The Responsibilities of Our Training Schools by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 14, 1915

The Responsibilities of Our Training Schools

By F. M. W.

RECENTLY an anxious mother inquired if we considered a certain denominational school at some distance from Washington a safe place to which to send her son. We were glad to inform her that we knew of no school in the denomination where the interests of her son, from every standpoint, would be better safeguarded, than in this particular school.

From this question we were led to consider the great responsibilities resting upon our training schools, and upon the men and women associated with them. It is a step of great moment when parents give up their children, some of tender years, and many who have never before been away from home, and entrust them to the care of these institutions. How carefully those in charge of these institutions need to guard the trust committed to them. Our training schools should see that these young men and women are returned to their homes with undimmed faith in this movement and in the great truths constituting this message. Recreant indeed is the one who would cast over these young minds one doubt regarding a single fundamental position which we hold as a denomination.

How necessary that there should be placed before our boys and girls in our institutions of learning the proper example in dress and Christian deportment. Here, as a part of their education, they should be taught that display and ostentation in worldly dress are not befitting those who are looking for the coming of the Lord, but that simplicity, propriety, and dignity should characterize their bearing in apparel as well as in general conduct. This cannot be done by precept alone. The example placed before them by teachers and instructors will have the stronger influence.

It should be constantly impressed upon the minds of the youth in our denomination that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The great tendency in the school systems of the world is toward the exaltation of intellectualism or mental training. Let us be careful that in our schools we do not unconsciously adopt these worldly standards. Our schools have no right to an existence unless their whole aim and purpose is to educate young men and women to go out as workers in connection with this movement. An education which prepares for this service must be an education not only of the mind but of the heart. Students in our schools may learn much of art, literature, and science, but if they fail to learn of God and obtain an experience in him, they are not fitted for the place which God would have them occupy in this closing work. One who in gaining a knowledge of science forgets God, secures his knowledge at a terrible cost.

We are glad we can believe that our schools are endeavoring to meet these standards and requirements. We have great confidence in our brethren and sisters who have been called to stand at the head of our several training schools. We know that upon their hearts rests a heavy burden, and that they are seeking daily for strength and wisdom to know how to mold the young lives committed to their care. For these workers we need as parents to pray. We need to hold up their hands. We need to speak to them words of faith, hope, and courage. They are endeavoring, we believe, to the best of their ability to co-operate with us as parents in the training of our children for God. May this spirit of cooperation with them fill our hearts. We need to work together for the strengthening and upbuilding of every agency in connection with the work of God.

F. M. W.