p. 137 | The Sabbath School by W. J. Bostwick, State Sec.

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 25, 1880

The Sabbath School.

By W. J. Bostwick, State Sec.

SABBATH-SCHOOL WORK IN CALIFORNIA.

Cheering reports come to us from various parts of the State in regard to the healthy progress of the Sabbath-school work. We greatly rejoice in this, as we were fearful that the inclemency of the weather the past winter, together with the almost impassable roads in some localities, would throw somewhat of a damper on the work. But this, we are happy to see, has not been the case.

It is evident that the superintendents and teachers have adopted as their motto the adage of a certain sage, "When the work goes hard push." And indeed it is a work which requires continual pushing. The hill "difficulty" is always before us, and in order to surmount it the united efforts of officers and teachers are required, not only this week, but next, and at all times. May the good work go on until the Lord comes to crown the faithful workers.

One superintendent writes: "The interest in our school among the children has increased within the last month, and we are laying plans to make the school still more interesting." Another writes: "Our school has increased gradually ever since it was organized." Another: "The interest of our school has increased very much within the past year." We might give other quotations if necessary, but this is enough to show the spirit in which the work is being carried on.

We find that in order to have an interesting Sabbath-school several things are necessary, among which are,—

1. A teachers' meeting, at which officers and teachers can consult together as to the best means of promoting the interest of the school. This may be held once a week, or once in two weeks, as the circumstances will admit.

2. Maps and map exercises. No school is complete without a set of maps upon which to point out the places referred to from time to time in the lesson. The interest which this exercise creates among the pupils is remarkable. Besides, when the object—the city, village, mountain, or river—is definitely pointed out to the pupil, its history and location will be so indelibly stamped upon the mind that time will not easily eradicate it.

3. Good music. Aim to have good singing. This beautiful feature adds to the school that which nothing else can. It has a gathering influence, and makes the school attractive to the children; besides it begets a spirit of harmony among the pupils, smoothing out the wrinkled tempers, and dispelling the fog of discord which is sometimes brought in. At least twenty minutes could be profitably devoted to this exercise before the appointed hour for the school to begin.

These are some of the leading features in the most successful schools in the country, and superintendents would do well to give them attention and adopt them.

It is nearly time to make out the quarterly report; soon blanks will be sent to each secretary, and we hope to have a prompt and full report from all. And by the way, do not forget the tithe this time. We are in need of funds to pay general expenses.

W. J. Bostwick, State Sec.