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Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work
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
where they are. Their hearts are melted, and now he can mould them
into the image of his Master.
A keen, sharp intellect may be an advantage, but the power of
the educator is in his heart connection with the Light and Life of the
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world. He will love humanity and ever seek to bring it to a higher
level. He will not always be blaming others, but his heart will be filled
with pity. He will not be great in his own estimation, neither will
he seek constantly to bolster up and strengthen his own dignity; but
the humility of Jesus will be personified in his life. He will feel the
truth of the words of Christ, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” Such
teachers as these are greatly needed. God will work with them. “Learn
of Me,” says Christ; “for I am meek and lowly of heart.” Many who
are engaged in the Sabbath-school work need divine enlightenment.
They lack spiritual insight to enable them to apprehend the wants of
those for whom they are laboring.
Mistakes Pointed Out
The Sabbath-school, if rightly conducted, is one of God’s great
instrumentalities to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth. It is not
the best plan for teachers to do all the talking, but they should draw
out the class to tell what they know. Then let the teacher, with a few
brief, pointed remarks or illustrations, impress the lesson upon their
minds. Under no circumstances should teachers go through the lesson