175
of God, may become the most formal, unpleasant, unattractive, and to the youth the most burdensome, of all the school exercises. The social meetings and all other religious exercises should be so planned and managed that they will be not only profitable, but so pleasant as to be positively attractive. Praying together will bind hearts to God in bonds that will endure; confessing Christ openly and bravely, exhibiting in our characters His meekness, humility, and love, will charm others with the beauty of holiness.
On all these occasions Christ should be set forth as "the chiefest among ten thousand," the One "altogether lovely." Song of Solomon 5:10, 16. He should be presented as the Source of all true pleasure and satisfaction, the Giver of every good and perfect gift, the Author of every blessing, the One in whom all our hopes of eternal life are centred. In every religious exercise let the love of God and the joy of the Christian experience appear in their true beauty. Present the Saviour as the restorer from every effect of sin.
To accomplish this result all narrowness must be
avoided. Sincere, earnest, heartfelt devotion will be
needed. Ardent, active piety in the teachers will be
essential. But there is power for us if we will have it.
There is grace for us if we will appreciate it. The Holy
Spirit is waiting our demand if we will only demand it
with that intensity of purpose which is proportionate to the
value of the object we seek. Angels of heaven are
taking notice of all our work and are watching to see
how they can so minister to each one that he will reflect
the likeness of Christ in character and become conformed
to the divine image. When those in charge of our school
homes appreciate the privileges and opportunities placed
within their reach, they will do a work for God of which
heaven will approve.