p. 101 | The Sabbath-School by George D. Ballou

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 1, 1883

The Sabbath-School.

By George D. Ballou

A Word to Sabbath-school Workers.

By Eld. George D. Ballou.

The nature and importance of the work we are engaged in will permit of an occasional appeal to stir our minds to activity. We have intrusted to us the most important branch of education—the culture and development of the spiritual nature. We cannot neglect this work nor regard it lightly, without suffering both temporal and eternal loss.

Minds must be instructed in the knowledge of God so that they may have a foundation on which to base their faith. The pure seeds of truth must be planted in the mind and heart before the seeds of sin have taken root. We must make every effort to occupy the soil of the heart first. Great mistakes are made in not doing so. It is far easier to keep an enemy out than to dislodge him after he has intrenched himself. We must fortify the approaches to the soul, then we can foil the enemy. Spare no pains to interest, impress, and instruct the youngest scholars. Don't neglect these little minds. They are as plastic as wax now. Soon they will sear and harden under sinful influences unless you throw around them the spirit of the gospel. Let the most pious, loving, thorough teachers have charge of these little ones. Now is the time to begin to make Christians of them and if you don't do it, Satan and his agents will begin to make sinners of them.

The Sabbath-school work should connect very closely with the home work—the two should be inseparably united. Preparation at home will insure success in the school. Where home influences cannot be controlled, let there be such a vigorous spiritual influence in the school that it will reflect back into the home life and be like the cheerful rays of the sun, stealing through the narrow window of the dungeon to cheer the lonely inmate. There must be a life-giving power in the Sabbath-school. The healing beams of the Sun of righteousness must arise and shine into the hearts of all.

The routine work of studying and reciting the lessons must not be the great end to be attained. This should only be the channel through which the streams of heavenly grace shall flow into every heart. Knowledge is important as a means to a higher end. Look beyond to the grace which brings salvation, to the peace which is like a river, and to love that passeth knowledge. "Knowledge puffeth up but charity edifieth" [buildeth up]. Charity—supreme love to God and such love to our fellows as dwelt in the bosom of Jesus—must come in and melt away our icy coldness. Let this work be wrought in you, then peace and joy will be your portion, and you will rejoice in your efforts to help the Sabbath-school. When the eternal salvation in the kingdom of God becomes the object of all your praying and studying and teaching and giving, then the Great Teacher will come in and accept your services, and your school will become his school—the school of Christ. Does not your heart yearn for such results and privileges? They may be yours, only live for them faithfully. Supplicate the throne of grace frequently for that spiritual power that will make your labors effective, and enable you to continually hold an influence for good; and when you have prayed, watch thereunto with all perseverance.

Do not be discouraged if you do not immediately see all accomplished that you may desire. Do your part faithfully, and that will encourage others. Permanent growth is generally slow, and it is this kind of growth that is needed. It is the Lord's work we are doing, and he will help us as fast as we are ready. If all who appreciate these words would begin at once to prepare their hearts to receive the grace of God, they would soon become fountains of grace from whence the healing streams would follow, and oh, what a refreshing would follow!

Neglect no longer to cherish the plants of love, joy, peace, and gentleness. They are tender plants, and unless you cultivate them they will not thrive. Discipline self. Restrain those unholy, hateful traits which you despise in others, and which the Lord disapproves in you. Cherish pity, sympathy, and a forgiving spirit. It will cost you pain, but pleasure and peace will be the fruit. Go down into the valley of humility, and there let self die and be buried, and then go forth to labor patiently but joyfully for the perishing.

You may be inclined as a teacher to underestimate the importance of your office. Be assured that the faithful minister of Christ has no more responsible position, save with reference to the extent of his field, than yourself. Your work is to deal out spiritual food to hungry souls; this is what God calls the minister to do. Your calling like his is holy and dignified. Put your hearts in the work and labor because you love to be a co-worker with Jesus. Many souls will thus be saved to the church, and the eternal results will bring full satisfaction for all toil and cross-bearing.