Basic HTML Version
168
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
The Work of the Fernando School
The question has been asked, “What shall we teach in the Fer-
nando school?”
Teach fundamentals. Teach that which is practical. You should
not make a great parade before the world, telling what you expect
[206]
to do, as if you were planning something wonderful. No, indeed.
Boast neither of the branches of study you expect to teach nor of the
industrial work you hope to do; but tell everyone who inquires, that
you intend to do the best you can to give your students a physical,
mental, and spiritual training that will fit them for usefulness in this
life and prepare them for the future immortal life.
What influence do you think it would have to publish in your
announcement of the school that you will endeavor to give the stu-
dents a training that will prepare them for the future, immortal life
because you desire to see them live throughout the ceaseless ages
of eternity? I believe such a statement would have a far greater
influence upon the brethren and sisters of this conference, and upon
the community in the midst of which the school is established, than
would the display of a number of courses of study in ancient and
modern languages and other higher branches of study.
Let the school prove itself. Then the patrons will not be disap-
pointed, and the students will not claim that they were promised
instruction in certain studies which, after entering the school, they
were not permitted to take up.
Let it be understood at the beginning that the Bible lies at the
foundation of all education. An earnest study of God’s word, re-
sulting in transformation of character and in a fitness for service,
will make the Fernando school a power for good. My brethren who
are connected with this school, your strength lies not in the number
of languages you may teach, or in telling how large a “college”
[207]
you have. Keep silent on these points. Silence in regard to the
great things you plan to do will help you more than all the positive
assertions and all the promises that you might publish in your an-
nouncements. By faithfulness in the school you should demonstrate
that you are working on foundation principles, principles that will
prepare the students for entrance through the pearly gates into the
heavenly city. The saving of souls is worth far more than mere