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,

P. The moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained :

T. What is man, that thou art mindful of him 1 P. And the son of man, that thou visitest him 1 T. For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels :

P. Thou hast crowned him with glory and honor.

T. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands :

P. Thou hast put all things under his feet.

T. &, P. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth !

s

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in the days of Herod, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he, that is born king of the Jews ? for we have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him.

When Herod heard these things, he was troubled. And when he had called the wise men, he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go, and search diligently for the young child ; and when ye have found him, bring me word, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed, and lo ! the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they were come into the house, they saw the child and Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him : and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts. And, being warned of God, that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And Joseph took the child and his mother, by night, and departed into Egypt.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent and slew all the children, that were in Bethlehem, of two years old and under. But when Herod was dead, Joseph took the child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel, and dwelt in a city called Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom ; and the grace of God was upon him.

i

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come ;

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us, this day, our daily bread : And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil :

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.

AMEN,

Sons of men, behold from far; Hail the long-expected star I Star of truth, that gilds the night, And guides bewildered men aright.

Mild it shines on all beneath, Piercing through the shades of death, Scattering error's wide-spread night, Kindling darkness into light.

Nations all, remote and near, Haste to see your Lord appear; Haste, for him your hearts prepare; Meet him manifested there.

There behold the day-spring rise, Pouring light on mortal eyes ; See it chase the shades away, Shining to the perfect day !

All earthly charms, however dear, Howe'er they please the eye or ear,

Will quickly fade and fly ; Of earthly glory faint the blaze, And soon the transitory rays

In endless darkness die.

The nobler beauties of the just Shall never moulder in the dust,

Or know a sad decay; Their honors time and death defy, And round the throne of heaven on Y

Beam everlasting day.

III

Happy is the man, that findeth wisdom, and the man, that getteth understanding: for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies ; and all the things, thou ctmst desire, are not to be compared unto her.

Length of days is in her right hand ; and in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them, that lay hold upon her • and happy is every one, that retaineth her.

Teacher. I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart :

Pupils. I will show forth thy marvelous works.

T. I will be glad and rejoice in thee :

P. I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High.

T. The Lord shall endure for ever : P. He hath prepared his throne for judgement. T. He shall judge the world in righteousness : P. He shall minister judgement to the people in uprightness.

T. The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed :

P. A refuge in times of trouble.

T. And they, that know thy name, will put their trust in thee :

P. For thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them, that seek thee.

T. Sing praises to the Lord, who dwelleth in Zion:

P. Declare among the people his doings.

T. The Lord is known hj the judgement, which he executeth :

P. The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.

T. The needy shall not always be forgotten : P. The expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.

T. For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness : P. His countenance beholdeth the upright.

T. O give thanks unto the Lord ; for he is good : P. For his mercy endureth for ever.

i

Now the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover : and when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child, Jesus, tarried behind in Jerusalem : and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the com* pany, went a day's journey ; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance : and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.

And, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions. And all, that heard him, were astonished at his understanding and answers.

And when they saw hhn, they were amazed ; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us ? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee, sorrowing.

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me 1 wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business ? And they understood not the saying, which he spake unto them. And he went down with them to Nazareth, and was subject unto them : But his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

i

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come ;

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us, this day, our daily bread : And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.

AMEN.

I

To us a Child of hope is born,

To us a Son is given : Him shall the tribes of earth obey,

Him all the hosts of heaven.

His name shall be the Prince of Peace,

For evermore adored, The Wonderful, the Counselor,

The great and mighty Lord.

His power, increasing, still shall spread;

His reign no end shall know; Justice shall guard his throne above,

And peace abound below.

To us a Child of hope is born,

To us a Son is given, The Wonderful, the Counselor,

The mighty Lord of heaven.

S

When the morning paints the skies, When the stars of evening rise, We thy praises will record, Sovereign Ruler, mighty Lord !

Decks the spring with flowers the field ? Harvest rich doth autumn yield ?

Giver of all good below !

Lord, from thee these blessings flow.

Sovereign Ruler ! mighty Lord !

We thy praises will record : Giver of these blessings ! we Pour the grateful song to thee.

IV

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

Wisdom is the principal thing: therefore get wisdom. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee : she shall bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thy head an ornament of grace, a crown of glory shall she deliver unto thee,

s

Teacher. Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle ? Who shall dwell in thy holy place 1

Pupils. He, that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

T. He, that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.

P. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned : but he honoreth them, that fear the Lord.

jT. He, that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent.

P. He, that doeth these things, shall never be moved.

T. Preserve me, O Lord, for in thee do I put my trust.

P. Their sorrows shall be multiplied, that hasten after another God.

T. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance :

P. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places.

T. I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel :

P. I have set the Lord always before me ; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

T. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth ; my flesh also shall rest in hope :

P. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell :

T. Neither wilt thou suffer thy Holy One to see corruption.

P. Thou wilt show me the path of life : T. In thy presence is fullness of joy : P. & T. At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me ? And Jesus, answering, said unto him, Suffer it to be so now ; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went tip straightway out of the water ; and lo ! the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him : And lo ! a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he, of whom I said, After me cometh a man, who is preferred before me; for he was before me. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not ; but he, that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on him, the same is he, which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw and bare record, that this is the Son of God.

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea : for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they left their nets and followed him. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw other two brethren, James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, in a ship with their father, mending their nets. And he called them, and they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame spread throughout all Syria, and there followed him great multitudes of people.

i

Our Father, which art in heaven, &c.

Thy name, Almighty Lord !

Shall sound through distant lands : Great is thy grace, and sure thy word ;

Thy truth forever stands.

Far be thine honor spread, And long thy praise endure,

Till morning light and evening shade Shall be exchanged no more.

I

Who, O Lord ! when life is o'er, Shall to heaven's blest mansion soar? Who, an ever-welcome guest, In thy holy place shall rest?

He, whose heart thy goodness warms; He, whose will to thine conforms ; He, who shuns the sinner's road, Loving those, who love their God.

He, who, thus, with heart unstained, Treads the path by thee ordained, He, O God ! shall be thy care, And thy choicest blessings share.

V

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear to my sayings : Let them not depart from thine eyes ; keep them in the midst of thy heart ; for they are life unto those, that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Teacher. The heavens declare the glory of God : Pupils. And the firmament showeth his handywork.

T. Day unto day uttereth speech :

P. And night unto night showeth knowledge.

T. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.

P. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

T. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul :

P. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

T. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart :

P. The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

T. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever :

P. The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

T. More to be desired are they than gold : P. Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. !T. Moreover, by them is thy servant warned : P. And in keeping of them there is great reward,

T. Who can understand his errors ?

P. Cleanse thou me from secret faults.

T. Keep back thy servant, also, from presumptuous sins :

P. Let them not have dominion over me.

T. & P. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

s

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples ; and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles : — Simon (whom he also named Peter), and Andrew, his brother ; James and John ; Philip and Bartholomew ; Matthew and Thomas ; James, the son of Alpheus, and Simon (called Zelotes) ; and Judas, the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which was also the traitor.