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Counsels on Sabbath School Work
seemed to be a great lack of interest. They were not moved religiously.
I would here say to this honest brother, and to any others who may
be laboring under similar difficulties. Examine to see if you are not
responsible in a great degree, for this lack of religious interest.
Wearisome Remarks
Many try to do too much, and fail to encourage their teachers and
students to do what they can. They need great simplicity and religious
earnestness. They make long, dry speeches in the Sabbath school and
the teachers’ meeting, thus wearying the minds of both teachers and
students. Such remarks are greatly out of place. They do not adapt
their instruction to the real wants of the school, and they fail to draw
hearts to them, for their own hearts are not full of spiritual sympathy.
They do not realize that by their long, tedious talks they are killing the
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interest in, and love for, the school....
When the hearts of the workers are brought into sympathy with
Christ, when he abides in them by living faith, they will not talk one
half as long, nor manifest one half the smartness, that some do now;
but what they say in love and simplicity will reach the heart, and they
will be brought in close sympathy with teachers, scholars, and church
members.
Power in Simplicity
A true educator will carry the minds of his hearers with him. His
words will be few but earnest. Coming from the heart, they will be
full of sympathy, and warm with the love for precious souls. His
educational advantages may have been limited, and he may have but
little natural ability, but a love for the work and a willingness to labor
in humility will enable him to awaken a deep interest in both teachers
and scholars. The hearts of the young will be drawn to him. His work
will not be a mere form. He may have the ability to draw out from
both teachers and students precious gems of spiritual and intellectual
truths, and thus, while educating others, he will be educated himself.
The scholars are not awed by his display of profound knowledge, and
in simple language they tell what impression the lesson has made upon
their minds. The result is a deep and living interest in the school.
Through the simplicity of the gospel of Christ, he has reached them