Under the heaven-ordained regulations governing the religious life of ancient Israel, it was required that a priest who had committed a sin should bring an offering equal to that required when the whole congregation had sinned. Without doubt this requirement was designed to impress upon the minds of the leaders of the people the far-reaching influence of a single wrong act or ,example on their part. In accordance with this we have the following counsel to the remnant church and its leaders:
"Heaven is watching to see how those occupying positions of influence fulfill their stewardship. The demands upon them as stewards are measured by the extent of their influence."—"Testimonies," Vol. VII, p. 282.
The attitude of the pastor toward any phase of the Lord's work is reflected in the attitude of the members of his flock. The pastor who is enthusiastic in his support of the Sabbath school, faithful in attendance, and fully cooperative in attaining all its objectives, invariably finds this same spirit manifested by the members of his flock.
"Others are affected by what I am and say and do. And these others also have their spheres of influence. So that a single act of mine may spread in widening circles through a nation of humanity."— Channing.
If the pastor is not wholehearted in his interest in the Sabbath school, if he finds excuses for attending infrequently, or not at all, his influence is sure to have a disastrous effect upon some of his members. These members, in turn, have an influence upon others, and soon the influence has spread in widening circles through the whole church.
Socrates is credited with saying, "Let him that would move the world first move himself." Every pastor realizes the value of the Sabbath school to his flock. He knows that as a stabilizing influence the Sabbath school is unexcelled, and he knows that as a means of educating the flock in the knowledge of the Word, it is unsurpassed. Therefore he is anxious that every member of his church be a member of the Sabbath school. But, according to Socrates, if he would move his membership, he must first move himself. By our example and influence, "we are either helping souls in the narrow path of holiness or we are a hindrance, a stumbling block to them, turning them out of the way."—"Testintonies," Vol. II, p. 47. What a responsibility rests upon leaders of the flock of God!
Someone has well said, "The life of a faithful Christian man is a guide to Paradise." And that must be doubly true of a pastor. We believe that the Sabbath school is one of the most potent single agencies for helping men and women to reach Paradise. How, then, can a minister of the gospel be a true guide to Paradise unless he, by word and example, guides his flock to the Sabbath school?
The environment surrounding both young and old among our membership today makes the influence of the Sabbath school more and more essential to salvation. As an asset to the pastor in establishing the members of his flock and providing for their spiritual welfare, the Sabbath school is unique. We are told, "As Satan's power increases, and his devices are multiplied, skill, aptness, and sharp generalship should be exercised by those in charge of the flock of God."--/d., Vol. V, p. 71. Recognizing the great value of the Sabbath school, no wise general can fail to take advantage of the help and cooperation thus available.