To School-Where ? by M. E. Kern.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 21, 1905

To School—Where ?

By M. E. Kern.

To God-fearing parents and to young people who recognize the importance of a good education this is an important question.

This is a time of year when thousands of schools begin work. The objects for which these various schools are established and their character should guide us in the choice of a school. There are those among us who send their children to the secular schools, or even to academies and colleges of other denominations, for the simple reason that they are less expensive or nearer home.

Young people in school are developing character rapidly, and the impressions received from day to day from their studies and from the influence of teachers and associates, are determining what that character shall be. And character determines destiny.

Our church, intermediate, and training-schools are ordained of God for the purpose of training our children and young people to be earnest Christians and to engage in the proclamation of the advent message. To one whose heart is burning with a love for this truth it seems there should be no question as to a choice between the Lord's schools and others. We are told in the Testimonies that “all the youth should be permitted to have the blessings and privileges of an education at our schools, that they

may be inspired to become laborers together with God.”—Vol. VI, page 197.

Charles Darwin said in early life, “I believe God will reveal himself to every individual soul, and my most passionate desire is a deeper and clearer vision of God. But one can easily lose all belief in the spiritual by giving up continual thought and care for spiritual things.” He himself was an example of this very thing. Near the end of his life he confessed that he had given himself up so completely to science that his spiritual nature atrophied, or wasted away for lack of exercise. “The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell.”—“Christian Education,” page 37.

Let the church awake to the dangers threatening our children and youth, and see that they have the privilege of a training where the most essential part of education is not omitted.

M. E. Kern.