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Why We Sent Our Children to Church School

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 7, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 44.

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Why We Sent Our Children to Church School

By MRS. T. E. BOWEN

MRS. T. E. BOWEN
In connection with the educating of our own children, one statement from the Spirit of prophecy impressed us, and strongly influenced our plans. This thought was, However good may be the instruction and influence thrown around the children in the home, if they are surrounded by the worldly influences of the public schools, the home influence will not be able to counteract the effect of this worldly spirit.
About twenty years ago much was written by Sister White emphasizing the importance of gathering our children into little schools where they could be taught the Word of God in connection with their other studies. We believed these words of counsel. They were full of meaning to us, and we were willing to sacrifice many things that we might be able to pay the small tuition required to keep the children with consecrated teachers, who loved the Lord and the third angel's message, and had the children's welfare at heart.
In the little grievances which arose in connection with the church schools, we sought to uphold the hands of the teacher, taking for granted that the children were very liable to be wrong in their conclusions, although they might be sincere in believing they were right. We tried to coöperate with the teacher; and with the blessing of God, our children have all learned to love the truth, and have given their hearts to the Lord, and have an interest in the message.
Had they not had the influence of our church schools, and later of our more advanced schools, but been thrown out into the worldly influence of the public schools, we know not how easily they might have drifted away from us and into the world.
We believe the dangers are even greater today for the children. All the avenues worldward need to be closed, and the ones heavenward kept watchfully open.
As we now look back over the experiences of the school life of our children, even though some seemed difficult at the time, we truly thank God for the help afforded in our church schools, and do not count the sacrifices made a hardship or a loss, but the rather, a wise investment, which we sincerely hope may yield returns many fold in the kingdom of heaven.