Our Intermediate Schools
By Wm. Covert
INTERMEDIATE schools are not supposed to do the work of our colleges. Another part of the communication from which we quoted last week, says: “The Word of God is to lie at the foundation of all the work done in these schools. And the students are to be taught the true dignity of labor. They are to be shown that God is a constant worker. Let every teacher take hold heartily with a group of students, working with them, and teaching them how to work. As the teachers do this, they will gain a valuable experience. Their hearts will be bound up with the hearts of the students, and this will open the way for successful teaching.” “Some will desire an education in the higher branches of study. For these our colleges have been established. It would be a sad mistake for us to fail to consider thoroughly the purpose for which each of our schools is established. This is a matter that should be faithfully considered by our responsible men in each union conference. All the educational interests should be given careful consideration, and then each school should place its work on a proper basis.” In these schools careful attention should be given to a proper balance in education. They should be Christian, both in matter and in method. The time in which we live and the work to be accomplished, should ever be kept before the students. These schools are to be Christian industrial institutions. In all the work that is done, and in all the lessons taught, teachers and learners should find Christ as the way, the truth, and the life. Regarding the study provided in the field, the following is given: “Study in agricultural lines should be the A, B, and C of the education given in our schools. This is the very first work that should be entered upon.”—Vol. VI, page 179. “Some do not appreciate the value of agricultural work. These should not plan for our schools.” Other industries can be planned according to the resources at command. Properly to balance physical and mental effort is an important problem given to our educators. The work should be such that the student will continue to advance after the days of his class recitations have expired. If students find the golden mean between muscle and mental effort while in our schools, that balance can be maintained by them in later years. The schooling which the world has given causes men to look upon labor as drudgery, and the laboring man as a kind of slave. It seems to elevate the man of letters far above his brother who handles the plow and the hoe. True education, if heeded, would unify the situation, and show that the best-educated person is capable in the greatest number of respects. The Lord’s system of education, when followed, sends forth students who labor with their hands, and yet they continue to advance in literary accomplishments. The spirit of their school work is the spirit of Christ, and it abides with them through life. They are always in school. The first aim of the school should be to have the students get hold of the Great Teacher. When this aim succeeds, the victory is gained.