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study of God’s word is continually expanding the mind and strength-
ening the intellect. There is nothing that will so refine and elevate the
character, and give vigor to every faculty, as the continual exercise of
the mind to grasp and comprehend weighty and important truths.
But if you can obtain the confidence of the youth [a troublesome
pupil], and bind him to your heart through cords of sympathy and love,
you may win a soul to Christ. The wayward, self-willed, independent
boy may become transformed in character.
But while it is necessary to manifest love and sympathy for your
pupils, it is a manifest weakness to show partiality, and thus arouse
suspicion and jealousy. Children are quick to discern the preferences
of the teacher, and the favored student often measures his strength,
his aptness and skill with that of the teacher in the management of
the class. He may decide to be master, and unless the teacher has
the grace of Christ, he will manifest weakness, become impatient,
exacting, and severe. The leading spirit of the class will generally
impart his purpose to other students, and there will be a combined
effort to obtain the mastery. If the teacher, through the grace of Christ,
is self-controlled, and holds the lines with a steady, patient hand, he
will quell the boisterous element, keep his self-respect, and command
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the respect of his students. When once order is restored, let kindness,
gentleness, and affection be manifested. It may be that rebellion will
rise again and again, but let not the hasty temper appear. Do not speak
sharply to the evil doer, and discourage a soul who is struggling with
the powers of darkness. Be still, and let your heart ascend in prayer to
God for help. Angels will come close to your side, and help you to lift
up the standard against the enemy, and instead of cutting off the erring
one, you may be enabled to gain a soul for Christ.—Extract from an
article in the Sabbath-school Worker for December, 1892.
Those who occupy responsible positions should so educate and
discipline themselves that all within the sphere of their influence may
see what man can be, and what he can do, when connected with the
God of wisdom and power.
And why should not a man thus privileged become intellectually
strong? Again and again have worldlings sneeringly asserted that those
who believe present truth are weak-minded, deficient in education,
without position or influence. This we know to be untrue, but is there
not some reason for these assertions? Many have considered it a