Sabbath-School Influences
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whose example and influence will be a blessing rather than a curse.
They must have constantly before them a high sense of the virtue,
purity, and holiness which characterize the Christian life. Their ideas
upon this point must not become confused; let none move unwisely or
ignorantly in these matters. Give not, by voice or pen, encouragement
to men or women who have not moral worth, whose past life shows
a want of conscience and integrity. They may be sharp, witty, and
intelligent; but if the heart is not imbued with the Spirit of God, and if
they have not integrity of character, their influence points earthward,
not heavenward, and will be detrimental, wherever they are, and in
whatever they may engage.
We are in great need of men and women who sense sin and hate
iniquity; who have spiritual eyesight to discern the wants of the cause
of God, and to work with a devoted, unselfish interest, keeping self
ever hid in Jesus. We want young men of whom God can approve,
who have practical godliness, who have consciences quick to feel and
sense danger; men and women who will not exalt themselves, and will
not seek to hide the deformity of the soul under a cloak of godliness;
those who feel their weakness and imperfections of character, and
who will hang their helpless souls upon Jesus Christ. Those who are
self-confident, and think their way is above criticism, will show very
imperfect work. Said the apostle, “When I am weak, then am I strong.”
[24]
While sensing his weakness, he by faith laid hold of Jesus Christ and
His grace.
It becomes every one who has any connection with the work of God
to move modestly and cautiously, if he would not be deceived by the
enemy of souls. If you do not individually have divine enlightenment,
you will certainly make great mistakes; you will call good evil, and
evil good. I have been shown that you should have less burden of form,
and a greater burden to see deep heart work in the Sabbath-school.
Every teacher in the school should feel that he is a missionary for God.
He must improve his moments and his ability to obtain a knowledge
of the Word of God, that he may impart the same to his scholars.
Teachers will become disqualified for their position if they are not
learners. They need freshness of ideas, fresh, wise plans, life, tact, and
spirit in their work. They must be apt to teach.
The teacher should not confine himself to the repetition of the set
words of the lesson, yet he wants to be perfectly familiar with the