School and the Teacher
161
in their own hearts before entering upon their labors, angels of God
are brought with them into the schoolroom.
[200]
But if they go in a provoked, irritated spirit into the schoolroom,
the moral atmosphere surrounding their souls is leaving its impression
upon the children who are under their care, and in the place of being
fitted to instruct the children, they need one to teach them the lessons
of Jesus Christ.—
Christian Education, 149, 150
(1893) (
Fundamentals
of Christian Education, 265, 266
.)
Patience and Adaptability Needed (counsel to a teacher)—You
do not make a success as a teacher because you have not patience and
adaptability. You do not know how to deal with human minds or how
to impart knowledge in the best way. If your expectations are not met,
you are impatient. You have had every advantage of education, but
nevertheless, you are not a wise teacher. It is very disagreeable to you
to inculcate ideas into dull minds. In your youth you needed discipline
and training. But the spirit which you manifested under correction has
spoiled your life.—
Letter 117, 1901
.
Parents to Cooperate With Teachers—A neglected field repre-
sents the neglected mind. Parents must come to view this master in
a different light. They must feel it their duty to cooperate with the
teacher, to encourage wise discipline, and to pray much for the one
who is teaching their children. You will not help the children by fret-
ting, censuring, or discouraging them; neither will you act a part to
help them to rebel and to be disobedient and unkind and unlovable
because of the spirit you develop.—
Manuscript 34, 1893.
Responsibility of the Religious Community—There can be no
more important work than the proper education of our youth. We must
guard them, fighting back Satan, that he shall not take them out of our
arms. When the youth come to our colleges, they should not be made
to feel that they have come among strangers who do not care for their
souls. There should be fathers and mothers in Israel who will watch
for their souls as they that must give account.
[201]
Brethren and sisters, do not hold yourselves aloof from the dear
youth, as though you have no particular concern or responsibility for
them. You who have long professed to be Christians have a work to do
to patiently and kindly lead them in the right way. You should show
them that you love them because they are younger members of the