The Work of God Connected with our School.
By George Ide Butler
On my return West from New England, I spent a short time in Battle Creek, in looking after things connected with the cause, and had the privilege of attending some of the exercises of the school, the lectures, &c. Knowing the interest our people have in this comparatively new enterprise, I will report briefly concerning it. Our present attendance is not as large as that during the winter term. I think the number is between eighty and ninety. This is not to be wondered at, for it is largely so in all schools, the autumn and winter being more favorable to attend than the spring. I presume there are many others who ought to be there, who are not; many who are losing great advantages which are now placed within their reach. I am certain that many among us have not realized the importance of school privileges as they should, and that it will require effort, on the part of men of influence, to cause that general interest there should be. Still I feel greatly encouraged by what I saw. The religious lectures by Bro. Smith are of interest. A class numbering 31 are in daily attendance, and my great regret was that the number was not quadruple what it is. The exercises of school are quiet, thorough, and faithful, and all the scholars that I have inquired of concerning the school (and they have been many) expressed themselves highly pleased with the school. We appointed a prayer-meeting for the scholars. The matter was all left voluntary on their part, yet some sixty were in attendance, and there was a readiness to take hold in speaking that was truly encouraging to me. I felt sure there was a good degree of true religious feeling and interest in the hearts of that roomful of scholars. My heart was most deeply touched at what I saw and felt. I am happy to repeat that this religious influence is being felt more and more as our school progresses, and the teachers tell me its effects are already manifest in their department and the religious exercises connected with the daily round of school duties. Scholars who commenced to attend full of fun and vanity, in some cases, begin to feel that seriousness which should characterize those living in this age of the world, and who are about to take upon them the responsibilities of active life. The greatest fear we have all had concerning our school has been whether a large number of scholars brought together could be made to feel that seriousness and religious interest which is so desirable. Without this, our school will prove a curse. But if this can be accomplished, then will our school prove truly a blessing to those who attend it. Our experience so far has been quite encouraging. We want to see many of those who attend truly converted, and instead of losing their interest in religious things while in Battle Creek, have the opportunities there enjoyed help them on in the divine life. This is the object we aim at. We are making the experiment now. Our teachers are in hearty accord with this object, and God is giving us encouragement. If we can accomplish this we gain more than any school in our land has gained. It is not merely to obtain the advantages of education that we establish this school; but it is to unite these advantages with spiritual benefit that shall be a help in the higher life, as well as to qualify individuals to labor for the salvation of souls. We have fairly commenced this experiment, and I feel fully prepared to speak encouragingly, thus far, of the prospect. My heart beat with peculiar emotions as I watched the operations of our school. Some young men have already gone out of it to labor for God. Others will. But oh! how many more there should be thus preparing themselves to work for the Lord. There will be a long summer vacation, lasting at least two months. In the commencement of the autumn term there ought to be a large number of our young men and women ready to be instructed and disciplined, and thus prepared for labor. Now is the time to plan for this. Earn means during the summer months so that you may enter upon this work. What is more important than education? Nothing, certainly, but religion. There should be young people studying the languages so that they will be qualified to go out with those who were born in foreign lands, and thus act a part in the great work of saving souls. But more of this hereafter. We thank God for the prosperity of our school thus far. We believe he has already shown his willingness to bless this enterprise. And we hope our people will avail themselves of these advantages placed within their reach. God bless our school. GEO. I. BUTLER.