Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

ability; for their efforts will tend to disorganization.
There should not be a teacher employed, unless you have evidence by
test and trial, that he loves, and fears to offend God. If teachers are taught of
God, if their lessons are daily learned in the school of Christ, they will work
in Christ's lines. They will win and draw with Christ; for every child and
youth is precious.
The habits and principles of a teacher should be considered of even
greater importance than his literary qualifications. If he is a sincere Christian,
he will feel the necessity of having an equal interest in the physical, mental,
moral, and spiritual education of his scholars. In order to exert the right
influence, he should have perfect control over himself, and his own heart
should be richly imbued with love for his pupils, which will be seen in his
looks, words, and acts.
The teacher should ever conduct himself as a Christian gentleman. He
should stand in the attitude of a friend and counselor to his pupils. If all our
people--teachers, ministers, and lay members--would cultivate the spirit of
Christian courtesy, they would far more readily find access to the hearts of
the people; many more would be led to examine and receive the truth. When
every teacher shall forget self, and feel a deep interest in the success and
prosperity of his pupils, realizing that they are God's property, and that he
must render an account for his influence upon their minds and characters,
then we shall have a school in which angels will love to linger.
Our church schools need teachers who have high moral qualities; those
who can be trusted; those who are sound in the faith and who have tact and
patience; those who walk with God and abstain from the very appearance of
evil.
To place over young children, teachers who are proud and unloving is
260