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Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
to country, lifting the standard of the gospel in all the near and far-off
places of the earth.”
In June, the committee having the matter in charge announced that
on St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, two large houses in George’s Terrace
had been rented for the school.
Early in August, Elder and Mrs. L. J. Rousseau arrived from
America, and on August 24 a term of sixteen weeks was begun. The
teachers were Elder Rousseau, principal; Elder Starr, Bible; W. L.
H. Baker and Mrs. Rousseau, assistants in common branches; Mrs.
Starr, matron. Soon twenty-four students were in attendance. Nearly
all were adults. Twelve had been canvassers or were preparing for that
work. Half of the remaining twelve had been laborers in some other
line of Christian service.
On the opening day, short addresses were made by Elders Daniells,
Tenney, Starr, White, and Rousseau; also by Mrs. White, who in the
course of her remarks outlined with clearness the broad scope of a
denominational training school, and the vital relation that it sustains
to the task of finishing the work of God in the earth without delay.
But her special burden seemed to be to impress upon the minds of
teachers and students the fact that God by His providence is opening
country after country to the heralds of the cross, and that in these lands
of gospel opportunity the honest in heart are groping eagerly after the
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light of saving truth.
“The plans and work of men,” she said, “are not keeping pace
with the providence of God; for while some in these countries who
claim to believe the truth declare by their attitude, ‘We want not Thy
way, O Lord, but our own way,’ there are many who are pleading with
God that they may understand what is truth. In secret places they are
weeping and praying that they may see light in the Scriptures, and the
Lord of heaven has commissioned His angels to cooperate with human
agencies in carrying forward His vast design, that all who desire life
may behold the glory of God.”
“We are to follow where God’s providence opens the way,” the
speaker continued; “and as we advance, we shall find that Heaven has
moved before us, enlarging the field for labor far beyond the proportion
of our means and ability to supply. The great want of the field open
before us, should appeal to all to whom God has entrusted means or
ability, that they may devote themselves and their all to God.”