Healdsburg College

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 31, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 29.

Healdsburg College.

AT the meeting of the Pacific Coast Council in East Portland, June 30, 1884, the recommendation that our Conferences encourage as many as possible to go to Healdsburg College, "to fit themselves for work, not only as preachers, but as canvassers, colporters, and teachers," being under consideration, Prof. Brownsberger made the following remarks:—

We all agree that much depends upon education. And much of our education is received outside of the school-room, in association with others. Few operate on correct principles. It is most important that right principles be inculcated in childhood, yet this duty is mostly neglected. The first object of the Healdsburg school is to give education to young men and young women to fit them for work in the cause of God. This is the object of all the schools established by the Seventh-day Adventists. The school at Battle Creek, for a time, declined to the giving only of a usual college course in Greek, Latin, etc., with a view to fitting the pupils for professions in secular things. As "the whole duty of man" consists in obeying God, and to glorify God is the chief end of man, we hold that our first object as educators should be to make men and women practical workers in the cause of God. This is the chief object of the Healdsburg College.

The character of the instruction in the Scriptures in this school, is more that of a drill than of lectures. Drill on the Bible, and in practical work in the various branches of the cause of God. This is instruction in practical godliness.

The daily recitation is from forty-five minutes to an hour. Questions on the topic of the hour are written on the blackboard beforehand, that the students may study them before they refer to the Bible references, which gives them time and opportunity to investigate, and think and reason for themselves. Then they are instructed in the Scriptures which give a solution of the subject under consideration. It is not a process of pouring in, but of leading out, by genuine educational principles. Reviews are frequent. Unless it is so, the lessons will soon fade from the mind; the ideas become dim. Review, review, review, makes thoroughness. This is just what they need when they go into the world and into the work; and then they can give Bible, in an intelligent manner, for whatever they believe or teach. We want familiarity with the Bible; and by such a process—such a drill—the students cannot help becoming familiar with the Bible.

In connection with Bible study there are many other things taught, so that every person who goes out to work may make himself useful in many ways. Some think that just one thing is all that is necessary. But we want to be able to do many things. In the school we have a missionary class daily during part of the year. Actual missionary work is done; letters are written, and everything is done to instruct in real work. By daily examinations, interchange and corrections of letters written, the rough edges are smoothed down and polished in the correspondence, and also in their association with others.

Also the general principles of book-keeping are taught, and especially the methods of keeping missionary books and accounts.

Instruction in the Sabbath-school work is not the least important. There is a great lack of good superintendents and teachers. There is a work to be done in the Sabbath-school that cannot be done in any other place. In Healdsburg we aim to have a model Sabbath-school, and to work as many as possible into becoming practical, efficient teachers. The teachers' meetings are made the most interesting part of our Sabbath-school. We intend to make it the very best school for building up the Sabbath-school work, as well as the other branches of the cause.

Besides these different lines of instruction, we have classes specially for those who need to be educated in the common branches. We could not put these into our general classes and reasonably expect to secure immediate results. Some use poor language, and must be taught that especially for a while. Others spell poorly. And, oh, so many are poor readers! When reading the Bible or a hymn, they obscure the real spirit or point of it, rather than make it clear, and forcible, and impressive to those who hear. All these points are made the subjects of special drill.

The exercises of the Students' Home (North College Hall), are intended to make the students both diligent and useful. All things there combine to elevate, refine, and fit them to have a refining influence upon others, and to strengthen them in character. As we go on, and the school increases, all these things will develop more and more, and we shall be better prepared to do good work for the cause in which we are engaged. We have the very best facilities and the very best instruction to fit your young men and young women for usefulness in the world, and in the cause of God.

NOTE.—The above is only a synopsis of the Professor's remarks, as they were not reported in full. They were well received, and increased the interest in the school. These northern Conferences are coming to realize that Healdsburg College is not merely a "California school," but is established for the benefit of the coast States and Territories.