p. 36 | The School by J. H. W.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 16, 1872

The School.

By J. H. W.

THOUGH I have suffered my “multitude of business” to prevent my speaking of the school in Battle Creek, I feel a very deep interest in its progress and success. And I hope that strenuous and persistent efforts will be put forth to make it a success. Difficulties and discouragements will no doubt arise; but do they not meet us in every undertaking? What good work would ever be accomplished if we stopped at the appearance of difficulties? When we consider the rise, progress, and present position of the cause of present truth we should be far from shrinking from duty because discouragements surround us. Whatever is duty may be done, because the word of the Lord is pledged to sustain it.

A rare chance is now offered, especially to the young, to secure just that kind of mental and moral training that will fit them for usefulness. Every person needs that discipline of mind which is only obtained in a good school, or at least very rarely anywhere else. And while many regret their lack of school privileges and want of education, who ever heard any one lament that he went to school, or that his time was spent in acquiring knowledge? It is true that education may become a snare to some, but there is not a benefit that Heaven confers on man but may be perverted, and turned into a curse if abused.

There are many who lead useful and comparatively successful lives, who have had very little, if any, schooling. But all such regret, all their lives, that they have not an education. They realize, if others do not, that their usefulness might be far greater; that they might more easily accomplish much more, were they educated.

“Examine yourselves.” Do not be influenced by worldly ambition; but earnestly seek a fitness for usefulness in the service of God, and he will bless your efforts. God bless our school, is my prayer. J. H. W.