SABBATH-SCHOOLS by S. N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 8, 1878

SABBATH-SCHOOLS

By S. N. Haskell

There is no institution in our midst so important to our children and youth as the Sabbath-school. There is no field of labor where the influence exerted will be more effectual than it will be here. It will be found that a large proportion of those finally saved in the kingdom of Heaven have received their earliest impressions at the Sabbath-school. It is the nursery in which to prepare children for Heaven. There is nothing which will give parents and guardians greater joy in the day of God than to know that those placed under their care are saved in the everlasting kingdom. A wonderful prophecy is found in Malachi 4:5, 6. Speaking of the time prior to “the great and dreadful day of the Lord,” the prophet says, “He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” A special work relative to parents and children is here alluded to, which is to take place among the people of God just before the coming of Jesus Christ. It is to be general among the people, and the Sabbath-school is one means by which this is to be accomplished. The importance of Sabbath-school interests has not been realized by our brethren. This, no doubt, is owing in part to the fact that many of our brethren are so scattered that they do not have the privilege of meeting together. Hence little has been said in reference to it in the past.

Our churches at the present time are becoming numerous, and many of our children are going to ruin; and they need such instruction as can be obtained nowhere but at the fireside and in the Sabbath-school.

We have often found families sending their children to Sunday-schools because there was no Sabbath-school in the place where they lived. Here they soon form associations and attachments wholly detrimental to the spirit of present truth. In a short time, Seventh-day Adventism becomes distasteful to them. It is more difficult to reach them than those who have attended no school.

THE NATURE OF THESE SABBATH-SCHOOLS.

The Sabbath-schools among Seventh-day Adventists should be the most interesting

and instructive schools in the world. Every influence connected with them should be calculated to lead the youth to God, and to love his truth and his work on earth.

The object to be accomplished is not simply to while away the hours of the Sabbath, but to store the youthful mind with divine truths, and to do this in a way that will lead them to fall in love with that which is holy, just, and good. It will be necessary for the teacher to meet his pupils oftener than in the class on the Sabbath, if they are unconverted. Have special meetings with them, pray with them personally and collectively, and be not satisfied until each member of the class has given his heart to God. Here is a field for missionary labor, and it should be entered upon with a heart full of faith, hope, and love. Another question of importance arises:—

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Every individual who is old enough to be instructed in the things of God, should attend the Sabbath-school. Parents and guardians should show their interest in the school by co-operating with the teachers, and by taking an interest in the lessons of the children during the week. They should assist them in learning their lessons, and should speak encouraging words to them with reference to the school. They should also show their interest in the school by attending it themselves. There are none too old to learn. Solomon, with all his wisdom, sought “to find out acceptable words”; and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.” If there are aged brethren and sisters who cannot commit the lessons to memory, have a Bible-class adapted to them. Do not fail to show your interest by your presence. This is important. Even if the youth and children should become interested, if older people stay away they will get the impression that it is not necessary for some to attend, and they will soon consider themselves among the “some.” Therefore we say to the old and the young, Attend the Sabbath-school. Take an interest in it. Talk about it when at home. Do not find fault or speak of failures. If you have anything of that kind to say, go to the proper person, but do not say it before your children. Speak to them of the good, and exert an encouraging influence.

TEACHERS.

Who should be teachers? is a question of much importance, especially when we consider the interest of the Sabbath-school. The simple fact that a brother has been long in the truth does not qualify him to be a teacher. He may or may not be the person best qualified. In a recent number of the REVIEW, Bro. Bell made some excellent remarks on this subject, from which we take the following:—

“The highest qualification is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, bearing its fruit of faith, love, and good works. The Sabbath-school teacher who takes hold of the work unwillingly, grudging the time and labor requisite to success, will be likely to beget the same spirit in his class. Love of God, of the truth, and of mankind, must prompt every successful worker.

“The Sabbath-school teacher must love the truth which he teaches. That love must glow in his heart until it will show itself in his countenance, in his words, and in every modulation of his voice. Such a teacher carries a kind of inspiration with him.

“The teacher must be earnest, active, faithful, free from sentimentalism and affectation. Persons who have all these qualifications are not easily found, but the superintendent must use the best material at hand, and try to develop the qualities that are lacking. Those who do not know how to teach, can learn. Those who lack love, and faith, and earnestness, and activity, should be encouraged to seek God for aid in acquiring these graces.

“Other things being equal, young women generally make the best teachers for children. An intelligent, godly young woman who loves the lambs of the fold because Christ died for them, and who has some tact in teaching, is a priceless blessing to a Sabbath-school. So far as their character and qualifications will allow, young people should be pressed into the Sabbath-school work. Not that the work should be left to them, but that they may bear a part of the burden, and be gaining an experience that will fit them for usefulness. As a rule, young people can be more easily molded into successful teachers than older people, whose habits in life have become fixed.”

S. N. HASKELL.