Practical Educationists and Their Systems of Teaching (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1876 edition. Excerpt: ...the same " Principles of Teaching," p. 48. t Lancaster's own words. MRS. TRIMMER'S IDEA. 143 kind, and the claims of the rival systems excited quite a storm of controversy; and, strange to say, as in the case of the Trojan war, a woman was the originator of all the mischief. Mrs. Trimmer, a minor educationist of the period, was the first to suggest the idea that Lancaster's plans were inimical to the Church of England. 'From the time, sir, ' she wrote to Dr. Bell, 'that I read Mr, Lancaster's " Improvements on Education," I conceived an idea that there was something in his plan inimical to the interests of the Established Church.' And then she adds, with charming innocence, 'and when I read your "Experiment on Education," I plainly perceived he had been building on your foundation.' This roused the spirit of jealousy in Dr. Bell's breast, and put an end to the hitherto friendly relations between Lancaster and himself. Mrs. Trimmer was equally successful in alarming the church. 'This Lancaster, ' she wrote, 'is a Goliath of schismatics, and if the church does not bestir itself, the education of the people will slip out of its hands into those of this Quaker.' And such a Quaker ' It is a curious fact, ' she adds, with delightful naivety that he was not originally a Quaker, but an Anabaptist. Whether he changed for the love of a pretty Quakeress, whom Southey's "Bell," vol II. he married, or whether the broad brim was the best cover for his scheme, I cannot say.' The alarm spread like wildfire over the length and breadth of the land; and church and chapel, bishop and dissenting minister, were ranged against each other, under the educational banner of Bell or Lancaster. Sermons were preached, voices were...