The Missionary by William Ings

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 3, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 21.

The Missionary.

By William Ings

Our School.

IT was my privilege to spend the winter months of the term at our college at Healdsburg. From my experience while there I am prepared to speak understandingly of its merits. It truly is a model school. Those having charge are men of experience and know just how to meet the wants of their pupils, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Should any attend there and not be benefited, the fault certainly must be with the student. The surroundings both at the Home and college present an appearance of neatness and taste. Our family was quite large, yet harmonious, everybody felt at home and acted as though it was theirs to enjoy. There is nothing extravagant about the Home, but all is neat and comfortable, just as all homes should be. Order and neatness were visible in every department; and the spiritual condition was such that the good angels could be attracted there, and their influence was felt to that extent that hearts were made tender by the Spirit of God. Every pupil had his duty to perform, which was done with cheerfulness, thus learning habits of order and usefulness.

Those having children to educate ought by all means to put them in this school. No fears should be entertained that their children would be neglected, for everything is done for them, for their comfort, and spiritual and mental improvement. The Students' Home affords just the drill required for usefulness through life. Here they are taught practical duties in the various avocations. The girls are taught the different branches of household duties, "from the cellar to the garret;" while the young

men have a training in the various trades and husbandry. This, combined with the book knowledge they obtain, will fit them for different spheres in life. When the practical working of our college is seen, it leads the mind to wonder why the present system was not adopted before.

Our people cannot afford to deprive their children of these advantages. We are living in a wicked and corrupt age, and it is not safe to place the young in public schools where the morals are almost sure to be corrupted. We want to save our children from the snares of the enemy, and what expense can be too great if we can but see our children in the kingdom of God? But what benefit will be all our savings, if by our parsimony they be deprived of the influences that would establish them in principles of righteousness?

God in his providence has given us this institution of learning that the youth may be shielded from the evil. Consequently all should give this institution their patronage. I can safely say that all who love and prize morality, industry, good health, order, and a thorough, practical, common-sense education, will be satisfied when acquainted with the workings and saving influence of our college. And by placing your children there, you are sustaining an institution that is approved of God.

May the Lord bless and prosper the Healdsburg College, is the prayer of a grateful student. WM INGS.