288
Pastoral Ministry
advanced in years, cannot have one-half the influence over your young
associates that you are capable of exerting; and you ought to feel that
a responsibility rests upon you to do all you can for their salvation.—
Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Ad-
ventists, 288
.
When young people work for the church a door is closed
against temptation—Why do not the overseers of the church have
councils to devise ways whereby young men and women may be
trained to put to use their intrusted talents? Why do not the older
members of the church seek to do good, earnest, compassionate work
for the children and youth? Many have embraced the truth, and yet
they have not been educated as to how they may serve the cause of
God, and thereby grow in spiritual muscle and sinew. By employing
the faculties of the mind and body of our youth in the service of God,
a door is closed against the temptations of the enemy, and Satan has
not as favorable an opportunity for training the children and youth for
his service.—
The Review and Herald, March 7, 1893
.
Children’s Sabbath School
Teachers in children’s Sabbath schools need aptitude, will,
and perseverance in prayer—In some Sabbath-schools, positions
are given to persons who have no aptitude to teach. They have no
earnest love for souls. They do not half understand the practical bear-
ings of the truth themselves. How, then, can they lead the children and
[279]
youth to the living Fountain. Let the teachers themselves drink deep of
the water of salvation, and the angels of God will minister to them, and
they will know just what course the Lord would have them take to win
the precious youth to Jesus. It requires aptitude, a will, perseverance,
a spirit such as Jacob had when he wrestled in prayer, and exclaimed,
“I will not let Thee 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 high, elevated, holy aspirations; for the same
mind of indifference, Pharisaism, of form without the power, will
be seen in both teachers and scholars.—
Counsels on Sabbath School
Work, 116, 117
.