To the Sabbath-school Officers and Teachers of California.
By G. D. Ballou
Regarding the Sabbath-school as an institution of primary importance to the spiritual interests of our churches and scattered brethren, we feel anxious to do all in our power toward securing the best possible results in this branch of our work. To this end we make the following suggestions. 1. Endeavor to secure the attendance and membership of all adults and children of every family in your vicinity who is in sympathy with the present truth, and as many beside as you can reasonably influence to attend. 2. Officers and teachers should, if possible, meet every week to examine the lessons and consider the general interests of the school. Thoroughness in the preparation and recitations of the lessons can be secured in no better way. 3. Look after the financial interest of your school. No organization can prosper without funds. You may now be in need of maps or other helps. We recommend that the Instructor and all other supplies be paid for by weekly contributions. Let us labor to secure uniformity. 4. Order all supplies, Instructor, lesson-books, maps, reward cards, etc., through your librarian. Scattered families and those companies which have no T. and M. organization should order of Alice Morrison, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. All contributions should be reported, and all tithes and donations to the State Association should be sent, with the quarterly report to the Secretary of the State Association, Mrs. G. D. Ballou, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal. 6. Study carefully the directions and suggestions found in the record books. Secretaries should examine their quarterly reports after they are filled out to see that all is correct, and forward promptly to the State Secretary. 7. Remember that the great object of all Sabbath-school work is to secure growth in grace. The Sabbath-school, if properly conducted, is the school of Christ, and all, both teachers and scholars, should seek to have his Spirit to aid them in all their relations to the church. Do not be mechanical in your labor and teaching. Let a spirit of diligence and earnestness characterize all your work. Labor for the spiritual advancement of every one connected with the school, especially for the conversion of the youth and children. Unless teaching tends to refine and ennoble the minds and convert the hearts of the scholars, it will at last prove in vain. Kindness and courtesy growing out of love will make the Sabbath-school a cheerful place, to which every one connected with it will look with joyous expectation. Make prayerful and earnest preparation to labor, by example as well as precept, to encourage this most important means of grace and make it effective in converting souls to Christ. We earnestly recommend that all the scattered families of Sabbath-keepers that have not already done so, subscribe at once for the Youth's Instructor and send for "Bible Lessons for Little Ones," and start a family school with the new year. We shall be glad to hear from all such. Let the State Secretary know you have a school, and you will receive blanks for reporting. G. D. BALLOU,
Pres. of State Association.