CLOSE OF THE SUMMER SCHOOL.
By M. Bessie Degraw
The summer school held at Berrien Springs is now in the past. The last few days were busy ones, as students finished their examinations and prepared to leave for their schools. To-day they are widely scattered, but there exists such a strong spirit of harmony that although there may be no visible union, yet there is a spiritual union which makes all within the circle feel the success or failure of every other member. Nothing so draws upon the better nature of young people as the acceptance of the truths of Christian education. There were several among the students who are parents,—men seeking a preparation better to train their own children,—and it was indeed touching to hear the testimonies of both the fathers and the youth as they realized the return of the spirit of Elijah, that sign of the latter days spoken of by the prophet Malachi. Brother F. E. Belden visited the camp in the interest of the Health Library Association, and the interest which he and the Good Health Publishing Company manifest in the church-school teachers is highly appreciated by the teachers themselves. The Good Health will find that each Christian teacher is an active agent for the truths which it represents. Dr. Byington, the oculist from the sanitarium, spent a day with the students, much to their edification. Taking the eye for a subject, he gave a number of tests for teachers to apply in the schoolroom. It is a scientific fact that over twenty-five per cent of the pupils in the day schools have deficient vision, and the teacher who recognizes physiology as the basis of every educational effort must not fail to do her duty in such cases. Before separating, the students extended a vote of thanks to the Review and Herald Publishing Company for the kindness shown during the summer. The gift of sixty-five copies of Bell’s “Guide to Language Study,” is one way in which they helped the teachers. A retrospective view of the past few months shows that the educational work has taken rapid strides. So quietly has this been done, and with so little friction, that some may not realize at what a rapid rate we are now moving. For instance, there are now at least four union Conference educational secretaries. I refer to Prof. E. S. Ballenger, secretary of the Educational department of California and the neighboring States; Prof. C. C. Lewis, who unites the work of the Northwestern and Southwestern Union Conference; Prof. J. E. Tenney, of Graysville, Tenn., for the Southern Union Conference; and Prof. H. R. Salisbury, for Lake Union Conference. Furthermore, many of the States have already elected a Conference educational superintendent, and those superintendents are carrying out the instruction of the Testimonies and the recommendation of the General Conference to establish a school in every church. In the hands of these officers, when imbued with the Spirit of God, there lies an irresistible power. What the next year may witness, who can tell? As churches see the necessity for schools, they demand well-trained teachers. These superintendents, working with the churches, will find young people who have ability to teach, and these will be assisted in taking the necessary training. The matter is reaching a climax. To the young people of the denomination is offered the first opportunity for work; but if they do not respond, there are many outside the doors of the Church who will. We are in the waiting time. Can you imagine the feeling which filled the hearts of students when it was reported by one of their number that on one camp-ground alone there were eleven intelligent young people who were still teaching in the State schools? Some of these have never seen the real importance of Christian education. In other words, they are still in darkness on the subject. But what is the condition of those who, after the Lord has spoken so plainly, after He has pleaded for His own cause, still argue that they see no need of having Christian schools, and that they expect to remain in the secular schools? Here are the two extremes: on one side rapid growth; on the other a failure to advance. For the one there is joy and thanksgiving; the other condition draws deeply on the heart strings; for Christian education is a message of love, and He who left the ninety and nine is to-day seeking the one who is beyond the fold. A vote of thanks was extended to the General Conference and to the Lake Union Conference for making it possible to hold the summer school. Students expressed a feeling of deep gratitude to their instructors. Among those who rendered valuable assistance were Elder A. T. Jones, Bible and reading; Prof. F. W. Field, of Mt. Vernon Academy, science; Prof. and Mrs. J. C. Rogers (Professor Rogers’s instruction in the science of agriculture was very practical); Mrs. E. B. Miller, English; Prof. E. A. Sutherland, Bible and history of education; Miss Grace Amadon, common branches and physiology; Mrs. D. T. Harbaugh, sewing; Prof. E. E. Gardner, bookkeeping; Prof. W. E. Howell, mission work and Christian education; Dr. Lillian Eshelman, hydrotherapy. Miss Lottie Farrell, superintendent of schools in Wisconsin, spent some time with the teachers, and at the close of the school had a position for each of the Wisconsin students. Elder S. N. Curtis, superintendent of Illinois, was also present, and Elder S. M. Butler, of Michigan, was on the grounds the last day.