AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG MEN.
The following statement from the Spirit of Prophecy is significant: “Schools should be established for the purpose of obtaining not only knowledge from books, but knowledge of practical industry.” A mistaken idea is prevalent in the world that labor is degrading, but God would have us understand that there is science in work, and the Creator of heaven and earth not only placed his divine approval upon it, but when here in the flesh, learned a trade, and, dressed in the garb of a common laborer, went about his daily work. But “he was doing God’s service just as much when laboring at the carpenter’s bench as when working miracles for the multitude.” We are living in a time when young men of sterling integrity are wanted, men who will go forth into the great harvest field, emulating the life of Paul, and recognizing the needs of the cause everywhere, and will make their work self-supporting, or as nearly so as possible. If this were done, many of our Conferences that have for years been struggling under a heavy debt, would be enabled to lift their heavy load. In harmony with the statement made at the beginning of this article, Battle Creek College is in a position to offer the following inducements to young men who desire to fit themselves to become self-supporting missionaries. Under a competent instructor, they will be taught the broom trade, so that they will be capable of doing all kinds of work in a first-class broom shop, and, with a small capital, of going into business for themselves. Those who desire to take printing will find a competent instructor in this department, and the facilities are such as to enable them to get a good training in typesetting, job work, and press-feeding. The tailor department is in charge of an experienced workman, and an excellent opportunity is afforded those who desire to engage in this work. Last, but not least, is the opportunity for young men to engage in work on the college farm. By many this has been looked upon as a work of drudgery, but we believe that the time has come for a different sentiment to be encouraged. The Lord has said that “this country needs educated farmers.” The time is not far distant when, other trades being cut off, agriculture will be a resource that will prove a great blessing to us. There is need of educated men in this work—men who know how to secure the treasures contained in the earth, and thus open up a field whereby employment may be given to those who may accept the truth in our cities and towns, and who will, as a consequence, be thrown out of employment. The opportunities presented to our young men to secure valuable trades, thus enabling them to carry out the lines of work outlined in this article, are worthy of their attention. We shall be glad to correspond with such, and to give them such information as they desire. Address J. W. Collie, Battle Creek College, Battle Creek, Mich.