Basic HTML Version
A Speedy Preparation for Work
The practice of furnishing a few students with every advantage
for perfecting their education in so many lines that it would be
impossible for them to make use of them all is an injury rather than
a benefit to the one who has so many advantages, and it deprives
others of the privileges that they need so much. If there were far
less of this long-continued preparation, far less exclusive devotion
to study, there would be much more opportunity for an increase of
the student’s faith in God.... It has been shown me that some of
the students are losing their spirituality, that their faith is becoming
weak, and that they do not hold constant communion with God.
They spend nearly all their time in the perusal of books; they seem
to know but little else. But what advantage will all this preparation
be to them? What benefit will they derive for all the time and money
spent? I tell you, it will be worse than lost....
There should be most careful consideration as to the best manner
of expending money in the education of students. While so much is
spent to put a few through an expensive course of study, there are
many who are thirsting for the knowledge they should get in a few
months; one or two years would be considered a great blessing. If
all the means is used in putting a few through several years of study,
many young men and women just as worthy cannot be assisted at
all....
[405]
Instead of overeducating a few, enlarge the sphere of your chari-
ties. Resolve that the means which you use in educating workers for
the cause shall not be expended simply upon one, enabling him to
get more than he really needs, while others are left without anything
at all. Give students a start, but do not feel that it is your duty to
carry them year after year. It is their duty to get out into the field to
work, and it is your place to extend your charities to others who are
in need of assistance....
Too great devotion to study, even of true science, creates an
abnormal appetite, which increases as it is fed. This creates a desire
326