Page 167 - Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students (1913)

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Under Discipline to Christ
163
should have a thorough knowledge of the sciences. With uprightness
of character, high literary acquirements should be combined.
If you are called to be a teacher, you are called to be a learner
also. If you take upon yourself the sacred responsibility of teaching
others, you take upon yourself the duty of becoming master of every
subject you seek to teach. Be not content with dull thoughts, an
indolent mind, or a loose memory. It is a noble thing to teach; it is a
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blessed thing to learn. True knowledge is a precious possession, and
the more the teacher has of it, the better will be his work.
* * * * *
In sending children to the public schools, parents are plac-
ing them under demoralizing influences—influences that injure the
morals and habits. In such surroundings, children often receive
instruction that trains them to be enemies of Christ. They lose sight
of piety and virtue.
Many public schools are permeated by the baneful influence
of boys and girls who are experts in sin. And the children who
are allowed to play on the street are also obtaining a training that
thoughtless parents will sometime learn leads to recklessness and
lawlessness.
* * * * *
God has given inquiring minds to youth and children. Their
reasoning powers are entrusted to them as precious talents. It is the
duty of parents to keep the matter of their education before them in
its true meaning; for it comprehends many lines. They should be
taught to improve every talent, expecting that all will be used in the
service of Christ for the uplifting of fallen humanity.
* * * * *
Much of the success of a church school depends upon the teacher
chosen. The one placed in charge of a school should be of suitable
age; and where the number of students is large enough, assistants
should be chosen from among the older ones. Thus the students will
gain an experience of great value.
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