Chapter 24—Danger of Formalism
The object of the Sabbath-school should not be lost sight of in
mechanical arrangements, thus occupying time which should be given
to other important matters. We should ever be guarded against forms
and ceremonies which will eclipse the real object for which we are
laboring. There is danger of carrying system to such an extreme that
the Sabbath-school will become weariness, when, on the contrary,
it should be a rest, a refreshment, and a blessing. The purity and
simplicity of the Sabbath-school must not be swallowed up in such
an endless variety of forms that sufficient time can not be devoted
to religious interests. The beauty and success of the school are in
its simplicity and earnestness in serving God. Nothing can be done
without order and regulation, but these may be arranged so as to shut
out greater and more important duties. Less should be said to the
scholars about the external preliminaries and system, and much more
should be said in regard to the salvation of their souls. This must be
made the ruling principle of the school.
The old, old story of the love of Jesus, repeated by the teachers
and the superintendent, with the love of Jesus in the heart, will have a
power that will convict and convert souls. If the love and tenderness
of Jesus has touched your heart, you will be able to work for your
scholars. The simplicity of the gospel must be kept in view. With
help from above we can do faithful work for the Master. The fact
should be kept continually before the scholars that without heart work
all our efforts will be in vain. Affection and love should be seen in
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every movement of the teachers and managers of the school. Cold
formality should be replaced by earnest zeal and energy. The love of
Jesus should so pervade the whole school that the pupils will learn to
regard this as the highest education. Sternness or faultfinding should
find no place in Sabbath-school or day school. This should be put far
from the hearts of the teachers, and of all who act a leading part in the
school.
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