School and the Teacher
155
and some lost. Evil tempers in the teachers, unwise movements, self-
dignity have done a bad work. There is no form of vice, worldliness,
or drunkenness that will do a more baleful work upon the character,
embittering the soul, and setting in train evils that overbear good, than
human passions not under the control of the Spirit of God. Anger,
getting touched [being aroused], stirred up, will never pay.
How many prodigals are kept out of the kingdom of God by the
slovenly character of those whom claim to be Christians. Jealousy,
envy, pride, uncharitable feelings, self-righteousness, being easily
provoked, thinking evil, harshness, coldness, lack of sympathy—these
are the attributes of Satan. Teachers will meet with these things in the
student’s characters. It is a terrible thing to have these things to deal
with; but in seeking to cast out these evils, the worker has in many
instances developed similar attributes which have marred the soul of
the one with whom he is dealing.—
Letter 50, 1893
.
Need Well-balanced Mind—The teachers who work in this part
of the Lord’s vineyard need to be self-possessed, to keep their temper
and feelings under control and in subjection to the Holy Spirit. They
should give evidence of having, not a one-sided experience, but a
well-balanced mind, a symmetrical character.—
Counsels to Parents,
Teachers, and Students, 191
(1913).
Determination to Improve Important—A teacher’s advantages
may have been limited so that he may not possess as high literary
[193]
qualifications as might be desirable; yet if he has true insight into
human nature; if he has a genuine love for his work, an appreciation
of its magnitude, and a determination to improve; if he is willing to
labor earnestly and perseveringly, he will comprehend the needs of
his pupils, and by his sympathetic, progressive spirit will inspire them
to follow as he seeks to lead them onward and upward.—
Education,
279
(1913).
Faculties of Mind Not Half Used—It is important that we should
have intermediate schools and academies.... From home and abroad
are coming many urgent calls for workers. Young men and women,
the middle-aged, and in fact all who are able to engage in the Master’s
service, should be putting their minds to the stretch in an effort to
prepare to meet these calls. From the light God has given me, I know
that we do not use the faculties of the mind half as diligently as we