SOUTH LANCASTER SUMMER SCHOOL.
By M. D. Mattson
The summer school, according to announcement, began July 5, and will close in a few days from the present time. The attendance is not large; but the interest that has been awakened in the few who are attending, is excellent; and if there is one lesson we are learning above another, it is the importance of these schools, where those who are to give instruction to our children may pursue a course of study that will prepare them for the duties demanded by the gospel message for this time. This is the first school of the kind at this place, and those in attendance are expected to have but one object in view; that is, to enter our church schools for active service as soon as possible. Living in the time when the truths of God are being set aside for fables, in the public schools and popular churches, it is essential that the teacher be qualified so to impart the truth as it is in Jesus, that our children may be saved from the deception of these last days. The rejection of the law of God in the realm of morals, by the church, is more far-reaching in its baleful influence than one at first might think. In another form the same evil is made manifest in worldly schools, in denying the working of the law of God in the realm of science. The results that flow from both church and school are identical. Papal principles are supplanting Christian truth. The influence of the school on the mind of the child is evidently far greater than the influence of the church, owing to the time spent in school life, and also to the direct instruction given by the teacher. The message of God, calling our children out of worldly schools, is a timely one, and should be heeded at once by all parents. Therefore church schools must be established under the direction of competent teachers, who have had special training in the principles of the Third Angel’s Message, that the Bible may be made first in the education of our children. The best way to make sure that the teacher is qualified to discern the Christian principle from the papal, is to establish schools in which an experience may be gained by our young people, requisite to meet the demands of these perilous times. Thus far, the results of our school work have been most satisfactory. The class recitations are largely conducted by the students themselves, after which a free and general discussion is entered into by all. In this way, corrections can be made when necessary, thus making plain the principles of a Christian education, in contrast with those of a worldly one. From the beginning, the Lord has been very near, and has so led in all discussions that it is plainly seen that all are here to be taught of the Lord. The success that has attended our efforts has convinced us that our young people who are looking forward with a view of entering this most important profession, should make a great effort to avail themselves of the opportunities extended to them through this special course of instruction.