Guiding Principles in Administration
109
if possible, be there few or many present.—
The Review and Herald,
May 30, 1871
.
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Treatment of Erring Pupils
In Sabbath school work we shall be called upon to deal with those
who make mistakes, who fall into sin and error. Christ has given us
lessons in His word that are very plain in regard to the treatment of the
erring; but many have failed to practice these lessons. They have not
studied and treasured them in the heart, so that the Holy Spirit could
enlighten the darkened understanding, and melt and break the stony
heart of both teacher and pupil. The Holy Spirit will make the heart
sensitive, sympathetic, and rid it of pride and selfishness.
Pupils in Sabbath school are likely to do that which will annoy the
teacher, by their misconduct. But the teacher must not speak sharp
words, and manifest an uncontrolled spirit; for in so doing he will not
be using the sword of the Spirit, but the weapons of Satan. Although
the misconduct of the scholar is trying, although the evil must be
corrected, the rules observed, and justice respected, yet let the teacher
keep the way of the Lord, and mingle mercy with justice. Let him
look to the cross of Calvary, beholding there how mercy and truth have
met together, how righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
There, through the divine sacrifice, man may be reconciled to God. In
contemplating the love of Christ, your heart will be softened to deal
with the youth as with younger members of the Lord’s family. You
will remember that they are Christ’s property, and your disposition
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will be to deal with them after the manner in which Christ has dealt
with you.
Harsh dealing will never help the youth to see his errors, or aid
him to reform. Let the rules and regulations of the school be carried
out in the Spirit of Jesus, and when reproof must be given, let this
disagreeable work be done with sorrow blended with love. Do not
feel that it is your work to openly rebuke the pupil, and thus humiliate
him before the whole school. This will not be a proper example to set
before the children, for it will be as seed that will bear a like harvest.
Never publish the errors of any pupil outside the circle in which they
must be known; for, if this is done, sympathy will be created for the
wrongdoer, by leaving an impression on the mind that he has been