The Church School by W. N. Glenn

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 27, 1883

The Church School.

By W. N. Glenn

WHAT we call the Sabbath-school is a progressive institution. At the beginning it had for its object the instruction of children, but gradually the work has embraced older persons, as the benefits have become better understood and appreciated, until those who realize the importance of Bible study are endeavoring to include the entire church upon the school roll.

We claim to be disciples of Christ. A disciple is a learner. The first disciples went with their Master from place to place—some continually, and others as opportunity presented—to learn of him. Of these students there arose other efficient teachers to succeed him; they had acquired experience, and were specially endowed with wisdom to qualify them for the work. In the construction of the early church the office of teacher was recognized as an essential element, and the position ranked next to that of prophet (1 Cor. 12:28). Surely these worthy examples mean that the flock shall be instructed—not merely the children, but all; the sheep have to be fed, as well as the lambs. Our churches are not supplied with pastors to attend to this work exclusively, hence teachers are in greater demand. But whether the work be done by pastor or teachers, the best means should be adopted for accomplishing the purpose, and some united effort would naturally suggest itself as the most efficient.

The Sabbath-school presents itself as the most practicable system. Then let it become the church school, old and young availing themselves of its privileges and benefits. Children do not comprise the only class that needs to learn of Jesus or to know the Scriptures. The whole of probation is given for us to learn our duty toward God, and no one will ever be deemed a graduate, for there will always be something to learn.

But some argue that they have Bibles and can study them at home. That is true, and that is just what is contemplated in the school. The Bible is the Master's text-book, and the school-room is the place for recitation. They ask what is the use of recitation; if they study, is not that sufficient? The reply is also a question—Why have recitation in any school? If this theory be correct; why have any schools at all. Schools are established all over the world, by every class of people, for every imaginable purpose, and are acknowledged as par excellence the means of imparting instruction. But what would any school be without recitations? This is the test whether the study has been effectual and the conclusions correct. Here opinions are contrasted, ideas suggested, and the truth brought to the surface.

But, says one, I am old, or my memory is bad, and I cannot learn a lesson so as to recite it. So much the more necessity for the class and general exercises; these help so much to fix the facts and deductions of the lesson upon the mind. Many persons remember what they hear much better than what they read. Such objectors have, generally, little difficulty in remembering gossip. But if a lesson cannot be remembered, how can duty be learned and remembered? and if not learned, how can it be performed?

There are also unacknowledged causes for non-attendance. Among these are negligence and pride. Too many have no interest to study, and are ashamed to attend the recitation lest their ignorance be exposed. They would rather remain ignorant than take the chances of being deemed so by others. If they but knew it, they do not escape such opinion by neglect of study or absence from the place of instruction. Of all members, these most need the help of the school, that perchance a proper knowledge may lead to a proper conversion.

A due appreciation of the privileges of the gospel and the reward of obedience will lead any one to a desire for instruction concerning the truth, especially in these days of confusion, when there is so much error besetting one's pathway. And every one who enters the church should find a place in the school, as pupil or teacher—in either capacity, as a learner. In other words the church is a school, and the session of what is called the Sabbath-school is merely the weekly hour of recitation; and those disciples who habitually, without valid excuse, "play truant" at this time, give at least presumptive evidence that they have little concern for their standing at the end of the course.

Let us all endeavor to get this matter right end foremost. The church members should not become the stragglers, or perchance the visitors of the school. They should head the roll, followed by all the children, and as many others as possible. Let us as far as possible, in practice at least, obliterate the idea of Sabbath-school for children, and incorporate the broader idea of an every day school for all, as a consequence of church existence, the Sabbath being recitation day.

W. N. GLENN.