THE PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER.
“I have received an education which fits me to teach. I believe I can help the children of the public schools by teaching them. Why should I separate from this work?” Again and again teachers have confronted me with this argument. Many are still acting upon this theory. Let me ask a question. A young minister hears the call of God, and begins the observance of the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment. There are many among his former congregation who are honest, and will obey when the truth is brought to them. Is it the duty of this minister to remain in his old charge, and preach the new light incidentally, or shall he separate in order to give his trumpet a certain sound? Rev. 18:4 answers the question, and many a man now actively working for the advancement of the Third Angel’s Message is a witness to the answer which conversion forces upon his soul. The teacher bears the same relation to the children that the minister sustains to the Church. Let every teacher decide honestly before God whither duty calls. In the secular schools you may do good. If not, then you have no right to a teacher’s credentials. But where, only, can you as a teacher reach the souls of the children, and teach those things which will bear the test of eternity? If you have ability to teach, God asks for a complete offering of talent, a whole burnt offering, as the expression would be in the ceremonial law. This you can make only when you follow the methods of Christian education. In other words, God calls you into a Christian school. I find that when our young people assemble as they do at the camp-meetings, they say that they do not know how to get into the church school work. No matter what your training or previous education, if you are to become a Christian school teacher, you need to study Christian education. This is as true as true can be. This fact was recognized by the General Conference when it planned for a central summer school for the training of teachers. The needs of an army of young people were considered when the place was selected, when free tuition and free tents were offered. Everything has been done to make it easy for you to obtain a training. This summer school is an unusual offer to every teacher. Now is your time for action. As to the matter of a position, as soon as a teacher is prepared for a church school, there will be a position awaiting him. The summer school will put all its students in touch with churches which have children to educate. There are always calls for teachers, and not enough persons to fill the vacancies. This season the calls are more numerous than ever before. Several State Conferences have already begun systematic work among their churches, and demand competent teachers. Remember the Educational Conference and Summer School, opening July 10. For particulars, address E. A. Sutherland, Battle Creek College, Battle Creek, Mich.