Old Providence and St. Andrews Islands, South America
By J. B. Stuyvesant
When Elder and Mrs. Knight, Brother Haughton, and I left the little company of four in Old Providence Island who had accepted our message and were baptized in May, 1905, it was arranged that I should return in six or eight weeks to further strengthen them, and also to encourage some who were interested to take a stand for the truth.
Owing, however, to the long illness of my wife and myself, it was not until recently that I was permitted to meet with them again. I did make one attempt to reach them, but after three days of tossing about in contrary winds on a stormy sea in a small sloop, we were forced to return without reaching the island. After our week of prayer here, which we observed during Christmas week, I went to the island on one of the cocoanut schooners leaving here for the United States of America, taking Mrs. Stuyvesant and the children with me, hoping that a visit to that high, mountainous island from this low one might stimulate her slowly returning health.
The little company there were delighted to see us, and were ready to do all in their power for our comfort. After one night’s rest to recover from the effects of a very rough passage, we began the week-of-prayer services there, having the regular reading in the morning, and a sermon or Bible study in the evening. The few who attended these services were all much refreshed and strengthened. Three of the four who were baptized last May were Sister Robinson and her daughter and son-in-law. Sister Robinson’s husband was a deacon in the Baptist church, and was away at that time. On his return he accepted the message, and had been awaiting an opportunity to unite with us. Sabbath, January 13, I had the pleasure of baptizing him and one of his sons and two of his daughters; and later in the day we celebrated the ordinances, which was a great privilege for the little company who have been forced to face much opposition, but have stood bravely for the truth they accepted. We endeavored to instruct them thoroughly in those peculiar and important truths of our message upon which they required most help, and they seemed anxious to walk in the light as fast as it was presented.
After ten days spent thus, I recanvassed the island with books, selling quite a number. One man, apparently expecting to get rid of me, said he had no money to spare then, but he would buy forty dollars’ worth (Columbian currency) of books if I would buy his horse for sixty-five dollars. When I surprised him by agreeing to his proposition, he wanted to back out; but as I needed the horse, I finally succeeded in selling him twenty-five dollars’ worth of books, and paid him the difference in cash. That gave him nine books.
On my first visit to the island I met an old man who had several of our books, and I sold him two more. He told me he had written all over the country to obtain a copy of a book, which, according to an advertisement, was proving a great blessing to many persons. I finally learned that it was “Christ’s Object Lessons” to which he referred, though he did not remember the title. I sold him one the next day. Upon my recent visit I sold him another book; and when I went to spend the night at his house some days later, he wanted a book, “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” which he had seen advertised in the fly-leaves of the other book. I had one for him in my grip. As Elder J. A. Morrow recently observed, “This shows the good that well-worded notices in our books will do.”
After completing the canvass of the island, we held several meetings in different parts of the island with considerable interest, and only wish a thorough effort could be made at those places, but it is not possible at present. After a stay of almost six weeks we returned to St. Andrews, glad to have had the privilege of encouraging these believers, and we both were also feeling better.
For a long time we have felt a strong desire to see something done to reach the large community at the north end of this island, where the government is located, but the way seemed closed. We have finally secured the use of a lot there, and already have held two services with an increasing interest. The little tent we made some months ago, and were unable to use until now, was well filled last Sunday. It is about five miles from our home, and some of us have to walk when the sea is too rough for comfortable sailing, but we are much rejoiced to see the apparent interest, and pray that we may have the greater joy of seeing some accept the blessed message for this time.
I am also devoting one day each week to canvassing, with fair success. The rest of my time is more than crowded with shop and outside work, as I now do tin, gun, and lock work, blacksmithing, house and sign painting, carpentry, and general repairing of all manner of things and materials. I was well prepared to do carpentry and painting before coming here, and had always been handy at general tinkering and repairing, but it has truly seemed wonderful to me how the Lord has assisted me in doing things I had never before thought of undertaking, and doing them in an acceptable manner.
