TEACHERS' INSTITUTE by Mrs. E. E. Gardner

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 30, 1900

TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.

By Mrs. E. E. Gardner

A SUCCESSFUL church-school institute, conducted by Prof. B. G. Wilkinson, of Union College, closed in Des Moines, Iowa, September 7. The attendance was not large, but the desire to become workmen that need “not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” was an inspiration to both teacher and class. The Bible, so full and complete in facts, principles, and illustrations, was studied with becoming zeal and interest.

The true method of education was dwelt upon quite extensively, and many thoughts were brought out to show that all knowledge comes from God, and that the Bible is the foundation of all true knowledge and the most perfect educational book in the world. It is an infallible guide, and contains the chief elements of an education. A text-book should convince of God and eternal life; and every study should be so based as to convince of him in whom our hopes are centered.

The subject-matter taken up and discussed embraced reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography, and history; and how these studies should be taught from the Bible. To many who teach children, the idea of the Bible and nature being the study for the school, at first seemed almost radical, if not fanatical. But the ever-widening circle of practical knowledge lends a charm to methods of education, fully appreciated only by those who experience the transformation of coming to a true understanding of the truth that our schools should be based on the principles of the schools of the prophets.

The evenings were occupied in presenting to the church as well as to the teachers some of the distinctive features of present truth.

Instruction was also given in simple treatments and healthful cookery, Dr. and Mrs. Shively having charge of the same. Thus our teachers go out enabled to help in various ways.

The time was altogether too short; yet even a few days spent in study of the most approved methods in church-school work are of incalculable value to everyone engaging in that work.

Mrs. E. E. GARDNER.