Our Beginners by KATHERINE B. HALE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 17, 1908

Our Beginners

By KATHERINE B. HALE

KATHERINE B. HALE

It is September again. Among the pupils who present themselves at the school door this September morning, we find many little strangers—beginners we call them. Here they are, ready to begin—what?

“Good morning, little children dear! How pleasant ’tis to see you here! With faces bright and hands so white, A very welcome, happy sight.”

As we welcome these little ones into our schoolroom, a responsibility becomes ours, dear teachers,—a responsibility than which there is none greater brought within school doors. Whence come these little folks? Why are they here? Let us hope that they come from homes where parents have studied and practised faithfully the instruction given by the Teacher who loved little children, and thought it worth while to give to them his tenderest love and consideration. Let us hope that in the period of home education preceding the introduction into school life, there has been laid that foundation which Christian parents are privileged to lay. And now, as we accept a share in the responsibility of these parents, we must not forget that our work is foundation work too. It is possible to broaden and strengthen all previous work, and thus make lasting every impression already received for good. A wonderful privilege, then, is this work.

Already have these little people been introduced to at least one of our Father’s great lesson-books—his creation. Doubtless, too, they have learned that there is another book,—one containing printed symbols,—his revelation. It is a letter from our Father to all his people,—a book sent to the fathers, the mothers, and to all the children in the great, wide world. These two great books are God’s lesson-books for children. With some of the sweet and fascinating stories we will hope they have already become familiar; and now they have reached the time when they are eager to read for themselves more of the Father’s lessons. Not only are they anxious to read from the pages of nature’s great outdoor book, but they are anxious to read from the printed pages of such books as may be presented to children of proper school age.

How proud is the child of his first new book, his very own! There are pictures on nearly every page, and how eager he is to know “what the stories say.” On a certain page he sees a little boy all ready for bed. The boy stands by a candle, and the candle is burning. I wonder what the little boy is saying? On another page are pretty pansies. What does the book say about the pansies? Here is a little girl watering her flowers, and the sentences below tell what the little girl thinks about as she works among her plants. Here is a picture of beautiful angels. Did you ever hear of that man to whom the angels appeared one lonely night? This is such an interesting story!

Now (we explain) we are going to be able to read all these stories. Are you not glad of that? Before this school year is past, you will probably be able to read every one. I wonder if you can find the page upon which are pictured flying blackbirds, and at the bottom of which is a row of five happy children? They are singing, and the story that the song tells is a story that I shall write upon the board for you to-day.

Let us now put away our books, and sing together this song, which I think will help us always to remember our very first Bible memory verse (Ps. 106: 1):—

“Praise him! praise him! little children, praise him! God is good! God is good! Praise him! praise him! little children, praise him! God is good! God is good!”

Walla Walla, Wash.