I wish to say to all young people who are preparing for missionary work. Never fail to observe how a useful thing is done, whether you expect to do it or not, and no matter what your trade or profession may be, learn all you can of every other, for no such knowledge will come amiss when in a foreign field on a self-supporting basis, which will be the only possible basis a little later on.
J. B. STUYVESANT.
Boy Sells Subscription Books
C. G. BELLAH reports $24.25 worth of our subscription books sold in nineteen hours by a boy only twelve years old.
Dedication of the Paradise Valley Sanitarium
By G. W. Rine
PARADISE VALLEY SANITARIUM, located one mile and a half east of National City, Cal., and six miles south-east of the city of San Diego, was formally dedicated, Tuesday, April 24, 1906. The day, bright and balmy, was a notable one in the history of the youngest member of the great family of sanitariums.
About five hundred enthusiastic friends of the institution were present to enjoy the exercises, and attest loyalty to the principles for which the sanitarium stands. The program consisted of two parts, one of which was carried out in the afternoon, and the other in the evening. The platform of the court, where the exercises were held, and all the public rooms, were decorated with fragrant flowers and with white and green bunting. Seats for the people were placed on the cemented floor of the court and on the spacious verandas.
The opening prayer was offered by Elder W. M. Healey. The chairman of the afternoon meeting, Elder G. W. Reaser, gave a concise but interesting account of the movement projected by Elder James White and Mrs. E. G. White, which has already resulted in the establishment of more than fifty sanitariums. He especially emphasized the essential Christian spirit that pervades these institutions.
PARADISE VALLEY SANITARIUM
“The Sanitarium Idea” was the subject of a very interesting address given by Elder S. N. Haskell. The speaker based his remarks on the narrative of Christ’s healing the man “sick of the palsy,” as given in the second chapter of Mark. In a vivid word-picture he illustrated the intimate connection between the forgiveness of sin and the healing of disease. The gospel is the power of God to save from physical sin or disease, as well as from moral sin.
Mrs. E. G. White read a part of Isaiah 42 as an introduction to her address entitled “In Touch with Nature.” It was with a view to man’s health and happiness that God originally placed him in an environment of the varied phases of nature. It was not until after the advent of sin into the world that men began to build cities, and shut themselves away from nature. The prevalence of disease in the world is in no small degree owing to the fact that men are very generally ignorant regarding the remedial agencies in nature. Other things being equal, the nearer we live to the beautiful works of God, the stronger and healthier we shall be.
In the dedicatory prayer, Chaplain J. F. Ballenger implored God’s richest blessing upon the institution, upon the patients who shall come from year to year, upon the managers and helpers as they rededicate their lives to the service of the great Medical Missionary who went about doing good.
The guests were favored with the presence of Dr. Longshore Potts, who originally built and developed the Potts Sanitarium, now christened the Paradise Valley Sanitarium. Dr. Potts told touching stories of her long life as a teacher of health principles in many lands. While at one time it looked as if her life-work had been a failure, yet she does not look at it in that way now, but regards it as the beginning of a work that is now taken up like a thread that was dropped, to be carried on by stronger hands. She expresses her conviction that the blessing of God is with the present promoters, and that in his providence, through them, many of her cherished ideas in connection with this institution will yet be realized.
In behalf of the citizens of National City, Pastor R. E. Whittemore, of the Baptist church, welcomed the sanitarium managers into the hospitable community of National City.
Dr. W. F. Gearhart, of San Diego, who, like several other speakers, was drawn to this section on account of the beautiful climate, had become very much interested in the methods employed in our sanitariums, and expressed great confidence in the success of the institution, located as it is in the beautiful climate of San Diego Bay.
At the close of the afternoon exercises the guests were treated to an inspection of the buildings and a demonstration of the prevailing methods of treatment. The visitors were especially impressed with the arrangement of the treatment rooms, composed of two complete sets, one for men and one for women. The rooms are at each side of long corridors, and are fitted with the latest electrical appliances and other devices for the scientific treatment of patients. Dr. Dow gave demonstrations of the X-ray machine, the Violet Rays, and other recently invented methods for applying electricity in the treatment of disease.
