The Country School by FLORENCE M. KIDDER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 2, 1908

The Country School

By FLORENCE M. KIDDER

Many times the call has come to this people, through the Lord’s servant, to leave the large cities. In “Early Writings” we are told that the time will come when all of God’s people will leave not only the cities, but the villages also. To those who have children special instruction has been given regarding living where their children can be educated from nature’s lesson book.

We all remember the fate of Lot’s sons and daughters as the result of his moving into the city. Again, the Saviour spent the educational part of his life in the woods and fields. There also he instructed his followers. Some of Christ’s most precious lessons were given as they sat by the seaside and watched the farmer till and sow his land.

Why, then, when the Great Teacher chose nature for his schoolroom, should not we as teachers do the same? Why, then, should not our church-schools be established in the country, where both teacher and pupils can come in close touch with the handiwork of the Creator?

Those who have taught in both the city and country know how much easier it is to teach Bible and geography in the country. For example, suppose the geography lesson to be about the surface of the land, or about the forms of land and water.

Take the children for a walk across the pasture, and you will be likely to find every point in the lesson well illustrated. Before going out, remind them to watch for practical thoughts from God’s nature book. Ps. 78: 4. When returning, let them write out their thoughts, and it will surprise you to see how much they have learned.

Near one of our country schools runs a brook between two hills, with smaller brooklets joining it. These have been wisely used by the teachers. If you were to walk by them with one of the pupils who a few years ago studied his first geography lesson, he would not fail to point out to you the Mississippi Valley with its drainage system, each brooklet holding the name of some well-known river. A little farther on are to be seen rapids, cataracts, cascades, and a beautiful miniature Niagara.

These are only a few of the many lessons to be enjoyed in the country school. Ps. 40 : 5. For a closing thought, I can not do better than quote the following from “Christ’s Object Lessons:”—

“Too often the minds of students are being occupied with men’s theories and speculations, falsely called science and philosophy. They need to be brought in close contact with nature. Let them learn that creation and Christianity have one God. . . . Let everything which their eyes see or their hands handle be made a lesson in character building. . . . In these lessons from nature, there is a simplicity and purity that makes them of the highest value. . . . As we come close to the heart of nature, Christ makes his presence real to us, and speaks to our hearts of his peace and love.”

FLORENCE M. KIDDER.