p. 23 | The Educational Missionary Movement by D. E. LINDSEY

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 12, 1908

The Educational Missionary Movement

By D. E. LINDSEY

Press On

There never was a time when there was a greater demand for thoroughly educated men than now. The magazines and other periodicals from every quarter are calling for well-educated men. The demands come from every department of science, literature, mechanics, etc. At the same time the work of God is demanding the best talent. While God has in all ages called men in a crisis, from the plow, the bench, and other ordinary walks of life, he has also made it incumbent upon his children to qualify themselves to the best of their ability, measuring as nearly as possible to the high ideal of perfection.

The world is flooded with second- and third-rate men, but first-class men are at a premium. As I look back over fifty years of life, I can call to mind many bright youth, who, for a lack of thoroughness in their work, have been a sad disappointment both to themselves and to those who were most deeply interested in their welfare. However, in securing an education for the work of the Lord, there must be a thorough education of the heart as well as of the head; otherwise there will be a constant tendency to lean on one's own understanding, and not on the wisdom that cometh from above. Our young people should be encouraged by every possible means to qualify themselves speedily and thoroughly for the great and final conflict which is now pending.

As I have studied the biographies of great and good men and women of all ages, I have been impressed with the fact that in early life they developed right habits, had high ideals, and embraced correct principles. The trifler, the careless, the thoughtless, the forgetful youth seldom or never attains to a high standard of excellence. It is the careful, painstaking, persevering, energetic, faithful, honest efforts that succeed. We have seen many brilliant minds, like dazzling light, allow themselves to be snuffed out, when a little more application, a little more self-denial, would have brought them happy results and high callings for good.

In my student days there came a poor boy to the university, ill clad, uncouth in his ways, and unpolished in his manners, but with a great desire for an education. As is usually the case, the sons and daughters of those more prosperous made him the butt of their sport. He took it good naturedly, and secured the job of ringing the college bell and doing other chores, living in a small room in the belfry. Every moment was wisely utilized. He hesitated at nothing that would help honestly to pay his way through school. Night and day he wrought, and soon took his place at the head of his classes, and was recognized as a leader in debate in our literary societies, and when he was graduated, it was with highest class honors. Later he became an ambassador to Germany. Many of those who laughed the youth to scorn would, in after years, gladly have become his most humble servant. There are hundreds of our youth who feel that they can not attend our schools to secure an education. Strong faith, mingled with constant effort, will remove seemingly impossible barriers, and God will second their endeavor by divine agencies when their lives have been consecrated to his service.

D. E. LINDSEY.