Luncheon was served at 5:30 P. M. in one of the spacious dining-rooms, under the direction of Mr. Dan Fitch, who is in charge of the sanitarium’s culinary department.
Prof. E. S. Ballenger, president of the institution, was chairman of the evening exercises. Excellent music furnished by the National City band added much to the interest of this part of the program. Chairman Ballenger delivered an address on “The Power Behind the Sanitarium Idea.” By way of illustration, the speaker referred to the fact that interwoven with every piece of rope used by the British navy there is found a red thread. In the sanitariums conducted by Seventh-day Adventists, the red thread is the Christian spirit that dominates the work of these institutions.
In a few well-chosen words, Elder W. M. Healey sketched the rapid “Development of the Allied Sanitariums of Southern California.” He said that the three sanitariums represented the concrete realization of the long-cherished hopes of the friends of the “sanitarium idea,” living in southern California. The climatic advantages of all these institutions he declared to be beyond the possibility of adverse criticism. But not even the Glendale or the Loma Linda Sanitarium enjoys a climate so equable throughout the year as does the Paradise Valley Sanitarium.
In a very interesting manner, Elder W. C. White related his earlier “Sanitarium Experiences.” He feelingly described the founding of a small sanitarium in the heart of a great eucalyptus forest in New South Wales, Australia.
The Paradise Valley Sanitarium is located in one of the most charming semitropical regions in the world—orange, lemon, and olive groves on every side, the grand old Pacific in full view to the west, picturesque mountains lifting their lofty heads in a long series toward the east, while to the south are green, rolling hills with the mountains of old Mexico for a background.
Gen. A. W. Greely, chief of the United States Signal Service, is authority for the statement that the forty square miles in which the city of San Diego is situated, has the most equable temperature known to any part of any main land in the world. The humidity of this section is lower than that of any other point on the Pacific Coast. During the last nineteen years San Diego has had an average of only thirteen days of foggy weather a year. Here we have the greatest amount of sunshine in the winter, when it is most needed. The latest available records give the percentage of sunshine in December, for San Diego at 74, Chicago at 33, New York at 45. Here cyclones, storms, frosts, earthquakes, and extremes of all kinds are unknown, and the air comes fresh and sweet from the blue Pacific. Such a climate, combined with a normal diet, rational treatment, balmy, quiet surroundings, must naturally work miracles in restoring the sick to health.
The property of the Paradise Valley Sanitarium was purchased two years ago by Mrs. E. G. White, J. F. Ballenger, and Mrs. Josephine Gotzian. Although the institution does not technically18belong to the Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, it has the confidence and moral support of the brethren of the conference. Those in control of the institution stand ready to transfer the property to the Southern California Conference as soon as the latter deems itself in a position to assume the responsibility.
Ever since it has been opened to the public, the institution has been liberally patronized. It has ample facilities to treat and care for at least seventy-five patients. The present owners have expended thirty thousand dollars in enlarging the main building and in refurnishing it. It has now double the capacity of the original building. We feel sure that the institution is destined to become, in the hands of God, an agency for the accomplishment of untold good.
Those desiring to learn more concerning the sanitarium and its work will be furnished a booklet upon application to the Paradise Valley Sanitarium, National City, Cal. G. W. RINE.
Lake Union Conference Bookmen's Convention
By D. W. Reavis
The Lake Union bookmen's convention held in the commodious and beautiful Emmanuel Missionary Training-school buildings, Berrien Springs, Mich., May 5-8, was in every feature a most pleasant and profitable occasion. From the first, there was much evidence of the presence of a most congenial, Christian spirit, and a deep, sincere interest in the study of methods for advancement in the circulation of denominational literature.
