Work by Correspondence.
By M. Bessie DeGraw
It may seem strange, but it has been unnecessary to urge the need of a school of correspondence. The demand for one has been thrust upon us, and the mere mention of a correspondence-study department in connection with Emmanuel Missionary College has called forth some very encouraging letters. For instance: One man, on reading the notice, wrote, “I thank God for this opening. I am teaching school, and cannot leave to attend college, but I shall become a student in the Correspondence-Study Department.” Work by correspondence cannot take the place of resident work, but it will do much for a student. It is not intended for those who can attend college, but is offered as an auxiliary to the young people’s societies. For this reason it meets with hearty approval by our Sabbath-school teachers and by those who organize Young People’s societies. It is for parents who wish to study truths for to-day. It is for teachers who need to become more thoroughly equipped; for young people who would prepare for the ministry; and for those already engaged in teaching the gospel. The Third Angel’s Message contains the grandest truths: it demands of workers in the cause a thorough knowledge of the Bible, of history, of health principles, and of the truths of Christian education. Proficiency in these subjects may be obtained by correspondence. The course of correspondence instruction offered by Emmanuel Missionary College includes Bible, history, physiology, rhetoric, literature, shorthand, typewriting, and technical subjects for teachers. The first course in Bible will be in harmony with the great health movement recently started. This is by recommendation of the General Conference; for the principles of healthful living are an entering wedge in the presentation of truth. The history course will enable the student to become familiar with the great lines of prophecy; it will place each nation in its proper setting in the great drama of the world’s history, and make clear those principles which underlie the interpretation of current events. This course alone is worth the effort which it costs to start such a school. The instruction in practical physiology and hygiene will be helpful in every schoolroom and in every home. It is in the every-day life that we need truth, and this subject will meet the needs of mothers, fathers, teachers, and children. To church-school teachers, or teachers who desire to connect with Christian schools, work by correspondence proves especially helpful. The course of reading in psychology and pedagogy, history of education, and school hygiene will inspire a teacher in her every-day duties, as well as shorten the time to be spent as a resident student when the opportunity presents itself to take a special training. I have written plainly because I know there are many who wish to know the actual advantages of work by correspondence. Do not plan to make it take the place of a course in one of our schools; but if you are unable to enter college now, instead of allowing precious time to pass unimproved, enroll as a student of the Correspondence-Study Department. We expect to see many young people stepping into places of responsibility as a result of this movement; we shall look for increased ability to do good, on the part of many who are already bearing burdens. Some do not yet recognize their calling; such will find that by doing the work of a correspondence student, their natural ability will reveal itself, almost before they are aware of the changes which have taken place. When desiring further information, address the Correspondence-Study Department of Emmanuel Missionary College. M. BESSIE DE GRAW.