To Superintendents and Teachers
15
mechanically, and then sit down, leaving the children to stare about,
or whisper and play, as we have seen them do. Such teaching is not
beneficial; it is often injurious. If the teacher is properly prepared,
every moment can be used to profit. The active minds of the children
should be kept constantly employed. Their ideas should be drawn out
and corrected, or approved, as the case may require. But never should
the teacher sit down, saying, “I am through.” There is no such thing as
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getting through with the lesson.
Superintendents, never scold nor complain before your teachers
or scholars. If you wish to influence the school for good, put away
the whip, and exert a heaven-inspiring influence, which will carry
the minds of all with you. In making plans and regulations for the
school, let them represent, as nearly as possible, the voice of the
school. In some schools there is a sharp, critical spirit. Much is
made of forms and rules, while the weightier matters, mercy and the
love of God, are neglected. Let all be cheerful. If any have clouds
encompassing their souls, let them work out into the sunlight before
they enter the Sabbath-school. A mother who is constantly relating
her discouragements, and complaining to her children of their lack of
appreciation, can not have proper control of them. So will it be with
you, teachers and superintendents. If you see a lack in this respect,
do not lessen your influence by speaking of it; but in a quiet way set
influences to work that will correct the evil. Plan, study how to secure
a well-organized, well-disciplined school.
All in the school should feel themselves learners. We are to become
daily learners if we would be true educators. It is a noble thing to teach;
it is a blessed thing to learn. Knowledge is a precious possession, and
the more we obtain of it, the better work will we do if we make a right
use of it. As workers for God we want more of Jesus and less of self.
We should have more of a burden for souls, and should pray daily that
strength and wisdom may be given us for the Sabbath. Teachers, meet
with your classes. Pray with them, and teach them how to pray. Let
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the heart be softened, and the petitions short and simple, but earnest.
Let your words be few and well chosen; and let them learn from your
lips and your example that the truth of God must be rooted in their
hearts or they can not stand the test of temptation. We want to see
whole classes of young people being converted to God, and growing