My Experiences With One “Bad Boy” by Clara Jacobs

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 7, 1907

My Experiences With One “Bad Boy”

By Clara Jacobs

MUCH might be said upon the subject of “how to maintain order in the school-room.” Without this important feature, school work can never be successful.

In every school a few will be found who have acquired habits that are not easily controlled. These children will have to be studied, and many times they can be transformed.

I once had a very bad boy. His case was a continual study, for his temper was of a nature that made the other children afraid of him. One day his conduct was such that I asked him to take his books and go home. He refused with an oath. I took out my watch and said, “I will give you just one minute to leave the room.” He eyed me about half the time, and then picked up his books and left the room, swearing. It happened that he hurt his foot while going home. On hearing of it, I went to see him that night, and did what I could to ease his sufferings. When his foot was healed, he came back with his books, but I refused to enroll him, giving him my reasons. He listened to our Bible lesson, and then went home. The next morning he returned again, and I again refused. The third morning he came back; it was our “social-meeting” morning, and after listening to the good prayers and talks from others, he arose for the first time, weeping bitterly. He confessed his sins, asked my forgiveness, and also the pardon of the children whom he had wronged, and then asked to be accepted as one of the pupils. I knew that he was a changed boy, and took him back, feeling that he would now be among my best pupils, and that he proved himself.

All can not be dealt with in this way, but we are to use the wisdom from God to know how to deal with each case. We each have an important work to do, and may we fulfil our mission in this closing day.

CLARA JACOBS.