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Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work
Christians. And what shall be the account finally to be rendered by
indifferent teachers? Why does moral diffidence bind the soul of the
teacher, and make him reluctant to put forth proper efforts for the
conversion of precious souls of youth and children? Why not let the
Holy Spirit create an atmosphere about the soul that will drive away
moral darkness and bring heavenly light to others?
The truly converted laborer in the Sabbath-school will not be
moulded after the customs and practises of the world, but will stand
in moral independence. He will set an example that will be consistent
with his profession, coming out from the world, and maintaining a
separation from its spirit and fashions. He will not be turned in the
least from his steadfast purpose to be one with Christ, nor yield an iota
from his stand of fidelity to God, in opposition to pride, to indulgence
in selfish amusement, to expenditure of means for the gratification
of inclination or love of display, but will be an example in spirit,
deportment, and dress.
Sabbath-school worker, which will you meet, the standard of Christ
or that of the world? Oh, will you say, “I will lift the cross and
follow Jesus?” Will you not cultivate His tenderness in persuasion,
His earnestness in exhortation, and exemplify the exalted principles of
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the truth, manifesting in life and character what the religion of Christ
has done for you? Shall we not all heed the exhortation of the apostle,
“Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh,
to fulfil the lusts thereof”?
There is need of representing genuine religion before the youth.
Such religion will prove a vital power, an all-pervading influence.
From heartfelt devotion, joyousness, freshness, and continual growth,
will spring, and this is the religion that the youth must behold if they
are to be drawn to Christ. This kind of religion will leave its divine
impression upon souls, and its possessor will be renewed both mentally
and physically by the refreshing grace of God.
Try it for one year, you who are educators and teachers in our Sab-
bath and day schools, and see if you will not be able to say, “The Lord
hath wrought wondrously for us, for many souls have been brought to
the Master, as precious sheaves for the heavenly garner.”—
Sabbath-
School Worker, December 1, 1891, par. 13
.
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