Chapter 26—Consecration of Teachers
The Lord would have the teachers of our Sabbath-schools examine
themselves whether they be in the love of God. There will be tests
and provings of God to try the character in the experience of all who
are working in the cause of God. The teachers should be constantly
learning and striving for a more thorough understanding, a right judg-
ment in the things of God. There is danger of the teachers becoming
self-confident, and so filled with self-esteem that they will not realize
their own deficiencies, that there is with them a narrowness of ideas,
and they do not broaden or expand. They do not become more and
more capable, but more and more self-important. They do not bring
Jesus into their hearts and into their experiences. The teacher should
cultivate his powers, cultivate his speech so as to speak distinctly,
giving intelligent articulation. The mental powers should be cultivated,
not be left so weak, and the powers of thought so confused, that they
can not explain nor understand the doctrines of our faith. If the teacher
is not one of sincere piety, of purity, of self-denial, of willingness to
endure inconvenience, then he is not fit for the great and solemn work.
It is the duty of the teacher to test his own powers, his own spirit, and
understand his true position before God, by close examination.
Those whose duty it is to select teachers should be guarded, and not
urge those into the school who are not fitted to exert a good influence.
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How is the teacher’s behavior? Is he punctual? Is he cleanly and neat?
This should have attention; for these qualities are essential in a teacher.
How can he enjoin these necessary acquirements upon the class unless
they have an example of punctuality, of neatness, composure, and
order? If the teacher is not in his place, and the class are left to amuse
themselves, and the teacher comes rushing in breathless, behind time,
the influence is leading to nonpunctuality and disorder.
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