p. 215 | HOW TO WORK by Will C. Wales

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

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

HOW TO WORK.

By Will C. Wales

BY WILL. C. WALES.

The mission of the Sabbath-school is an extended one. If conducted in a proper manner and in a right spirit, it will not only tend to promote the scholar’s spiritual interest, but may be an important auxiliary in developing his intellectual powers, in creating or increasing a relish for the best associations, and in refining and elevating his whole nature.

But of all these considerations, it seems to me that the first mentioned is of paramount importance. The Sabbath-school should be a school of the heart, where the mind of each pupil will be led out in reverence and devotion to God.

The question with each teacher should be, “How can this most successfully be accomplished?” In the first place he must be in earnest, and feel a devotion to the interests of those intrusted to his care. He should try to realize that he is engaged in a mission the importance of which cannot be overestimated; for what can be a graver responsibility than that of having the religious training of a human mind during the most susceptible period of its existence? Let the teacher endeavor to feel that the spiritual condition of each scholar is what he should most zealously labor to improve. Since this cannot receive sufficient attention during the usual recitation hour, opportunity should be sought outside the school, where the teacher may become familiar with the members of his class, and learn definitely of their spiritual welfare.

Having been for a long time a member of a class that met regularly once each week for the purpose of considering the lesson and engaging in prayer, I think I can state something of the benefits to be derived from these class meetings. And probably there is not one member of that class who would not unite in testifying to the benefits and blessings afforded by these occasions. Some will object to this plan on the ground of its impracticability; for it often happens that members of a class are separated far from one another during the week, and can only meet upon the Sabbath. But if you, as a teacher, feel the burden for your scholars which every teacher should feel, and appreciate the advantage of forming an intimate acquaintance with each member of your class, you will seek opportunity for meeting them upon the Sabbath as often, at least, as once each month.

If, without this aid, one could be a successful teacher, I believe he would greatly limit the degree of his success by omitting this most effectual means of reaching the hearts of his pupils. The scholar can hardly fail to be affected by seeing that his teacher has an interest in him, and what could tend more to assure him of that interest than to hear his teacher’s voice raised in prayer for him and his companions?

Let the teacher tell his class of his interest in them, and of his anxiety that all may be permanently benefited by their association together; let all speak familiarly of their experiences, and there cannot fail to be a warmer feeling between members of the class. And as all bow in prayer, and lift their voices in supplication for themselves and one another, a bond of union and friendship, till then unfelt, will spring into life; and a Christian chord will be touched which, without these seasons, would have failed to vibrate. Let the teacher become acquainted with his class, and the class with each other, and there will be a spirit of harmony, and acquiescence with the wishes and plans of the teacher which could not otherwise be secured.

Battle Creek, Mich.