The following topics composed the principal part of the program of the convention: The Purpose and Importance of Our Literature, Needs of the Work and the Object to Be Gained by this Convention, The Sphere of the Publishing House—Where Should Its Efforts Be Put Forth? What Books Should Receive Special Attention? What Training Is Needed by the Prospective Canvasser, and How Can It Best Be Given? How Can Canvassers Render the Most Efficient Help in Advancing this Message? The Company Plan, Resident Canvassing, The Work of the Field Secretary, The Conference Officers' Part in Building up and Fostering this Department of Their Work, How Can Our Schools Co-operate in Training Canvassers? The Sale of Our Books by the Ministry, and How Ministers Can Help Build up this Work, A Corps of Permanent Canvassers—How Can It Be Secured and Maintained? The Work of the Missionary Secretary.
Each of these subjects was thoroughly treated by several experienced workers, through carefully prepared papers, which were discussed by the whole delegation. A remarkable unanimity of sentiment was noticed in all the papers, and, though prepared by individuals far separated, without knowledge of the contents of other papers, there was but little duplication of thought or overlapping on subjects. In this bookmen's convention there were intermingled in common interest and study, the presidents of the conferences, State tract society secretaries, field secretaries, publishing house representatives, and active canvassers. All were alike deeply interested, and took an active part in the work of the convention. It was indeed a bookmen's feast without interruption by the introduction of other kinds of work. The old-time enthusiasm was present at the first meeting, and increased throughout the four days' session. It was heartily acknowledged by all that the importance of the work was greatly emphasized, and that a new consecration to it had been made. There is now a better understanding of the work and its needs, and from this time forward there may be expected much advancement in the book work in the Lake Union Conference.
D. W. REAVIS.
A Word of Explanation
By D. C. Babcock
SINCE the publication of my letter in the REVIEW, which gave a hint of my state of health, letters of inquiry have come to us asking concerning my real condition. Further, I have received many letters—yet unanswered—during the last six months. I have always refrained from saying anything about sickness, or have said as little as possible, either through the REVIEW or to our friends.
Mrs. Babcock and I have both been very sick, but I believe the crisis is past. The last of October I was taken sick with the West African fever. At first I had fever every day for two weeks, then every other day for about three weeks, and after that time every third day. At no time did it fail to appear at the stated time. It seemed to me at times that if I were in America, where there are plenty of workers, I would gladly lie down in death. But this needy field pressed its wants before us, and we remembered that God who always hears prayer. It has been a rich experience. I was sick four months and two weeks.
The next day after my fever broke, Mrs. Babcock was taken very sick, and for three days I had but little hope of her recovery. But the Great Physician came near, and she was restored.
During my sickness, the Mission Board kindly sent us money to build a mission house in the healthiest locality we could find. The Lord soon pointed out a good location.
I went to work at once, being carried in a hammock to and from my work—one mile and a half—by four men. I gradually gained strength, and have not lost a day since work was begun on the building. We are now putting the roof on, and hope to occupy our new home before the rainy season begins.
We need a good bath-tub for our bath-room, and hope some brother or sister will kindly donate one to the West African Mission, and prepay freight on the same. Any one who feels it a privilege to do so, may write to our Mission Board, at Takoma Park, D. C.
I hope this will explain fully why letters have not been answered, and why more has not been said about the work in this dark land.
We are not discouraged. We have no desire to return home. We came to push the battle to the gate. We need your prayers. D. C. BABCOCK.
A Thaw Needed for Blessing
“SOMETIMES the church that is praying for showers of blessing only needs a thaw.”
Field Notes
At Burlington, Iowa, one sister was baptized, and there was a gain of two in the membership of the church at the time of the last quarterly meeting.
It is planned that two tent companies will be at work in West Virginia this summer, beginning about June 1, one at Charleston, and the other at Grafton.
As a result of recent work done in Iowa City, Iowa, seven persons have accepted the truth, and there are indications that others will soon be added to this number.
MATERIAL and money are being donated for the erection of a church building at Elliott, Iowa, where there is a church of seventeen members. The prospect is that the building will be erected by fall.
A REPORT from Lucas, Iowa, states that the company of Sabbath-keepers there now numbers fifteen, the majority of whom never made a profession of religion previous to their acceptance of the advent message.
A REPORT from Clay Center and Abilene, Kan., by Brother B. W. Brown, mentions the addition of three to the church at Clay Center and of two at Abilene, besides which, two were baptized at the latter place.
