Reading Courses for Young People
By L. A. HOOVER
The managers of the educational and young people's work in the Central Union Conference have been carefully considering and planning to develop something that will meet the needs of the young people of the conference. It is a sad thing to see so large a number of young people who are not in training for the Master's service, many of whom are even walking in the ways of the world. Many desire to attend some one of our training-schools, yet, for one reason or another, are not permitted to do so. These young people must be reached and trained for some place in the work of the Lord. How to do it is the question. The reading-course plan seems to be the most feasible. If they can not attend the school, then we must bring the school to them. The following extract, taken from Volume VII of the “Testimonies,” pages 63, 64, is to the point:— “Many who desire to obtain knowledge in medical missionary lines have home duties that will sometimes prevent them from meeting with others for study. These may learn much in their own homes in regard to the expressed will of God concerning these lines of missionary work, thus increasing their ability to help others. Fathers and mothers, obtain all the help you can from the study of our books and publications. . . . Form a reading circle in which every member of the family shall lay aside the busy cares of the day and unite in study. Fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters, take up this work heartily, and see if the home church will not be greatly improved. Especially will the youth who have been accustomed to reading novels and cheap story-books receive benefit by joining in the evening family study. Young men and young women, read the literature that will give you true knowledge, and that will be a help to the entire family.” The plan devised by the committee is to have what shall be known as the Home Improvement Courses. Two courses have been arranged for the present needs; others may follow. One of these courses is general in character in the style of reading offered, and will be known as the General Culture Course. The other is to be more specific, and known as the Special Training Course. The General Culture Course is to be under the general supervision of the secretary of the young people's work of the Central Union Conference, M. E. Kern, and the Special Training Course is to be under the supervision of the educational secretary, B. E. Huffman. The report adopted by the committee having the matter in charge is as follows:— “1. We recommend, That the General Culture Course be in part required, and part elective. “Whereas, There being so much instruction given us by the spirit of prophecy with which our youth are not familiar, we do not think it wise to offer a course which does not include some of these books; and,— “Whereas, The tastes for reading being varied among our youth, we believe more can be encouraged to take the course, and thus better results be obtained, if the course provides a variety of style of reading. Therefore,— “2. We recommend, That in this course two classes of books be offered; first, some of Sister White's writings; second, books on missionary effort, travel, or biography. “3. That for the first attempt in this work the required books shall be ‘Steps to Christ’ and ‘Mount of Blessing.’ The elective books shall be either ‘In the Tiger Jungle,’ ‘Princely Men in the Heavenly Kingdom,’ or ‘Up from Slavery,’ an autobiography of Booker T. Washington. “4. That four months, beginning February 1, be allowed for the completion of this course. “5. That when a book is finished, lists of test questions for a written examination be sent to all who have enrolled in this course. “6. That a certificate showing the work done be issued to all who within a specified time complete the work, and satisfactorily pass the examination.” “1. We recommend, That the Special Training Course be for teachers and others especially interested in this line of work, and that the lessons already in preparation and use in this work among the teachers be adopted. “Believing that all who take this course will get a broader and better view of Christian education,— “2. We recommend, That the educational secretary, B. E. Huffman, seek to enlarge the number taking it, and conduct the work among those not already receiving the lessons from the State superintendents. “3. That six months be allowed for the completion of this course. “4. That lists of test questions for written examination be sent monthly to all who enroll in this course. “5. That a certificate showing the work done be issued to all who within a specified time complete the work, and satisfactorily pass the examination. This is to include the teachers already taking the course. “6. That the Educational Messenger be made the organ of this department of the young people's work in the Central Union Conference.” Of ‘Steps to Christ’ and ‘Mount of Blessing’ too much can not be said in their favor. ‘Steps to Christ’ has been styled the ‘Primer of Christian Experience.’ All who have made a study of these books know that their value can not be overestimated. The more they are read, the more they are prized. The other books mentioned in the General Culture Course are books of a high moral tone. They are interesting and attractive, and well calculated to inspire the reader to high aims and purposes in life. A missionary zeal is also likely to be kindled. It will be observed that in all the books mentioned in the course, there is something that will meet the cravings of the mind, and at the same time direct the attention to reading that is ennobling and healthful. The Special Training Course is especially adapted for those who are planning to take up church-school work. Many of our young people have a fair common-school education, and with a little training could do acceptable work as church-school teachers. All such persons who can not attend one of the training-schools should avail themselves of this special course. All who contemplate taking one of these courses should immediately apply to M. E. Kern or B. E. Huffman, College View, Neb.
L. A. HOOVER.