Guiding Principles in Administration
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and deacons of the church looked after the weak and straying ones?
And have they realized that the wavering are in danger of losing their
souls? Have you tried both by precept and example to plant the feet of
the straying on the eternal Rock? Have Sabbath school teachers and
officers realized that they have a work to do in leading the feet of the
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young into safe paths, and that they should count every selfish interest
as nothing, that they may be winners of souls for the Master? There is
a decided need of reformation in every branch of the work.
A Life-giving Power
Wonderful opportunities are passing by unimproved in our Sabbath
school work. Let men and women of varied gifts come into the work,
and in the fear of God do their best to save our youth. Let not those who
have a mechanical way of doing things, take complete charge of the
school, and mold it into formal ways, into precise habits, and yet all its
life stifled in a multiplicity of regulations. It is essential to have order,
but we need a great deal more spiritual knowledge along with our rules
and regulations. We need a life-giving power, a zealous enthusiasm, a
true animation, that our schools may become filled with an atmosphere
of true piety and purity; that there may be real religious advancement;
that the fear of the Lord may circulate through the school; that the
superintendent and leaders may not be satisfied with a dead, formal
process, but may set every agency at work, that the school may become
the noblest, most efficient school in the world. This should be the
object and ambition of every worker in the school.
Wanted—True Superintendents
The leaders in our schools should be men and women of quick
intuitions, who have the Spirit of God to aid them in reading character,
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who have managing ability, who can understand different phases of
character, and display tact and wisdom in dealing with varied minds.
There are many who can fill the place of superintendent in name, but
what is needed is men who can fill the place in every sense of the word.
There are many who can go through the form cleverly enough; but
they fail to impart courage and hope, to inspire thought, to quicken
energy, and to impart such life that the school shall become a living,
growing power for good.