p. 8 | Our Schools by Frederick M. Wilcox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Sep 25, 1913

Our Schools

By Frederick M. Wilcox

THIS month witnesses the opening of our denominational schools throughout the country. It is both interesting and inspiring to contemplate the large number of earnest young men and women who are already leaving their homes to enter upon another year of preparation for their life-work. And it is a cause for thankfulness that so many of these have placed before them as their definite life purpose an active part in gospel work. Some of their minds are on far-away fields. While here in training, their hearts are longing for the time when they will be able to represent the gospel cause in Asia, Africa, South America, or the islands of the sea. Others are preparing for equally important work in the home land.

It is to be regretted that some whose hearts are filled with longings for service are denied school privileges for the year to come. Some must remain at home to assist an aged father, to care, perhaps, for a widowed mother and younger brothers and sisters, to render service to those who are sick. Let these preserve intact the high purpose which now possesses them, believing that God in his own good time will open the way before them and give them the desires of their heart in necessary preparation for service. In the meantime, till the way is thus opened, let them faithfully improve the opportunities at present afforded them. Some, in their own homes, can take up work in the Fireside Correspondence School, and with but little expense and the employment of a short time each day, quite thoroughly master one or two studies during the year to come. This work will apply upon the regular institutional school work taken later.

But even more to be regretted is the condition of some young men and women among Seventh-day Adventists who, while not denied school privileges, are holding before them worldly standards and worldly ambitions. Let us pray that there may come to the hearts of these ambitious, world-loving youth during the year to come new views of life's duties, that they may hear the call of the Master sounding in their ears and be led to dedicate themselves to the advancement of the cause of truth in the earth,—the noblest calling to which any one can aspire. We believe that this excellent result will be attained in the cases of many. God has greatly blessed our schools to the salvation of many of our youth. We earnestly hope that the record of every one for the year to come may prove that each student has surrendered his heart to God, and devoted his life to his service. To this end let us hold up before the throne of grace our faithful teachers, that God may give them wisdom to labor in patience and long-suffering for those committed to their watch-care. F. M. W.