The Mt. Sterling advocate., 1902-07-01
Suggestions on the Duties of
Sunday School Teacher.
Given bv ]. T. HIGHLAND

to two Of our Sunday school super
intendents. They failed to put in
their appearance. Their excuse,
"too busy on the farm. One of
them when pressed for his views
on the subject, says: For many
years my heart has been with the
Sunday school work; concerning
Somerset Church, where / worship,
the Sunday school is more than its
right arm. The greatest help to
all Sunday schools is good teach
ers, who "know how to teach"
those in their classes. The teach
ers work is one of interest; it
demands earnest thought and
careful preparation. The true
teacher will try to expand the
child's mental as well as his spirit
ual powers; in order to do this,
the good teacher will avail him
self of help, especially Bible help.
The teacher can do much better
work who avails himself of every
possible advantage in preparing
himself in the way of truth and
life. Every Teacher should set k
to know the best method to draw
out the mental and spiritual pow
ers Of the children for life, happi-
ness and Christ. If the teacher
will prepare for thorough teaching,
the old topic, "why do many older
scholars lose interest in the
Sunday school and drop OUT will
be answered. Young men and
ladies will not tire and drop out
where they have thoroughly pre-
pared, enthusiastic teachers.
Teach them to be regular in at
tendance, to a careful study Of
the lesson, to love of God. Re-
member the Sunday school teacher
is here to stay forever, he has as
permanent a place in the church
as the pastor every teacher should
prepare for life work, and at the
same time live work. AS teacher,
get near to, and in front of your
class, don't sit at one end of a ten
foot bench, and have ten children
down full length of bench. Stand
in front of class, whether you have
on Prince Albert suit or the fin
est feathered hat in town, $50 you
are full of the lesson) the class
won't go away empty, but will go
happy and satisfied. A teacher
should have good memory, good
reasoning powers, skill in asking
questions, perseverance, love of
children, and love for the Bible.
He should be prompt, in place
before time, take part in every
song and get the class to help
sing. Don't be fussy and show
WEAKNESS in the presence of your
class come with cherry disposi-
tion. shake hands, congratulate
etc. Study the lesson each day
and insist on each member of your
class doing the same. This is not
an over drawn picture of what
every teacher in this county can
be. yet the great want of every
Sunday school is real teachers.
This is one market which has not
been over-crowded, and there is no
danger of such a thing happening.
'rhe Sunday school wants teachers
who teach like they mean some
thing, like they mean to do it with
vim and energy, like they had a
move on themselves. Teacher and
scholar should have an aim in life,
and a purpose to live for. The
story of the pastor who upbraided
the devil for carrying off one of his
elders, applies here. The devil
answered and said; 81 found the
elder on my territory and took
charge of him, probably in saloon
or ball room.) BE sure you do
not go around witout a purpose or
aim in life, or you might get on
! the DEVILS territory, then he will