Relation of the Home to the Sabbath-School by L. Flora Plummer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 23, 1909

Relation of the Home to the Sabbath-School

By L. Flora Plummer

MRS. L. FLORA PLUMMER

The real success of the Sabbath-school work rests in large measure upon the parents, even though they may be neither officers nor teachers in the school. Where is the superintendent of a school or the teacher of a class of children who has not felt at times that much of the effort in behalf of the youth and children was ineffective because of the failure of the home to co-operate with the Sabbath-school?

It is not designed that the work of the Sabbath-school should take the place of the religious instruction children should receive in their homes. The most powerful influence for good that can possibly be thrown around the youth is the safeguard of home religious training. Yet it seems that many parents leave this work to be done entirely by others. We would not depreciate the value of the kind and loving efforts of friends and teachers in behalf of the youth and children, but we can not understand the feelings that lead Christian parents to commit unto others the entire fitting up for an eternal life of their most precious jewels. It is a sad condition that makes the statement true in some cases that the teacher has more influence for good with a child than the parents. We have seen the powerful effect of the unselfish labors of Christian teachers in mission Sunday-schools. Under the influence of such work many children have been converted, and have grown up to be useful men and women, from homes that were dens of vice and iniquity.

It is easier, in many instances, to lead a child of openly wicked parents to accept the gospel than to make any lasting impression upon the mind of one whose home is professedly Christian, but whose parents by their daily lives deny their profession. The child invariably and constantly interprets the meaning of Christianity by the lives of those who profess it.

The following quotations from “Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work” establishes perfectly the proper relationship between the school and the home:—

“The parents have a serious responsibility resting upon them to co-operate with the teachers in the Sabbath-school.”

“Parents and children should work in harmony with superintendent and teachers, thus giving evidence that they appreciate the labor put forth for them. Parents should take special interest in the religious education of their children, that they may have a more thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.”

“While it is essential that wise, patient efforts should be made by the teacher, the work must not be left altogether to the Sabbath-school and church worker, but it must find its foundation and support in the work of the home. Parents have a sacred responsibility and charge committed to them, and they are called upon to keep their charge, to bear their responsibility in the fear of God, watching for the souls of their children as they who must give an account.”

“The responsibility which God has given to men and women as parents, many have shifted from themselves to the Sabbath-school worker and to the church influence. But each instrumentality has its work, and parents who neglect their part will be weighed in the balances and found wanting.”

“God would have those who profess to be his followers thoroughly furnished with proof of the doctrines of his Word. When and where can this be better obtained than in youth at the Sabbath-school? Parents should in no case treat this matter indifferently.”

We appeal to parents everywhere to heed carefully this instruction. Doing so will certainly cause you to be actively interested in all plans for the good of the school. Your co-operation is needed and desired by all the intelligent officers and teachers in every school. Your support, financially and morally, your sympathies, your prayers, and your prompt and regular attendance should be given continually in behalf of the school, for it has to do with your dearest interests. You can find no substitute to act your part.

Takoma Park, D. C.