Rural School Convention by LYNN H. WOOD

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 3, 1916

Rural School Convention

By LYNN H. WOOD

THE readers of the REVIEW will be interested in learning that there is to be a convention held by the rural school workers and those interested in this line of work, at Madison, Tenn., August 31 to September 5. There will be a number of prominent men from the Department of Education at Washington, who will take part in these meetings. Dr. P. P. Claxton, United States Commissioner of Education, has promised to send Mr. Foigt, who is an expert on rural school work, to be present with us during most of the convention. A number of instructors from Berea College, Berea, Ky., will also be present.

Early in the spring Dr. E. A. Sutherland was speaking about the work done at Madison in the public rural school convention held in Knoxville. A number who were present at that meeting, afterward said that they could hardly believe that all this was being done. Opportunity was offered these persons to attend the summer school for teachers held at the Peabody College in Nashville, and they took advantage of their visit in Nashville to investigate the status of affairs in our school at Madison. After making a careful examination of the place and of the different lines of work, in the afternoon they spoke to the students and faculty, and all expressed themselves as having found more than had been told by Dr. Sutherland at Knoxville. One public school official is reported to have said he considered the work done by Madison as representative of the highest class of rural school tactics. Surely God has verified his promise to us, that if we will walk out and engage in the line of work he asks us to, he will rain a blessing upon us.

Notice some of the statements made by the Spirit of prophecy about this line of work:—

“We wish that all the Lord's servants were laborers. The work of warning souls should not be confined to ministers alone, but brethren who have the truth in their hearts, and who have exerted a good influence at home, should feel that a responsibility rests upon them to devote a part of their time to going out among their neighbors and into adjoining towns to be missionaries for God. They should carry our publications, and engage in conversation, and in the spirit of Christ pray with and for those whom they visit. This is the work that will arouse a spirit of investigation and reformation. . . .

“New fields are open in which all can test their calling by experimental effort in bringing souls out from darkness and error, and establishing them upon the platform of eternal truth. . . . The work of fitting a people in these last days for the coming of Christ, is a most sacred, solemn work, and calls for devoted, unselfish laborers. Those who have humility, faith, energy, perseverance, and decision, will find plenty to do in their Master's vineyard. There are responsible duties to be performed, which require earnestness, and the exertion of all their energies. It is willing service that God accepts. If the truth we profess is of such infinite importance as to decide the destiny of souls, how careful should we be in its presentation! . . .

“God says to those who profess to believe in him, Go forth into all parts of the world, and diffuse the light of my truth, that men and women may be led to Christ. Let us awake to our duty, and do all that we can to help forward the Lord's work. Let superficial excuses be blown to the four winds. Let decided action commence on the part of all who can help. Let them cooperate with the angels sent from the heavenly courts to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. Forget not the words, ‘We are laborers together with God.’ No longer grieve the Spirit of God by delaying.”—Sowing Beside All Waters.

It may be that there are those who would like to attend this convention and learn of the methods employed by these workers. Such are invited to correspond at once with Dr. E. A. Sutherland, Madison, Tenn. An urgent invitation to attend is extended to all who are interested. Brethren, let us come up to the help of the Lord in this matter.

LYNN H. WOOD.