p. 365 | MT. VERNON ACADEMY by J. W. Loughthead

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 4, 1901

MT. VERNON ACADEMY.

By J. W. Loughthead

The eighth year of this school's work closed on Monday, May 13. In looking back over the year, much is seen to encourage all who are interested in the academy, and to instruct those who are connected with it. And while much that was calculated to divert and mislead has been encountered, yet the Lord's presence and blessing baffled the power of evil, and brought victory and peace. For these experiences, and for the assurance and comfort they bring, all are grateful; and praise and thanksgiving are continually offered to the dear Saviour.

A good religious influence has been present during the entire year; and while there has been no special wave of emotion at any time, still the deep movings of the Spirit of the Lord have been seen, leading to the conversion of the unsaved, the reclaiming of the backslidden, and the deepening and broadening of the experience of all. There have been several baptismal services during the year, the last one being on the Friday preceding the close of the school, when seven promising young men and women followed the Master in this ordinance. A lively interest in missionary work was also quite manifest, and seemed to deepen as time went by. In this, as in all other religious work of the school, those students who were the most active and the most clearly identified with missionary effort, were among the most intellectual students in the academy, and the natural leaders in the student body. And of the class of seven who were graduated, five go directly into the Lord's work, while the remaining two expect to enter some time later. In addition to these, quite a number of those who have not yet finished their studies will enter the denominational work in some capacity during the vacation.

One of the most gratifying features of the work this year, has been the enrollment of an older and more mature class of students, men and women of rich Christian experience who came here for the express purpose of gaining a speedy preparation for the Lord's work, and who, having completed their studies, are out in the field again, actively at work. The coming of such a class of students was beneficial in many ways, and especially was their influence helpful with those who are younger and more easily influenced by the allurements of the world. To this source also can be traced in some measure, the rising interest in missionary work.

In the closing days we were especially favored with the presence of Elder Daniells, who gave the Commencement address; and as he was here several days, opportunity was given to all who desired to counsel with him. He also spoke publicly on several occasions, and his words of earnest admonition and instruction had a marked effect. The Lord seemed to press his words home upon the hearts and minds of all, and we believe much and lasting good will result from his visit.

Thus in looking back over the year, there is much which gives gladness of heart, and causes us to believe that the keeping power of God has been with the academy. The Lord has spoken good of this school, and we believe He is working out His own purposes in this place. Realizing, too, that the work of the Lord is onward, the trustees and teachers are laying broader plans for the future, and now offer advantages never before given here.

The outlook for the coming year is encouraging, for with the rich blessing of God's presence to guide and to keep, and with an earnest and devoted company of workers we can see no reason why the school should not prosper and accomplish the work for which it was brought into being. That this result may be realized, we invite the prayers of God's people everywhere.

J. W. LOUGHTHEAD.