p. 29 | A Reason for Prosperity by F. G.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 10, 1907

A Reason for Prosperity

By F. G.

[The following, taken from The Southwestern Union Record, is suggestive indeed of those principles which will bring prosperity not only to Keene Academy, but to all our schools.—F. G.]

Since the educational department was established about two years ago, there have been many things published that have brought joy to the hearts of the academy’s friends. The debt has been paid, many improvements have been made, better advantages are offered to students than ever before, our attendance has increased, there is a growing disposition on the part of students to remain in training until they are thoroughly fitted for the Master’s work, and there is a deepening interest in all branches of missionary work.

Why is this? There are several reasons for it. The Lord has given us teachers who love God’s work, and are united as one man in planning for its advancement. When the teachers become perplexed, they go to the board for counsel, with the utmost confidence that these brethren will also as one man unite with them in seeking God to know the best paths in which to lead the young people.

While this all tends to strengthen the work of the academy, the greatest source of strength lies in the fact that back of the faculty and board stands a united people whose influence is ever for the uplifting of the standard of our own school. We believe that our brethren and sisters as individuals are carrying more responsibility than in the past. And it is needful that they should. The perils are thickening. Satan has come down with great wrath, knowing that he has but a short time. But while God has told us this, he has also given us the encouraging message that when the enemy, comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him, or as the margin says, put him to flight.

So while we sorrow as we see many swept away by the flood, we are encouraged as we see the faithful ones rally around the uplifted standard. In the midst of our sore perplexity, we are cheered by the fact that our brethren are praying that our feet slip not; and when we slip, instead of chiding us for the fall, they are at our side to help us to our feet again and bid us Godspeed.

So the reason for our prosperity is that every man stands in his place, and so long as we are all united, God will continue to bless. We hope our people will remember that as the work grows, a corresponding increase of responsibility comes to each one.

We are glad to report that the students are still coming in. Let them continue to come. We will find room for all. It does our hearts good to see so many turning toward God’s work. Let every one pray that God may make this the best year of the academy.