p. 29 | MINA MANN by Mina Mann

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 6, 1906

MINA MANN

By Mina Mann

Results

WE are about to enter upon the duties of another school year. We are going to our work with new plans and zeal. Time will prove the efficacy of the one and the endurance of the other.

Our work is largely new. It is not generally popular. The world looks at it askance, either with amusement or with contempt. Many of our own people view it as largely an experimental work, and as one prominent worker told me recently, they are looking for results that will justify the expense and trouble we are incurring. It is on the subject of results I would write a few words. With all our plans, let us not forget that thorough consecration, constant communion with our Great Teacher, undivided affection, these things only will insure success. First determine what results you are aiming for. Surely in our work it can be only the perfect development of each child. Then let the daily, hourly motto be, THOROUGHNESS.

The first day is one of the most important days of the term. It is much easier to keep the right standard than to come back to it after once falling away. We are to prepare the children in our care to give the third angel's message to the world now, and ultimately to be fitted for a home with the pure and holy angels. Not for one instant lose sight of that fact. One hears much complaint of the rudeness of our children, and of the lack of culture and refinement among them. Surely one can not be a real Christian without being refined, and as to the little daily rules of politeness, they should be most thoroughly emphasized in our schools. Teachers, let your own manners be a daily incentive to true courtesy. A rule copied neatly on the board each week or each morning, and just referred to, will often prove helpful. An occasional little talk in the morning, given in a tactful manner, will be both interesting and profitable. Let no rude act pass without in some way calling the offender's attention to it and teaching him the right way, and in the teaching remember the golden rule. Teach him that he is to represent Christ to the world. Our schools are not only to be different from the public schools, but they are to be much better, or else there is no reason for their existence. Will this be the result of your work this year? Will your pupils be better in every way than those of the same grade in the public schools? Will the difference be so manifest that the world will see it, and many parents will be asking for admission into our schools for their children next year? It may be so. 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.'

Each day's work should be carefully planned beforehand. Each pupil should be studied as an individual for whom, in a measure, you are accountable to God. Work? Of course it means work, and care, and prayer, and often tears. But, praise the Lord, he has promised that angels of God shall stand by the side of the consecrated teacher to assist her in all her work. 'If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work upon brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble to dust; but if we work upon . . . minds . . . we engrave on those tablets something that will brighten to all eternity.'

MINA MANN

Sanitorium, Cal.