Christian Education
267
as a disciplinarian; a man who is qualified to train the students in
habits of order, neatness, and industry. Do thorough work in whatever
you undertake. If you are faithful in teaching the common branches,
many of your students could go directly into the work as canvassers,
colporteurs, and evangelists. We need not feel that all workers must
have an advanced education
In selecting teachers, we should use every precaution, knowing that
this is as solemn a matter as the selecting of persons for the ministry.
Wise men who can discern character should make the selection; for
the very best talent that can be secured is needed to educate and mold
the minds of the young, and to carry on successfully the many lines of
work that will need to be done by the teachers in our church schools.
No person of an inferior or narrow cast of mind should be placed in
charge of one of these schools. Do not place over the children young,
inexperienced teachers who have no managing ability; for their efforts
will tend to disorganization
There should not be a teacher employed, unless you have evidence
by test and trial, that he loves, and fears to offend God. If teachers are
taught of God, if their lessons are daily learned in the school of Christ,
they will work in Christ’s lines. They will win and draw with Christ;
for every child and youth is precious
The habits and principles of a teacher should be considered of even
greater importance than his literary qualifications. If he is a sincere
Christian, he will feel the necessity of having an equal interest in the
physical, mental, moral, and spiritual education of his scholars. In
order to exert the right influence, he should have perfect control over
himself, and his own heart should be richly imbued with love for his
pupils, which will be seen in his looks, words, and acts
The teacher should ever conduct himself as a Christian gentleman.
He should stand in the attitude of a friend and counselor to his pupils. If
all our people—teachers, ministers, and lay members—would cultivate
the spirit of Christian courtesy, they would far more readily find access
to the hearts of the people; many more would be led to examine and
receive the truth. When every teacher shall forget self, and feel a deep
335
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 213, 214
336
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 174, 175
337
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 260
338
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 19