Academy Items by S. Brownsberger

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 8, 1882

Academy Items.

By S. Brownsberger

THE spring term of our school closes two weeks from next Thursday. After a vacation of six weeks the fall term begins. Both teachers and students feel that this term has been a decided success. The latter are deeply interested in their studies, and much attached to the school. Thirty-eight have been enrolled thus far.

There is no doubt that the attendance next fall will be large. We shall be disappointed if there are not sixty or seventy at the opening. Quite a number outside the ranks of Seventh-day Adventists from Healdsburg and vicinity, have expressed their determination to attend.

All who expect to attend next fall should make it a point to be on hand at the opening. Much instruction, of great importance to students, will be given during the first week, which will not be repeated during the term.

For the benefit of young men and women who desire a special preparation for missionary work, Eld. Waggoner will deliver lectures upon Bible topics, and give instruction to classes in Bible and Church History. These lectures and class instruction will cover a period of about ten weeks. I am sure we would all be pleased if Eld. W. would give us through the SIGNS, as soon as convenient, a little more definite information concerning the object and character of this proposed course. Those who expect to attend this course will do well to come at the beginning of the term, even though the Bible instruction may not begin at that time. By so doing they will be able to devote more time to the study of the English language, and other branches of great importance to them, in preparation for their work.

The interest in Bible study, during this term, has been all that could be desired. We believe that Heaven is blessing the efforts in this direction, to the salvation of souls. The students take a greater delight in their Bible study than in any other branch they have. Their hearts are tender, and they seem eager and hungry for spiritual instruction. There is no listlessness or inattention in the classes, but a spirit of earnest inquiry.

To-day has been a profitable Sabbath for the Healdsburg Church. At the close of the usual social meeting, an invitation was given to the youth to come forward for prayers. About thirty came forward without a moment's delay. There appeared to be a hungering among them for God and his blessing. Nearly all in the house were affected to tears when they beheld these youths so eager to seek God. In the afternoon several of these students held a prayer-meeting in a neighboring grove.

We all feel that the Lord is ready to work for the youth who shall assemble here to attend the school, and that rich blessings are in store for the Healdsburg Church, if they are faithful to their own souls and to the souls of those brought under their influence. May God's spirit walk among us and prepare the way.

May 27, 1882. S. BROWNSBERGER.