1899

February 1, 1899

The Proper Mold for our Schools

EGW 

[Extracts from an Unpublished Testimony.] 

Our schools must be conducted under the supervision of God. There is a work to be done for young men and young women that is not yet accomplished. There are much larger numbers of young people who need to have the advantages of our school. They need the manual-training course, which will teach them how to lead an active, energetic life. All kinds of labor must be connected with our school. Under wise, judicious, God-fearing directors, the students are to be taught. Every branch of the work is to be conducted on the most thorough and systematic lines that long experience and wisdom can plan and execute. Advocate February 1, 1899, par. 1

Let the teachers in our school wake up, and impart the knowledge they have in agricultural lines, and in the industries that it is essential for the students to understand,—seek in every line of labor to reach the very best results. Let the science of the word of God be brought into the work, that the students may understand correct principles, and may reach the highest possible standard. Exert your God-given abilities, and bring all your energies into the development of the Lord's farm. Study and labor, that the best results and the greatest returns may come from the seed sowing, that there may be an abundant supply of food, both temporal and spiritual. Advocate February 1, 1899, par. 2

The Work before Us—We need more teachers and more talent, to educate the students in various lines, that there may go forth from this place many persons willing and able to carry the knowledge which they have received to others. Lads are to come in from different localities, and nearly all will take the industrial course. This course should include the keeping of accounts, carpenter's work, and everything that is comprehended in farming. Preparation should also be made for the teaching of blacksmithing, painting, shoemaking, cooking, baking, washing, mending, typewriting, and printing. Every power at our command is to be brought into this training work, that students may go forth equipped for the duties of practical life. Advocate February 1, 1899, par. 3

Cottages and buildings essential to the school work are to be erected by the students themselves. These buildings should not be crowded close together, or located near the school buildings proper. In the management of this work, small companies should be formed who should be taught to carry a full sense of their responsibility. All these things can not be accomplished at once, but we are to begin to work in faith. Advocate February 1, 1899, par. 4

Missionary Effort the Highest Training—The Lord will surely bless all who seek to bless others. The school is to be so conducted that teachers and students will continually increase in power through the faithful use of the talents given them. By faithfully putting to a practical use that which they have learned, they will constantly increase in wisdom and knowledge. We are to learn from the Book of books the principles from which we are to live and labor.... Advocate February 1, 1899, par. 5

When entered upon with this spirit, the missionary work becomes an elevating and uplifting work, both to the laborer and to the person helped.... The students who will get the most good out of life are those who will live the word of God in their connections and dealings with their fellow men. Those who receive to give will feel the greatest satisfaction in this life.... Advocate February 1, 1899, par. 6

Whatever may be the position or possessions of any individual who has the knowledge of the truth, the word of God teaches him that all that he has he holds in trust. It is lent him to test his character. His worldly business in all its lines, his talents, his income, his opportunities are all to be accounted for to Him to whom he belongs by creation and redemption. When he uses every precious talent in carrying forward God's great work of education, when he strives to obtain the very best knowledge of how to be useful, how to labor for the salvation of souls ready to perish, God's blessing will surely attend his efforts. God bestows his gifts upon us that we may minister to others, and thus become like him.... This is the work that causes glory to flow back to God. Advocate February 1, 1899, par. 7