Sabbath-School Convention in Washington
By Flora L. Bland
SABBATH, April 15, was a very profitable occasion for the Sabbath-school work in Washington. The Takoma Park and College Sabbath-schools met at the Memorial church for an all-day convention. An excellent program had been prepared, and a large company was present to listen to well-written papers and thoughtful discussions. It was thought best not to entirely pass by the regular study for the day, so after the opening exercises, consisting of singing, prayer, and responsive reading, fifteen minutes was given, in the various departments, to a lively consideration of the lesson. “If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge,” read the Chairman, “then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.” If it is profitable for workmen to sharpen their tools, for men to be well informed in regard to the best methods of conducting their business, how much more necessary for those who are dealing with human souls. This is the reason “Why We Have Sabbath-school Conventions.” In the consideration of “The Teacher’s Duty to Her Class,” many valuable suggestions were made. A teacher should receive her message from the Great Teacher, and she should aim to make her thoughts not only spiritual, but personal. Above all things else, she must be a living representation of Christ to her students. O that our Sabbath-school teachers were either hot or cold! Would that they were filled with that zeal, earnestness, and sincerity that would not fail to bring results! The listless, insipid, irresponsible teacher had better, for the good of the class, grow cold entirely, and make way for some one who is in earnest. “The Proper Relation of the Superintendent to the Teachers and the School” is secured only by having the hearty co-operation of the school in all that is done. The superintendent must be an organizer and disciplinarian. He should encourage a spirit of sacrifice and liberality. “The Proper Use of the Sabbath-school Donations” proved a live subject. The thought was emphasized that greater economy should be used in purchasing supplies, that the officers of the Sabbath-school should keep a close watch on all expenditures, that as large a sum as possible might be given to preaching the gospel in foreign lands. However, last year our Sabbath-schools contributed $40,278.05 to the missionary work. This is more than has ever been given in any previous year by our Sabbath-schools. The Sabbath-school is the place to make missionaries, so the “Relation of the Sabbath-school to Foreign Missions” is very close. It has been found that the interest of the children is greatly increased by a five-minute exercise every Sabbath, on different mission fields. Teach them the geography of the field, the instruction of the people regarding the word of God, and the names of missionaries who are there. The Sabbath-school is the nursery of the church. Its especial aim is to secure the conversion of the children and youth. In order to make the Sabbath-school more effective in this great work, teachers must take up their duties with the children with but one desire, and that is that they may be used by the Lord to lead these little ones to him. The Sabbath-school must be made interesting to them. The teacher may be ever so much in earnest, and be thoroughly prepared upon the lesson, yet she can not do her best work without a blackboard. The paper, “Profitable Uses of the Blackboard,” impressed this thought very effectually. No Sabbath-school room is completely furnished without a board. Artistic ability is wholly unnecessary. A straight mark will represent anything to the child that the teacher may desire. With this aid we may have a map at a moment’s notice, and it can be used to excellent advantage in presenting the review and other exercises. During the program we were entertained and edified by listening to several pieces of music, well selected and feelingly presented, and as we separated at the close of this our first Sabbath-school convention in Washington, after singing “Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” each one felt that he had been greatly benefited by our counsel together.