Sabbath-School Department

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jun 10, 1909

Sabbath-School Department

Seventh Meeting, May 28, 8 A. M.

This was “illustration day” in the Sabbath-school Department meetings. That many were interested in the topics to be presented was evidenced by the very large number attending. The first paper was on “The Value of Stories of Incident or Experience in Illustrating Bible Lessons,” by Mrs. Fannie Dickerson Chase, editor of the Instructor.

She said, in part: The reviewer of a certain Sabbath-school division had just related several incidents which aptly illustrated a point in the lesson, when a little fellow on the front seat looked up at her and said: “I like stories.” Every other child who heard the remark showed by the expression on his face that he, too, had the same liking. While the teacher’s main thought is to instruct, to “feed the lambs” of God, and not merely to please the interest, yet if he can accomplish the second end without detracting from the first, his work will be the stronger. The seventh chapter of Matthew, consisting of only twenty-nine verses, contains more than thirty references to natural objects which Christ used to illustrate spiritual truth. A number of interesting stories were given, illustrating very effectively the spiritual teachings of the Bible.

Mrs. Maude Wilkinson presented a paper on “The Blackboard in the Sabbath-school.” There are six gates by which we may send religious truth into the soul. One of these—the most important—is through prayer. The others are the five senses. We may go through the ear to the heart by songs and words, and through the eye to the heart by visible illustrations and personal examples. Hearing lacks vividness without sight. The blackboard may be used in many departments of work, aiming always to have more of Christ than of chalk. In teaching young or old the truths of God’s Word, we must be intensely spiritual. The simpler the design made in the presence of the congregation, the more impressive and abiding the lesson taught. The speaker used the blackboard, and her work was an example of the effectiveness of simple outline sketches.

“Object Illustrations” was presented by Mrs. A. J. S. Bourdeau: To illustrate is to illumine. An illustration should serve the purpose of a window in a dark room. The things which enter the mind through the “eye-gate” make the most lasting impressions. To the teacher who says, “Object illustrations are too much work for me,” it may be replied that all duty is difficult to an unconsecrated heart. It is said that “melody is difficult in proportion as the instrument is out of tune, and duty is difficult in proportion as the heart is out of tune.” “In every lesson there is the outer husk of the literal; there is also the inner food for the nourishment of the soul. Breaking the husk comes first in the order of teaching; but the teacher must not seek to satisfy his class with the husk, and leave the precious food unused.”

Eighth Meeting, May 31, 8 A. M.

A call was made for a report of the committee on Sabbath-school finances, and a resolution introduced recommending that our Sabbath-schools give all their donations to missions. The resolution was discussed by several, and passed without a dissenting vote. The discussion emphasized the fact that it was not designed to oppress small schools or those whose members have but limited means. It was urged that the schools supply themselves with that which is needed to conduct the school in the proper way, but recognition was also given to the fact that there is no virtue in the placing of money for supplies in the Sabbath-school contributions which ought to be set apart for missions.

The special topic for the day was “Children’s Meetings at Camp-meeting.” Mrs. Vesta J. Farnsworth gave a most helpful talk on this subject. If there is any work that requires thoughtful, careful, earnest preparation, it is that which should be done for the children at the camp-meetings. The need for a suitable place for such meetings, for pleasant surroundings, for well-prepared plans, for carefully prepared lessons, and for the appointment of suitable helpers, was impressively set forth. The need for heart preparation on the part of the one in charge was also impressed. Those who carry heavy burdens in this line of work must be willing to forego the pleasure of attending meetings which would be of interest to them. The instruction given in such meetings should be that which will lead the children to God. They should not only be entertained, but they should be led to recognize their duty to the Lord, and urged to give their hearts to him. The children’s tent is not a proper playground for the children between meetings. They should be taught reverence.

Sister Ella Merickel led the discussion, and in addition to emphasizing the need for preparation on the part of those who take such responsibility, she spoke of her plan of furnishing lessons to those who were chosen as helpers. She also presented several devices for interesting the children in memory verses.