The Sabbath-School Lessons
By G. B. Thompson
The importance of the Sabbath-school lessons can not be too highly estimated. With the exception of a few special lessons which some of our workers in foreign fields find it necessary to prepare, the lessons studied in the five divisions of the Sabbath-school are the same throughout the world, and are prepared under the supervision of the General Conference Sabbath-school Department. The field of study which is opened by these lessons is almost without limit, and their influence is far-reaching. No other line of Bible study which we have does more to mold the denomination than these lessons. Not only the older members come within the range of their influence, but the truths of the lessons reach the tender minds of the youth and the children. A moment’s reflection will be sufficient to enable all to see the importance of the lessons and something of the responsibility which is involved in arranging and preparing them for our schools. But few comparatively have any correct idea of the amount of labor necessary in getting the lessons ready for each division. Deciding what shall be studied is often a matter of much perplexity, and it is difficult to make any arrangement which will suit everybody. Local needs and individual judgments differ; but those upon whom this great responsibility rests give the matter the6most careful and prayerful consideration. It is a real satisfaction to know that as a rule there is but little complaint. Obtaining competent writers of lessons for the various divisions is no small task. All Bible students are not lesson writers, and many who can do this work acceptably are loaded to the breaking point with other duties. The writing of our Sabbath-school lessons is a work of sufficient importance to be worthy of the best ability within the denomination. When the lessons are written, they are copied and sent to the various members of the department committee for suggestions and criticism; afterward they are prepared for publication. Altogether, much taxing mental work is necessary before the lessons are finally given to our people. A few words concerning the general plan of the lessons, so far as arranged for in the future, will be of interest. The present plan provides a regular course of study for the children which will enable them to have quite a thorough knowledge of the Bible before beginning with the junior lessons. The course of lessons embraces a period of four years, and, as planned, is divided as follows:— Old Testament History ........ 2 years
Life of Christ and the Apostles ........ 1 year 6 months
Topical Study on Points of Faith ........ 6 months The lessons on Old Testament history and on the Life of Christ and the apostles will be arranged somewhat similarly to those we have had in the past. The topical studies will be prepared in story form for the primary and kindergarten grades, while the intermediate, doubtless, will have a few texts given for the lessons. By going over this course of lessons twice, the children will obtain quite a thorough knowledge of the general teaching of the Bible, and should then be ready for the junior lessons. It would seem that such a course, carefully followed out, would be attended with better results than to have the children drift around in a sort of “hit and miss” fashion, oftentimes studying subjects adapted to the work of more advanced classes. Doubtless all are aware that at the present time the lessons for these divisions are on the life of Christ. The study of the Acts of the Apostles and the topical subjects will follow. In the senior and junior divisions, following the present lessons on “Tithes and Offerings,” one quarter will be devoted to the book of Esther. This book has never been studied in our Sabbath-schools, so far as the writer knows, and we believe it will prove of great interest and much profit to all. Following this we shall have one quarter’s lessons on the themes that seem to be specially adapted to the needs of our people at this time. Following this, six months will be devoted to a study of the sanctuary and the priesthood, based on the book of Hebrews. We most earnestly ask our people everywhere to take hold of the work in the Sabbath-schools, and help to make this important branch of the message fill the place which the Lord desires that it should. G. B. THOMPSON,
Chairman S. S. Dept.