ELDER JOHN F. JONES writes from Wilmington, Del., that he baptized two persons at Covey’s Landing, Md., May 15, who had accepted the truth during the meetings held at Lewistown, Md. They will unite with Baltimore church No. 1.
THE church at Fontanelle, Iowa, is prospering. A report by Brother A. V. Rhoads, states: “At our quarterly meeting, the sweet Spirit of the Lord came in, and all declared allegiance to the third angel’s message. Eleven have united with us, and five more expect to unite at their earliest convenience. Nine of these are by profession of faith, and six by letter. A church-school is in operation, and we have a large class of young people organized into a Young People’s Society.”
ELDER WILLIAM COVERT states the following regarding the progress of the work in the Northern Illinois Conference: “On Sabbath, May 5, three persons were buried in baptism in the South Side church. On Sunday evening, May 6, nine were baptized by Brother Hansen in the Humboldt Park church. Elder Santee was expecting to hold quarterly meeting and baptize a number of candidates at Moline last Sabbath. There are also six or eight to be baptized at Streator. Some of the Germans in Chicago who have lately embraced the truth are getting ready for baptism. Elder Warren is holding meetings in Chicago, and also organizing a training-school for workers, and his labors are beginning to bear fruit. We frequently hear of individuals just beginning to keep the Sabbath. Large congregations attend the services at the Forty-sixth Street church on Sunday evenings, where the message in its strength is presented.”
Christian Liberty From a Bible Standpoint
By Inez Lay
In the first chapter of Genesis we read that “God created man in his own image,” and gave him “dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”
That Adam, created in the likeness of God and given universal dominion, was himself free is a self-evident fact. That he might retain this inestimable gift, the Creator thoroughly instructed man as to the course to be pursued to insure its continuance, and warned him against that by which it would be forfeited. Had mankind always heeded this wise counsel, that liberty would have remained unbroken; but, in an unguarded moment, Adam and Eve listened to the arch-deceiver, did his bidding, and were no longer free, but slaves, abject slaves, with no power to recover themselves or to escape the penalty, death, everlasting in its results. James 1:15; Rom. 5:12.
At this crisis was revealed, to an amazing degree, the immeasurable love of the Creator and his Son. Jesus offered his spotless life a ransom for the lives that had been forfeited through sin, and God the Father in his compassion consented to the sacrifice of his Son, since only a sinless life could atone for sin.
The sacrificial service pointing to the time when the “Lamb without blemish” should be offered, was here instituted. Through this service the repentant sinner’s faith was centered upon Christ, the only means of escape. “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Rom. 5:19.
When Moses was sent to lead the Israelites out from Egyptian bondage, God designed that this freedom should be to them a type of that more perfect liberty which was theirs through faith in Christ, the antitypical Lamb, while their entrance into the earthly Canaan should typify the “better country” toward which their longing hearts should turn.
That they might the more surely look through the seen to the unseen, the heavenly Canaan, God instructed the Israelites, when they should have reached the promised land, to proclaim liberty every fiftieth year, making it a year of jubilee, typical of the joys of the redeemed in the heavenly land. Because they did not obey this command, God again gave them over to bondage and affliction, that they might learn the important truth that only in obedience to the just laws of God can true liberty be found. Jer. 34:17; see also James 1:25.
Christ’s mission to this earth was to proclaim liberty, the liberty purchased by his precious blood—to set the captives free. Luke 4:18. Hear his declaration, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36. Foretelling his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, Christ promised that the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, should be sent in his name, and that he should abide with the disciples of Christ forever. In 2 Cor. 3:17 we learn that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. God, then, in infinite love had provided liberty for every member of the human race, in spite of sins that are past, who will accept of it through faith in Christ.
Christian liberty is the only perfect, all-enduring liberty. It gives what none other can give, freedom from sin and from the results of sin. It is the groundwork of all true liberty. This soul liberty may be ours in times of hottest persecution, in imprisonment, in banishment. In proof of this statement we have only to recall the experiences of Paul and Silas and John Bunyan in prison, John banished on the lonely isle of Patmos, Stephen and many other martyrs dying for the liberty they had found in Christ.
