Sabbath-school Organizations.
At the special session of the General Conference in March, a General Sabbath-school Association was organized; resolutions were passed recommending the brethren of each Conference to organize State Associations; and a committee was appointed to suggest a Constitution, for State Associations. The report of this committee was published in last week’s Review, so that it can be thoroughly criticised before the quarterly meeting, and adopted at that time, with such modifications and additions as seem necessary to make the Associations most useful to the Sabbath-school interests of each State. It is hoped that the brethren of each Conference will consider the importance of the Sabbath-school work, and be prepared to act at the quarterly meeting. Many of our churches have no school. Others are poorly managed. We have been surprised to find the little interest that has been taken for the children in some of our churches. In some places there is a Bible class for men and women, while the children are left to attend a Sunday-school. Mothers prefer this rather than have no religious instruction. It is no marvel in many instances that the Sabbath becomes a restraint, and as soon as they leave the parental roof they leave the Sabbath. Now we suggest, in order that our brethren at the quarterly meeting may see the evils existing, and understand better how to act, that each church or company of our brethren report through some member attending the meeting, or by letter,— - How many youth and children are there in the church?
- How many attend Sabbath-school?
- How many attend Sunday-school?
- How many classes are there in your Sabbath-school?
- What course of study do they follow?
- What is the interest taken by the children, the youth, the Bible-class?
We know from what we have seen that scores of our children are going to destruction through the neglect of parents and guardians and neglect of the church. Should their condition be correctly stated to our brethren, they would be aroused to action. We fully believe the time has come for earnest effort in the direction of better Sabbath-schools and thorough instruction. One-half day of the quarterly meeting should be devoted to the consideration of this work. All the brethren at the meeting should join in forming a State Association. If the proposed Constitution is adopted, each article should be considered separately, and its object fully understood before adoption. In the election of officers, care should be taken to select those who understand the magnitude and importance of the work, and who will devote the thought and labor necessary to become successful, and those that are so situated in business, or in the employ of the Conference or Tract Society, so as to be able to get at the work they have to do. As the S. S. interest becomes more prominent, officers will be appointed to devote their entire time to this work; but at present the most will be accomplished by enlisting the ministers and tract directors in the organization and management of Sabbath-schools, and by making special agents of those who are best adapted to this work. EXECUTIVE BOARD,
S. D. A. Sabbath-School Association.