(To be continued) by C. C. Lewis

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 16, 1909

(To be continued)

By C. C. Lewis

History of Educational Work Among Seventh-day Adventists—No. 2

At the eleventh session of the General Conference, beginning March 11, 1873, the following resolutions were adopted:—

“Resolved, That we regard it as the imperative duty of Seventh-day Adventists to take immediate steps for the formation of an educational society and the establishment of a denominational school.

“Resolved, That while steps should be taken to secure a good moral influence in the community where the school shall be located, as a safeguard to its best interests, some provision should also be made to guard the community (as well as the school) against evil influences which may be imported in the persons of unsanctified and ungovernable pupils; and we therefore recommend that those who have charge of the school require certificates, from proper sources, that the applicants for admission are persons suitable to be received into the school, and that whenever their course is detrimental to the school or the community, they be promptly discharged.”—Review and Herald, March 18, 1873.

After the passing of the foregoing resolution, the subject of the establishment of the proposed school received a great deal of attention in the REVIEW AND HERALD, and also at the camp-meetings of our people. The following short article, entitled “Our Proposed School,” from the pen of Elder J. N. Andrews, appeared in the REVIEW of April 1, 1873, and will give a clear idea of the motives and principles uppermost in the minds of our leading workers and the causes leading to the founding of our first college, and ultimately to the development of our educational system as it is now:—

“It was the judgment of the General Conference that a school should be established to aid those who desire to prepare themselves for usefulness in the cause of God. It is very evident that such a place of instruction is greatly needed. It is not enough that those who offer themselves to become laborers in the work of the ministry be men of piety. This is indeed indispensable, but it is also necessary that those who teach others should have knowledge to impart. ‘Moreover,’ says Solomon, ‘because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge.’ We do not desire the knowledge that puffeth up. Let others seek after that which shall inflate them with pride, and that shall enable them to walk in a vain show. We desire none of these things. “But men can not teach the present truth without understanding many important facts in Biblical knowledge, in history, and in science. We have not time to give them what is technically called a finished education. But we can give important instruction in divine truth, in science, in historical knowledge, and in the languages, sufficient at least to place the keys of knowledge in the student’s hands and to put him in the way of making further progress. “The calls that come from every quarter, from men speaking other languages, must be answered by us. We can not do this in our present circumstances. But we can do it if the Lord bless our efforts in the establishment of our proposed school. We have delayed this effort too long. The time past can not be recalled, but the time remaining can be improved. Let no man stand back to criticize and find fault. We want the united action of all the friends of this cause.”

May these principles be ever kept in mind by our educators.

(To be continued)

C. C. LEWIS.