Notes from One School by L. H. Wood

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 18, 1916

Notes from One School

By L. H. Wood

In the early days in Pennsylvania a lad started to the mill one day. He was on horseback, with a sack tied in the middle, corn in one end and a stone in the other. Part way down the hill a friend accosted him. “Sam, hand me that sack. You are making that horse carry too much.” Eying him with suspicion, the lad handed the sack over, and watched while the man took out the stone, divided the corn equally, and placed the sack over the saddle. Riding on a piece, he was heard to remark, as he slid off, took the sack, and fixed it as before, “Pa used to carry it that way, and what is good enough for pa is good enough for me.”

There are many all over the country who feel that “pa’s” method of carrying on agriculture, religion, and all other lines of business, is to be their method, and look with suspicion on any changes that may be advocated. Our rural schools are teaching these people the truth by developing before their eyes the best methods of farming, and thus gaining their confidence in religious matters.

The extent that they have succeeded is shown by the interest manifested in the closing exercises of one of these schools. The closest attention was given while the children gave exhibitions of their work. Twelve girls, aged eight to twelve years, formed a nurses’ class in bandaging. Dressed in regular uniforms, some sat rolling bandages while others gave splendid exhibitions in bandaging the head, jaws, fingers, hands, arms, etc. An improvised stretcher was made by two poles thrust through coat sleeves turned wrong side out, and the coats buttoned. The bandaged boy then was carried out of the room. The parents were especially pleased to see the results in manual work, carpentry, blacksmithing, and broom making.

During the year many new Bibles were placed in the homes, and the children’s talk on our Bible themes made the parents study as never before. One of our greatest needs in the way of supplies is second-hand books that can be used by the schools for non-Adventist children. L. H. WOOD.