Simplicity

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 6, 1909

ALL our educational efforts should be marked with great simplicity, and yet with neatness and culture. This has particular application to the closing exercises of our school year. It is a time when there is a tendency for students to spend more money and take more time for social functions than is necessary.

It is but natural at this time that the friendships of the year should be commemorated by little gifts of remembrance. Now these gifts, though small in themselves, are very liable to assume quite large proportions in the aggregate, and much money may be spent unnecessarily. This expenditure would give more lasting happiness to the giver if it were placed where it would be of real benefit in the salvation of souls.

We do not mean to imply that all gifts of remembrance between fellow students are to be discouraged. Indeed, we still do not think they should be, but we do urge that the demands of our great cause of truth require of our students careful frugality in matters of dress, gifts, and all other expenses incident to the closing of the school year.

Hundreds, yes, thousands, of our young men and women in other lands have no school opportunities, because of the lack of money. We are now seeking to raise substantial funds for the union conference schools of Europe, and our young people may well remember the needs of their young brethren and sisters in these less favored lands, and find their keenest joy in helping them to secure an education by which they will be able to proclaim this saving message to their own and other peoples with great power.