While God warns the sinner and entreats him to turn from his evil way, he never forces the conscience of any one. Nor will the Spirit of God in the heart of man seek to do so. A desire to dictate in matters of conscience, indulged in, leads inevitably to persecution of the minority by the majority. This spirit is incompatible with the spirit of Christ, and is therefore antichristian, militating always against true Christian liberty.
The government of our United States is represented in prophecy by a “beast coming up out of the earth,” having two horns like a lamb, but speaking like a dragon. In the establishment of this government, civil and religious liberty as the right of every individual were declared to be the two fundamental principles. These we see represented by the lamblike horns. But—“he spake as a dragon.”
As a government speaks through its laws, must we believe that those Christ-like principles are to be disregarded, set aside, and an effort made to coerce the people regardless of either of these God-given rights? Let the religious legislation springing up all over our land of boasted freedom be the answer.
Ah! the dragon voice is speaking. It will continue to speak until it has enforced a national religion upon the people, with a death sentence for those who disregard it; and, further, “He causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” The first of the prophecy being literally fulfilled, shall we doubt that the rest will follow?
But what does God say about this worship of the beast and its image and the receiving of his mark? Listen! “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.”
Then which voice shall we heed, that of puny man or that of the infinite God? Hear another command of God: “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” 1 Cor. 7:23. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Gal. 5:1.
Are we ready for the issue?
Hear these precious assurances: “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: and the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” Ps. 91:5, 13-16.
“And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” Rev. 15:2. INEZ LAY.
The Educational Convention
By F. G.
Now that it is definitely settled that the educational convention is to be held at College View, Neb., June 29 to July 10, every educational worker should bend his efforts and energies to see to it that it is made a success. It may be a very profitable meeting, or it may be one from which no particular benefit is derived. The success of the meeting rests not with any one person, but with all.
First in importance is the attendance. All our training-schools should be properly represented. All our conferences, both union and local, should see that their secretaries and superintendents are in attendance, and if they can assist the church and intermediate teachers, this should also be done. Unless we have a representative and general attendance of our educational workers, the convention will fail of its work, for no report of the convention can properly set forth its work nor its spirit. The spirit and inspiration of such a meeting is fully as important as any decision at which it may arrive; so a strong effort should be made to secure a good attendance.
Then with reference to the work to be covered by the convention. At the meeting of the Department of Education at the close of the General Conference, committees were appointed on the following subjects: Blanks and reports, school manual, manual training, textbooks, and courses of study. These committees have been at work, and will have reports to render at the convention. A definite time will be taken during each day of the convention for the consideration of these reports. But they can not be properly considered and acted20upon unless we have a good representative attendance. Aside from these, we desire to have time and consideration given to the discussion of methods of teaching in our schools. There will also be papers and discussions upon every phase of our school work. None can afford to miss this feast of good things. F. G.
Christian Education
By Frederick Griggs; C. C. Lewis
Conducted by the Department of Education of the General Conference.
FREDERICK GRIGGS, Chairman,
C. C. LEWIS, Secretary.
Report of Fernando (Cal.) College
By H. G. Lucas
I HAVE often asked myself the questions, “Of what use was the establishment of Fernando College? Why was it not sufficient to send our children to other schools, and save the expense of providing buildings and other facilities and of employing more teachers?” Quick as a flash the answer comes: “We have a great message to give to every people on the face of the earth, and other schools do not prepare for its promulgation.” Then, again, we live in an age when morality, honesty, and integrity are dying, and when faith in the Bible as God’s own word has become corrupted by higher criticism. We have reached an age when the battle between right and wrong is becoming very intense. We have come to the time when Satan is gathering his hosts of fallen angels and fallen men for the final awful struggle to secure supreme control of the minds of all men, and when Christ is marshaling his forces of holy angels and holy men to restore in man the beautiful image of God, which has become well-nigh obliterated through sin.
