An Experience in the Nashville (Tenn.) Church-School by H. F. Courter

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 4, 1907

An Experience in the Nashville (Tenn.) Church-School

By H. F. Courter

Self-Control

An Experience in the Nashville (Tenn.) Church-School

I BEGAN school here Sept. 18, 1906, and have had from twenty to twenty-two pupils on the roll all the time after the first day. The pupils' ages range from six to seventeen years, and the grades are from the first to the seventh, omitting the sixth.

The chief aim has been the conversion of every individual in the school. To this end I have constantly held up the importance of gaining that self-control that will enable them, by the help of God, to do right in the absence of parent or teacher. “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne.” This is the promise to the children as well as to the grown people. Unless we overcome, we can have no hope of eternal life. This does not mean that we shall keep right on disobeying father, mother, and the teacher until our names are called in the judgment. They who do thus can not in any sense be called overcomers. Before our names are called in the judgment, a space of time must elapse during which we have not committed any known sin. Otherwise we could not be called overcomers.

At my request, the trustees said that I might use the last hour of each school day during the week of prayer in studying the prepared lessons with the children, instead of having the usual Bible study. Just before the readings began, confessions were made to me and to one another. This continued until the close of the week. Opportunity was offered at the last two sessions for any one who wished to make things right or to testify. The Lord came in by his Holy Spirit and softened all our hearts. All who were old enough made public confession one to another, asking forgiveness. In some cases at least this spirit of confession went with them to their homes. Things were confessed of which the parents knew nothing. In all this there was no excitement; but from one to six were on their feet at once, and a deep earnestness to get right with God prevailed. In all my teaching, or in the work of the ministry, I never saw anything like this before.

There has been a wonderful difference in order and discipline since then. But as some unpleasantness, some disputes and harsh words had been indulged in, I thought best one week ago to give an opportunity to straighten up the difficulties. After I had read a part of Gal. 5: 19-21, and called attention to the statement that those who do such things shall not enter the kingdom of God, the Lord again visited us by his Spirit; and the work went deeper if possible than before. Nearly all spoke two or three times before they were satisfied; usually the last time it was to ask for prayers for the conversion of some friend. The Lord is helping these children to gain victories.

May God help us as parents and teachers rightly to direct these lambs of the flock. H. F. COURTER.