p. 215 | THE SABBATH-SCHOOL COURSE

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · April 1, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 14

THE SABBATH-SCHOOL COURSE.

By C. W. Stone; S. Brownsberger; Wm. C. Gage

The Committee appointed at the recent session of the General Conference to consider the matter of Sabbath-school Lessons, and to suggest through the REVIEW subjects for future study, present the following:

The Sabbath-school, rightly conducted, may be one of the most important agencies in the salvation of the children and youth, as well as of those of riper years. Any system of public worship which does not provide exercise for all who attend, falls short of accomplishing that which the gospel is designed to do for every body of true worshipers. No one can remain a mere spectator in the church of Christ and retain a good interest. To cultivate that lively interest, to promote that spiritual growth, to make that acquaintance with the things of God, which are essential to the development of a symmetrical Christian character, one must have something to do. He must have a chance to exercise, and must learn to feel and bear responsibilities. In this, the Sabbath-school furnishes just what is demanded. In the Sabbath meeting no one is obliged to sit listlessly during the service while the minister and a few of the congregation bear their testimony. Every one may have a part to act.

But right here two most important qualities must be considered; namely, 1. The exercises should be of such a character as to accomplish the greatest good by imparting the best instruction upon the most appropriate topics; and, 2. They should be so planned and executed as to create and maintain an ever-increasing interest in the minds of the pupils.

The first of these qualities will be looked for chiefly in the lessons written for study; therefore, in deciding upon subjects to be presented, the number of lessons to be devoted to each subject, and the general character of each lesson, careful thought and earnest prayer should be exercised, and the wisest counsel sought. It is our opinion that while Sabbath-school scholars should be thoroughly instructed in the great doctrinal truths specially applicable to the present time, yet great care should be taken that the doctrinal framework be well joined, filled, and covered with the priceless, practical material found in the history of the life and teachings of the world’s Redeemer, the “author and finisher of our faith.” The lessons should be of such a nature as to enable the teacher to lead the pupil to Christ. It is a good thing to commit to memory his precious words. The plan of redemption, the great love of the Father, who gave his only begotten Son to die for us, the infinite sacrifice which Christ has made for our salvation, his rich lessons to guide us in every-day life, the “old, old story” of the cross, the work of Jesus as our Advocate at the right hand of God, and the glorious truth that he is about to come to earth again, to give life to his faithful ones, are themes which are full of interest, and which will find their way to the heart that is not hopelessly closed to everything good.

The second essential quality may be secured by a proper connection of subjects, by devoting enough and not too many lessons to each, and lastly, by the hearty co-operation of superintendents, teachers, and pupils, who have the interests of the school at heart. Of this we cannot now speak further.

In view of the foregoing, and from a belief that our Sabbath-schools are feeling the need of such a change, we would recommend that the subject at present being studied from the lesson leaves be closed up as soon as practicable, and that leaves be issued bearing lessons upon the following subjects, the number of lessons being indicated at the right:—

CHRIST.

His glory with the Father before the world was, 1
Association with the Father in the Creation of the Worlds, 2
The Plan of Redemption, 3
Leader of the Israelites, 1
His First Advent Foretold, 2
His Birth and Childhood, 1
His Baptism and the Temptation, 2
His Miracles and Teachings, 10
His Oneness with the Father, 2
His Betrayal, Sufferings, Crucifixion, and Resurrection, 2

Our Advocate, 2
His Second Coming Foretold, 2
When Expected, 5
Our Preparation, 5

Interwoven with each lesson, should be some direct appeal to the heart, based upon thoughts suggested by the lesson.

Praying that God may bless in the study of these touching themes, the Committee would respectfully submit the foregoing, while the subject of lessons for the younger scholars will be considered in a future article.

C. W. STONE, S. BROWNSBERGER, Wm. C. GAGE, } Committee.