Workers in our College
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and these have become habit by lifelong training and discipline. He
has been approved of God for this. His labors are of real worth because
he will not allow students to be superficial. But in his very first efforts
toward the establishment of a school he encountered many obstacles.
Had he been less resolute and persevering he would have given up the
struggle. Some of the parents neglected to sustain the school, and their
children did not respect the teacher because he wore poor clothing.
They allowed his appearance to prejudice them against him. This spirit
of disrespect was rebuked of the Lord, and the teacher encouraged in
his work. But the complaints and unwise reports carried home by the
children strengthened the prejudice of the parents. While Brother---
--was seeking to inculcate true principles and establish right habits,
overindulged children were complaining of their taxing studies. These
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very ones, I was shown, were suffering because the mind was not
sufficiently occupied with proper subjects. Their thoughts were upon
demoralizing matters, and both mind and body were enfeebled through
the habit of self-abuse. It was this vile practice, not overstudy, that
caused the frequent illness of these children and prevented them from
making the advancement which the parents desired.
The Lord approved of the general course of Brother-----, as he was
laying the foundation for the school which is now in operation. But
the man has labored too hard, without a firm, blessed, strengthening
home influence to lighten his burdens. Under the strain of overwork
he has made some mistakes, not half so grievous, however, as those of
persons who have cherished bitterness against him. In his connection
with the youth he has had to meet that spirit of rebellion and defiance
which the apostle declares to be one of the signs of the last days.
Some of the teachers in the college have failed to realize the re-
sponsibility of their position. They have not themselves been learners
in the school of Christ, and hence they have not been prepared to
instruct others.
Among the students will be found some of idle, vicious habits.
These will need reproof and discipline; but if they cannot be reformed,
let them not be driven further toward the pit by impatience and harsh-
ness. Teachers should ever remember that the youth under their charge
are the purchase of the blood of Christ, and are younger members of
the Lord’s family. Christ made an infinite sacrifice to redeem them.
And teachers should feel that they are to stand as missionaries, to