A teacher that is not in the habit of questioning persistently and searchingly can have no idea of the depth and at the same time the shallowness of the religious thinking of the average scholar. Far too many teachers prove everything by quoting the inspired Bible, taking it for granted that their scholars accept the Bible as inspired; or by referring to our divine Saviour, taking it for granted that their scholars believe Christ to be a divine Saviour. Our scholars are more shrewd than that. Their answers will be proper, but skepticism often lurks beneath, ready to spring up in open infidelity, secret scorn, or fruitless, formal morality. Skepticism should never be anticipated, but it should _never_ be neglected. It should never be dealt with before the class, if it can be dealt with in private. But it is a teacher's first duty to _know_ the great truths of Christianity, and know _why_ he knows them. It is his second duty to make certain that each of his scholars knows them, _and can prove them_. "But we cannot cover the ground without taking things for granted." _Cover the ground!_ Superficial area, and superficial teaching! Chapter XXIV Utilizing the Late Scholar The late scholar is no blessing, and yet he is far from an unmixed evil. The wise teacher will get all the good he can out of him. Of course, he is to be transformed into the early scholar, care being taken lest by mistake he be transformed into the scholar absent altogether. And during this process of transformation there is a small harvest of advantage to be tended. Let his entrance be a danger signal. Don't act mad. Of course, the electric current of interest is flowing by this time, or never, and the late scholar rudely breaks it. But never mind. Better the total loss of your scholars' interest in the lesson than the loss of their respect for you. Remember, too, that there may be a good excuse,--even late coming may mean earnest endeavor,--and premature impatience in such case will cause you dismayed repentance. The late scholar cannot be ignored; don't try it. Sometimes we fiercely attempt to finish our sentences, or get answers to our last questions. The late scholar is a potent and aggressive fact, and cannot be got rid of in that way. No. Accept the situation promptly and sensibly. Stop short at once, and greet the late comer heartily. Don't let him sneak into a back seat, but set him in the midst. See that he has a Bible or a lesson paper. Incorporate him. Then proceed thriftily to utilize him. He is your opportunity for a review. You probably need one at this stage of the lesson, anyway. Here is your chance for gathering up loose ends and binding all the truths thus far taught in a compact whole.