Object of Sabbath-School Work
41
Avoid Controversy
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
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ideas are advanced that are questioned by members of the school, let
not a combative spirit arise and discussion and controversy follow.
The Sabbath-school should be a place where the jewels of truth are
searched for and rescued from their environment of error, and placed
in their true setting in the framework of the gospel. Precious gems
of truth, long lost sight of, are now to be restored to the children of
God. The themes of justification by faith, the righteousness of Christ,
should be presented in our schools, that the youth and children may
understand these important subjects, and teachers and scholars may
know the way of salvation. Sacred and eternal principles connected
with the plan of salvation have long been lost from sight, but they must
be restored to their proper place in the plan of salvation, and made
to appear in their heavenly light, and penetrate the moral darkness in
which the world is enshrouded.
Let the youth take heed to the words of the wise man, “Trust in the
Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Let them walk softly, prayerfully, and carefully before the Lord, in
continual dependence upon Him, and at the same time exerting all
their powers, improving all their opportunities, trusting to what the
Lord can do with their consecrated abilities. Let them inquire at every
step, “Is this the way of the Lord?” Humility is a characteristic of those
who have true wisdom, and, no matter what may be their attainments,
they will not be self-confident and boastful.
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