It is of the highest importance that we teach our children the names
of the books of the New Testament, and that they shall be able to
recite them from memory in their proper order.
This is not an easy task as it requires some memory effort, but it is
worth the while and the effort. All children love stories, and
instruction by stories is always winsome to them. It is easy on their
heads. This method puts life and movement into facts, and the little
folks like it much because the story method of learning things turns
labor into play.
In this chapter the names of the books of the New Testament have been
put together in story form. Cause the children to commit to memory
the story and then to recite it in concert frequently during the
meeting. After they have learned it well, ask them to think of the
story, but repeat out loud the names of the books. By this simple
method the books of the New Testament will be nailed down in their
memory for years to come. This is the story:
=The Books of the New Testament in Story Form=
_Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John_ determined on _Acts_ of discovery,
accompanied by seven brave _Romans,_ started on a pilgrimage to find
the Temple of Truth. _First_ and _Second Corinthians_ gave them all
two changes of raiment, and, as they were passing out of the city
gate, they were met by _Galatians_ and _Ephesians_ who supplied them
camels for their journey, and there the two famous sword-makers,
_Philippians_ and _Colossians_, gave them swords and shields for the
conflict. As they journeyed on, they met _First_ and _Second
Thessalonians_ seated at Jacob's well reading _First_ and _Second
Timothy_. With hearts stirred by the truth, they marched bravely on
when they noticed the approach of a lone camel upon which was seated
_Titus_, who was returning from a visit to _Philemon_, who he
announced was keeping the true faith. They then passed through the
encampment of the _Hebrews_, where they found _James_ expounding the
gospel to _First_ and _Second Peter_, who announced to them that the
Palace of Truth was at the end of the road leading out of the
encampment, and that _First, Second,_ and _Third John_ had been
watching for their caravan all night. When they arrived at the Palace
of Truth, _Jude_ the door-keeper gave them an open door and told them
to enter in peace. As they retired to rest in comfort after their
long journey, _Revelation_ stood on guard in the tower, watching the
signs of the times.
Ask the children to repeat this story in concert as an opening
exercise for their meeting.
This is a New Testament rosary. The beads are the books, the string
is the story.
=50