What Are We Doing? by H. M. Killgore

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 5, 1867

What Are We Doing?

By H. M. Killgore

WHAT are we doing in the Sabbath Schools to benefit the children? Are we doing anything to encourage them to form habits of overcoming? Or do we feel, that if we are successful in our efforts to have them get good lessons, our responsibility is ended? Good lessons are indispensable; but they are not all that is necessary. Cannot something be done to throw around them a restraining influence, during their absence from the school?

In thinking over these things at the commencement of the new year, I thought of a plan (which has been adopted by the school here,) that perhaps may be of some benefit. It is this: Every Sabbath let the teachers ask each scholar three questions. 1. Have you used any profane language during the past week? 2. Have you told any falsehoods? 3. Have you spoken any cross words to any one? Let their answers be recorded, and once in three months reported to the school. Then let the scholar whose record proves the best, receive a present of a Bible, or some other good book, as a reward for their efforts. The brethren and sisters can give five or ten cents apiece, the superintendent purchase and present the book.

Perhaps there would be more than one worthy of the prize. If so, more prizes can be given. It would be money well expended. At the close of the year, let the superintendent of each school give a report through the Review, of the number of children in the school, the number of prizes given, and the names and ages of the scholars that received them.

Perhaps some one that has had more experience can suggest something more beneficial than this. Will they please do so; and then let us adopt the plans which shall seem best calculated to promote the future usefulness of the schools.

H. M. KILLOGORE.

South Norridgewock, Me.