Our Need Definite by James E. Shultz

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 7, 1907

Our Need Definite

By James E. Shultz

A SUPPOSED training which does not qualify the individual being trained practically to demonstrate the lessons studied does not constitute an education. The proof of an education is the practise of it. That school which exists to prepare students for definite fields of endeavor, which most rapidly qualifies them for places of usefulness, is the school which commends itself to the favor of the world. The world needs men,—good men, trained men, men who can do because they know how to do. The school which can supply them will be rewarded by success; but that school is doomed to failure which gives the world no good men, and over its doorway will surely be traced “Ichabod.”

Schools are established because they are needed. Unless a school is established to fill a definite need, it is premature. Unless this need is felt, its work will not be appreciated.

The presence of countless students is no evidence of a school’s effectiveness, else the Jesuits would claim our approbation. The students may not appreciate what they are losing, having had nothing better; but when they appear to claim their share in the world’s activities, then will the school’s true merit be revealed.

The United States government has established at West Point a school for the training of young men for places of responsibility in its regular army. That school has been maintained because the need of well-trained men demands it. Because it has been able to supply this demand, it has been regarded as a success; but how long would it be maintained were it to fail in its mission?

Its mission is uppermost in the minds of every teacher. It is their studied effort to impress that mission on the mind of every student. The students are led, not to see themselves, nor their school buildings, nor their teachers, but the great work for which their training is shaping them. Do you wonder that those students are possessed of the “military spirit”? But you say, “That is perfectly natural,” but do you realize the potency of Christian schools in the training of the youth? Paul recognized the value of such schools, for from Acts 19:9, 10, we learn that he taught daily in the school of one Tyrannus for two years. It was from among his students of this school that he chose Timotheus, his “own son in the faith,” to become a teacher of righteousness. Verse 22. This young man’s home training had been in accordance with the will of God. Not only had his mother been faithfully instructed in the Holy Scriptures by her mother, Lois, but they united in training him that he might be “wise unto salvation.” Yet he could still study with profit under such an able teacher as Paul. Paul not only “showed how” to study, but he also “showed how” to work. He impressed his student’s mind with the importance of the lesson studied, by working it out before him. The methods which Paul used led to the conversion of souls. The great need of the world was impressed upon the minds of the students. Then were they shown that God had raised them up to fill the need.

To-day our schools have been established because of a definite need. The great need of the world causes us to need workers. Our youth must be trained to meet this need. The cause of God seeks workers; it must have workers. God asks that our schools prepare young men and women for his service. Their success will be measured by the number of young people who are trained for service. We can not fail to recognize that in order to do the most effective work, we must, as in the experience of Timothy, begin the training in childhood. The mother’s work, well performed, will materially aid in preparing for that which is to be done by our schools.

JAMES E. SHULTZ.