Church Schools

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 21, 1916

Selections from the Writings of Mrs. E. G. White

WHEN the children of Israel were gathered out from among the Egyptians, the Lord said: “I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.” . . .

This experience of the Israelites was written for the instruction of those who should live in the last days. Before the overflowing scourge shall come upon the dwellers of the earth, the Lord calls upon all who are Israelites indeed to prepare for that event. To parents he sends the warning cry, Gather your children into your own houses; gather them away from those who are disregarding the commandments of God, who are teaching and practicing evil. Get out of the large cities as fast as possible. Establish church schools. Give your children the Word of God as the foundation of all their education. This is full of beautiful lessons, and if pupils make it their study in the primary grade below, they will be prepared for the higher grade above.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, pp. 194, 195.

Fathers and mothers should cooperate with the teacher, laboring earnestly for the conversion of their children. Let them strive to keep the spiritual interest fresh and wholesome in the home, and to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Let them devote a portion of each day to study, and become learners with their children. Thus they may make the educational hour one of pleasure and profit, and their confidence will increase in this method of seeking for the salvation of their children. Parents will find that their own growth will be more rapid as they learn to work for their children. As they thus work in a humble way, unbelief will disappear. Faith and activity will impart assurance and satisfaction that will increase day by day, as they follow on to know the Lord and to make him known. Their prayers will become earnest, for they will have some definite object for which to pray.—Id., p. 199.

Teachers are needed, especially for the children, who are calm and kind, manifesting forbearance and love for the very ones who most need it. Jesus loved the children; he regarded them as younger members of the Lord’s family. He always treated them with kindness and respect, and teachers are to follow his example. They should have the true missionary spirit; for the children are to be trained to become missionaries. They should feel that the Lord has committed to them as a solemn trust the souls of the children and youth.—Id., p. 201.

When properly conducted, church schools will be the means of lifting the standard of truth in the places where they are established; for children who are receiving a Christian education will be witnesses for Christ. As Jesus in the temple solved the mysteries which priests and rulers had not discerned, so in the closing work of this earth, children who have been rightly educated will in their simplicity speak words which will be an astonishment to men who now talk of “higher education.”—Id., p. 202.