THE SCHOOL by H. W. Decker

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 26, 1877

THE SCHOOL.

By H. W. Decker

The inspired word often admonishes us to seek after knowledge and wisdom; but we do not find a single admonition within the lids of the Bible to seek for riches of silver and gold. Holy men of God prized knowledge far above the most costly gems of earth. Man may possess his thousands; but such riches may be burned or stolen. But knowledge can never be taken away. It adds greatly to the enjoyment of its possessor, and enables him to see and realize more than others of God’s infinite wisdom and love. And the more knowledge we have, the better are we able to serve God, and work for the glory of his cause.

There are many young men and young women in our ranks who desire to improve their talents and do something in the cause of God; but they have only a limited education. There are places for such to fill, if they are willing to sacrifice to advance the cause of present truth. Some ought to go into new fields, and publicly present these precious truths to their fellow-men; others ought to circulate our tracts, and canvass for our periodicals and books; while others might help by writing to those who may need such assistance. There is work for one and all, according to their abilities.

These may, with a limited education, enter the work, and do the utmost in their power to fill places of trust; but under what discouragements do they not labor! Some, under these circumstances, have entered the field, and have done much good; but how much more they might have accomplished had they possessed more general knowledge, and had their minds been trained to think closely and logically! Any one who goes out to hold up important truths before the people ought to have a fair education, to say the least. It is almost indispensable.

Much more might be said; but as able men have written upon this subject, I would call the reader’s attention to some of their articles, such as “Thoughts on Education” and “Fitting Young Men for the Ministry,” in The BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE; also the article by D. M. Canright in REVIEW, No. 3, present volume, headed, “Young Man, Young Woman, Educate Yourself.”

Persons who have attended the school at Battle Creek and other similar institutions should be well qualified to judge of their respective merits; and they pronounce Battle Creek College the best school they have ever attended. They say that the interest and care which the trustees, teachers, and others connected with the school, manifest for the students is very great; and that they watch over them as a mother would over her children, rebuking the unruly kindly but with firmness. The methods of giving instruction are thorough, and are not excelled by those of any other school. All things considered, the Battle Creek College has a first-class corps of teachers.

The expenses at this school are less than at any other. Tuition is low; board is cheap. And though the food is plain, yet it is nourishing, and there is always plenty of it. This is the testimony of those who have boarded at the clubs.

There are many in Wisconsin who ought to go to school this year and prepare themselves for usefulness. Many can go as well as not, while others must sacrifice some. But remember that where there is a will, there is a way. I hope all will think of it. Parents, remember that you should give your children a proper education. This is a duty of parents to their children, one for which God will hold them accountable.

I am acquainted with many in Wisconsin who would have sent their children to school last year; but as they were young, their parents feared to send them so far alone by railroad. I have thought about this matter much, and would gladly help such if I could. As Bro. O. A. Johnson has been to Battle Creek and is well acquainted with the road, and as he expects to return this fall to be there at the opening of the school, I have thought that those who desire to go, but feel afraid to go alone, might accompany him. He will assist them, especially through Chicago, which is the most difficult place on the route. But to do this, they must start on the same day, and go on the same train. He will give any who ask it all necessary information, with pleasure. His address is Greenwood, Clark Co., Wis. All who wish to go with Bro. Johnson should write to him immediately.

I hope that Wisconsin will be well represented at our College this year. Young men, young women, do not let this precious opportunity pass by unimproved.

H. W. DECKER.