EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE AND SUMMER SCHOOL.
SOME will soon be called to render an account before the bar of God for the intrusted talent of teaching. It is a sacred gift, and was bestowed for the purpose of assisting in the spread of the message of a soon-coming Saviour. The minister reaches the mature mind, but no worker has such a deep hold upon the very strength and foundation of the Church as the Christian teacher possesses in the hearts of the children. The General Conference Committee is thoroughly awake to the situation, and realizes that the dearth of efficient laborers in the Seventh-day Adventist Church to-day is due to the false education of the children and youth of the past generation. That body is now putting forth every effort to meet the present situation. For this reason the Summer School and the Educational Conference were called to meet at Gull Lake (near Battle Creek, Mich.), July 10, 1901. Now that such an opportunity is offered for the education and training of Christian teachers, are parents, teachers, and young people thoroughly aroused? If not, why not? Nearly two thousand churches that should have schools for their children, have not yet organized such schools. Now is the time to act. The General Conference is ready to help you, by giving free tuition and free tent room to all the young people you may send to the Summer School to prepare for teaching. Here is the instruction: “Wherever there are a few Sabbath-keepers, the parents should unite in providing a place for a day-school, where their children and youth can be instructed.” “We are far behind our duty in this important matter.” “Let these schools now be started under wise direction, that the children and youth may be educated in their own churches. It is a grievous offense to God that there has been so great neglect in this line, when Providence has so abundantly supplied us with facilities with which to work.” Why not hold a special educational meeting, and decide how you can help your own or some other church? Search out the persons who are teaching, or who have ability to teach. Show them that God needs their ability, and that He needs it now. Loosen your purse strings and show these persons in a substantial way that you are in earnest. Arrange for them to take the training offered at the Summer School. Send for an announcement of the Conference and the Summer School, that you may know the qualifications of a teacher and the training necessary. As the school opens July 10, you will need to make haste. Let us hear from you, as a church-member, and from those who should attend the school. We should be glad to receive the addresses of all who are qualified to teach. Write at once. Address E. A. Sutherland, Battle Creek, Mich.