p. 124 | Our Proposed School by John Nevins Andrews

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 1, 1873

Our Proposed School.

By John Nevins Andrews

It was the judgment of the General Conference that a school should be established to aid those who desire to prepare themselves for usefulness in the cause of God. It is very evident that such a place for instruction is greatly needed. It is not enough that those who offer themselves to become laborers in the work of the ministry should be men of piety. This is indeed indispensable, but it is also necessary that those who teach others should have knowledge to impart. “Moreover,” says Solomon, “because the preacher was wise he still taught the people knowledge.” We do not desire the knowledge that puffeth up. Let others seek after that which shall inflate them with pride, and that shall enable them to walk in a vain show. We desire none of these things.

But men cannot teach the present truth without understanding many important facts in Biblical knowledge, in history, and in science. We have not time to give them what is technically called a finished education. But we can give important instruction in divine truth, in science, in historical knowledge, and in the languages, sufficient at least to put the keys of knowledge in the student’s hands, and to put him in the way of making further progress. We desire to aid those who are willing to consecrate themselves to the service of Christ. We believe the time for labor is short. But this is no reason why we should sit down in despair and say that it is of no use to try. Nor is it a reason why we should say that we need no better qualifications than we already possess, or, that if we do, it is the Lord’s business to confer these on us, or else to furnish men who have them. Far from this. It is our business indeed to pray the Lord of the harvest to send faithful men into his harvest. But it is also incumbent on us to do what lies in our power to fit ourselves for the work of God, and to help others to do the same. There will still be room for the Lord to work, and it is when men do their part that they may ask the co-operation of the Spirit of God.

The calls that come from every quarter, from men speaking other languages, must be answered by us. We cannot do this in our present circumstances. But we can do it if the Lord bless our effort in the establishment of our proposed school. We have delayed this effort too long. The time past cannot be recalled, but the time still remaining can be improved. Let no man stand back to criticise and find fault. We want the united action of all the friends of this cause. Our Lord is coming. Men of other nationalities desire to be instructed concerning it. They also inquire concerning God’s holy Sabbath, so long trodden under foot. We must be able to answer them. In some way, all can aid in this work; some, by giving of their means, and some, by the offering of themselves. Let every one do what he can while space for work remains.

J. N. A.