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Loma Linda College

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 20, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 36.

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Loma Linda College

By Francis M. Burg

ANOTHER good school year has closed at Loma Linda. In many ways it has been the best year in the history of the school. The most encouraging feature in any of our schools is the spiritual progress made. And while here, as in many other places, the enemy has exercised himself to hinder our work, yet we have seen very much to encourage us in the spiritual growth of a large part of our student body.
The baccalaureate and commencement exercises were simple, and, for this reason, together with the evidence that the Spirit of God was present in a marked degree, were very impressive.
Elder R. S. Owen, of San Diego, formerly Bible teacher in the college, preached a very instructive and appropriate baccalaureate sermon in the chapel on Sabbath, June 10, at the regular hour of the forenoon service. The following were the leading points presented and emphasized:—
1. Prefatory: The work of God will soon be finished; we must be in a position where he can use us.
2. The power that attended the work of John the Baptist will be manifested in twofold measure in the work that is to prepare a people for the coming of Christ. Mal. 4:5, 6; Joel 2:22, 23.
3. Practical lessons from the Bible story of Elisha’s experience:—
a. When God calls us, we must respond, however busy we may be. Everything that might become an inducement to us to return to our former occupations must be offered to God.
b. As Elisha “ministered to Elijah,” pouring water on his hands, so workers for God are to be ready for any service, however lowly.
c. Faithfulness and dependableness in the work of God, as suggested by Elisha’s refusal to leave Elijah.
d. Consciousness of our need, and a faith that will cause our petitions to go up to heaven for a large endowment of power, as Elisha asked the prophet of God for a double portion of his spirit.
e. The condition of receiving such a blessing from God is suggested by Elisha’s long-continued faithfulness. Elijah said to Elisha, “If thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee.” 2 Kings 2:10.
f. Elisha had a test of his call. God told him to smite the waters of Jordan with Elijah’s mantle. His faith stood the test. He knew that God would not fail him.
g. As he healed the brackish waters at Jericho, so will the workers for God need power to change the hearts and lives of men. No defect in man is too great for God to heal.
h. As Elisha fed the multitude with the few barley loaves, so our little, if fully yielded, may be used to accomplish much for God.
i. Elisha inspired faith in others, until they digged ditches everywhere, and when in the morning they “offered the meat offering” (of consecration), the ditches were all filled with water. We have the “ditches,”—our institutions and other facilities; whatever personal qualifications we may possess,—but we need the consecration that will bring the showers of blessing in the gift of the Holy Spirit.
j. At his suggestion the widow borrowed every vessel she could, and her cruse of oil was increased to fill them all; so there may be no limit to the results following our exercise of faith in the work of God.
k. Personal work was illustrated by the case of the Shunammite woman whose hospitality Elisha had shared. He healed or restored her son, not by proxy, but by the closest personal contact. So God wants us to come into the closest personal touch with people, that his power through us may awaken them from death to life.
l. And finally at Dothan,—“They that be with us are more than they that be with them.” So may it be in our experience. If we are rightly related to God, all the combinations of power that may be arrayed against us cannot accomplish our defeat.
Elder M. C. Wilcox delivered the commencement address on Thursday evening, June 15, building upon the following beautiful and appropriate class mottoes: “Graduating Medical Class, ‘Coworkers with the Divine Physician;’ Graduating Nurses Class, ‘To Finish the Work He Gave.’”
The remarks made were particularly appropriate, and a lasting impression was left upon the graduating classes and other students, as also upon the large congregation that was present.
Dr. Newton G. Evans, president of the college faculty, after a short address of well-chosen words, presented diplomas to eleven students, gentlemen and ladies, conferring the degree of doctor of medicine; and to fourteen young men and young women, conferring upon them the title of trained nurse.
A spirit of courage prevails in the school among the students and the members of the faculty; and with the prospects that present conditions and the promises of God offer for the future of this, our denominational medical college, the future is anticipated with hope and confidence.
FRANCIS M. BURG.