THE EDUCATIONAL WORK IN DISTRICT 1.
By Frederick Griggs
The educational work in District 1 is in an encouraging condition. The attendance at the opening of South Lancaster Academy was from one-fourth to one-third larger than at the opening last year. The average age of the students is somewhat younger than that of last year, but there is a quiet and studious spirit in the school. While many of the students will not be prepared for some time to enter active service in the Master's vineyard, yet the majority have this purpose in mind. On the other hand, we have a goodly number in attendance who wish to enter the ministry, to teach canvassing, or to engage in other departments of the Lord's work; so I think we shall be able to send out a larger number of workers into the field at the end of this year than we sent out last year. This school was established for the sole purpose of preparing workers for the broad harvest field, and each year many should go forth from its doors to engage in this work. If the school meets its intended purpose, our brethren and sisters throughout the district will find it necessary to encourage, by every laudable means, young men and women to attend the school and receive this preparation. If our people do not do this, the young people drift into various avocations, and the time quickly comes when it is practically impossible for them to cut loose and receive the training necessary to make them successful workers. There are many young married men and women in these Conferences who should arrange their affairs to attend the school as soon as possible. Now is the time for all who ought to attend next year, to make their plans to do so. There is a strong and substantial religious spirit in the school this year. While we have several students who have not given their hearts fully to the Lord, yet matters of religion are sacredly regarded by all, and the Spirit of God is doing a marked work. There are now twenty-three church schools in this district, and others are soon to be established. I know of no opposition in the district to the church-school work, but many of our people do not see how this work can be conducted in their particular localities.14More faith needs to be exercised for wisdom and strength to carry out the work God has told them to do; for the Lord does not call upon his people to do a work unless he leads them in the work. Our people in this district have heartily responded in the effort for the relief of the schools, and we are confident that they will exert themselves to the utmost to sell the book, “Christ's Object Lessons.” Surely the Lord has in mind the deliverance of his people from the bondage of debt, in order that the loud cry of the Third Angel's Message may be given with unimpaired force; and he is beginning this work in the matter of the schools. The Lord has said that the schools are the special objects of his care, and our people should have the deepest interest continually in the work of the schools. I am glad to report that from every point of view the interest in the educational work throughout the district is deepening. FREDERICK GRIGGS.