We would unreservedly commend the writer of this course, Josephine L. Baldwin, to the confidence of all teachers. She writes, not from theory alone, but from long, practical experience in teaching Junior children. Every one of the lessons contained in this course she has taught repeatedly. As a teacher of teachers, therefore, she speaks with authority in the suggestions and directions contained in this Teacher’s Text Book. The stories and suggestions regarding method in the form in which they are here presented, are the rich fruitage of her expert knowledge and training. There are no better courses for use with children of junior age than this course. It is a tool well fashioned for its intended use. As such it will not furnish a substitute for intelligent study and devotion on the part of the teacher, nor will its use lessen the dependence of the teacher on Divine help and inspiration in teaching; but these personal qualifications being present, this Junior Course and the graded system, of which it is a part, should yield large returns for the Kingdom in the stimulation, growth, and enrichment of the religious experience and life of children. THE EDITOR. OUR JUNIORS, THEIR TEACHERS AND LESSON HELPS GRADED INSTRUCTION Reasons for Having a Graded System The reason for having a graded course of instruction for the Sunday school is that the children differ year by year in knowledge, capacity, interests, and needs. Graded lessons are simply an attempt to meet these differences with instruction suited to each year of the developing life. The aim of religious education is to fit the child for complete Christian living, to make him not simply a religious individual but a useful member of society, intelligently devoted to the highest welfare of his fellows and of mankind. In order that this may be accomplished he must have knowledge and his knowledge must lead to action. There is a broad purpose underlying the graded lessons which is thus stated in terms of the children’s religious needs. The Purpose of the Graded Course The purpose of the graded lessons is to meet the spiritual needs of the pupil at each stage of his development. The spiritual needs, broadly stated, are these: 1. To know God as he has revealed himself to us in his Word, in nature, in the heart of man, and in Christ. 2. To exercise toward God the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, trust, obedience, and worship. 3. To know and do our duty to others. 4. To know and do our duty to ourselves. The Material Used