We were compelled to establish our own system of schools in order to save our children. They could not drink at the wells of infidelity without becoming infidels themselves. In other schools the Bible has no place in the curriculum, and infidel authors are studied, and usually under infidel teachers. Their education is merely the pursuit of a certain course of study, usually a preparation for a life of frivolity, money getting, and luxury. God’s idea of education has to do with the whole being of the child, not only for the present life, but for that which is to come. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers.
All parents seek to supply the needs of their children. They provide for them their raiment and their daily food. Ere-long the time comes when the parents must determine upon the kind of education that their children shall have, and they must make the necessary outlay. It must consist of a worldly education or of a Christian education. In this choice there is no middle ground. When they wish to provide them with food, do they go to a shoe store to get it? when they wish to purchase clothing, do they go to a butcher shop to secure it? when they wish to buy shoes, do they go to a grocery store to purchase them? Even so, Christian parents, after determining to give their children an education of salvation and Biblical morality, should send them where they will be shown the way to salvation, where the Bible is given its rightful place as the guide to eternal life, and where Biblical morality is strenuously taught.
In southern California there was no higher school that met God’s standard, so one had to be established. This was done at Fernando in 1902. I can speak only of the work done this year. Whatever success has attended the school has been largely contributed by my associate teachers. Although I was unacquainted with them at the beginning of the year, yet we have worked together in the spirit of unity to build a school, every phase of which should be conducted in harmony with the Bible and the Testimonies. If we have made mistakes, they have been of the head, and not of the heart.
Let us examine the different phases of the work, and become acquainted with the organization. In the daily program of mental work, the teachers come in direct contact with all the students, whether living with their parents or in the college homes. At 1:15 P. M. each day the outside students depart, but the others stay in our homes. It is the training in these homes, outside of the daily program of mental effort, that tells in the formation of character, and I believe that those in charge have been chosen of God, for success has attended their efforts. A spiritual mold was placed upon the school from the beginning. All we could do was to fish for souls, and to draw in those that would be caught for Christ and eternal life. The chapel exercise was made short, only twenty minutes, but I believe the lessons given by the faculty and visitors have been of incalculable benefit to all. The morning prayer service in the homes is at 6:10, and the evening service at 8:30, just before retiring. Fifteen minutes each day, just prior to the evening service, have been given the student for private prayer in his own room.
Regularly on Tuesday evening at eight o’clock the young women have a prayer-meeting by themselves, led by one of their number, and the young men have one at the same time, conducted in the same way. Here some of the youth have gained their first experience in leading meetings and in audible prayer. On Thursday evening the young women have division prayer-meetings among themselves. On Friday evening, meetings to which both home and outside students have been invited are a great strength to the school. How pleasant it is to hear fifty or more testimonies from the lips of the youth!
The week of prayer was a season of great spiritual refreshing to us all. The first meeting usually consisted of a presentation of the gospel message and a social meeting; then the invitation was given for those who had lost their first love to remain to a second meeting to seek God. One night between thirty and forty young people knelt before God, seeking for pardon. We have had a large number of conversions during the year, some very remarkable ones. We feel remiss in our duty if we do not ask the unsaved to remain with us after the close of our Friday evening meetings to seek the pearl of great price. The faculty has decided to have another week of prayer in May, to obtain all the results God has for us in the seed sowing of the year, and to prepare the young people to battle against Satan during the summer wherever they may be.
In the mental phase Bible knowledge was sought by earnest endeavors. The memorizing of Scripture in the Bible classes was the foundation on which Elder Owen built his work. The other departments have been very successful in their work. Christian education is what all our children need; lacking this, they are often lost to the cause and to God.
Our attendance has been very good. The total enrolment has been one hundred and seven. The two homes have had from forty to fifty students constantly. We can accommodate only thirty-two young men and thirty-two young women.
Our teachers are supported by the second-tithe system. We never have any difficulty over the payment of teachers. This system has made it possible for every Adventist child in San Fernando to attend our own schools.
Three of our students have accepted a call to go to Peru as self-supporting missionaries. About twenty-five young men and women are planning to enter the canvassing work next summer.
