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Counsels on Sabbath School Work
go, except Thou bless me.” When the blessing of God rests upon the
teachers, it can but be reflected to those under their charge. Never place
the youth under individuals who are spiritually indolent, who have no
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high, elevated, holy aspirations; for the same mind of indifference,
pharisaism, of form without the power, will be seen in both teachers
and scholars.—
Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, 13
.
Controversy in the Class
Lessons should be taught in the Sabbath school that will shed
light into the chambers of heart and mind. And that this may be
accomplished, the teachers must be under the influence of the Holy
Spirit, that all selfishness may be subdued, that no hasty word may
be spoken, no inconsiderate action may be performed, but that the
grace of God may be manifested as working with human effort for the
salvation of souls. This should be the great end of Sabbath school work.
The Sabbath school should not be made a place for controversy; it is
not the place to make differences of opinion manifested. Let all this
kind of work be kept out of the school, and let harmony be maintained.
If ideas are advanced that are questioned by members of the school, let
not a combative spirit arise and discussion and controversy follow.—
Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, 51, 52
.
Reading the lesson
In some schools, I am sorry to say, the custom prevails of reading
the lesson from the lesson sheet. This should not be. It need not be,
if the time that is often needlessly and even sinfully employed, were
given to the study of the Scriptures. There is no reason why Sabbath
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school lessons should be less perfectly learned by teachers or pupils
than are the lessons of the day school. They should be better learned,
as they treat of subjects infinitely more important. A neglect here is
displeasing to God.—
Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work, 10
.
Skimming the Surface
Every teacher in the school should feel that he is a missionary
for God. He must improve his moments and his ability to obtain a
knowledge of the word of God, that he may impart the same to his