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Testimonies for the Church Volume 6
all the practical duties of life, comparisons should be made with the
teachings of nature and of the Bible.
The reasons that have led us in a few places to turn away from
cities and locate our schools in the country, hold good with the schools
in other places. To expend money in additional buildings when a
school is already deeply in debt is not in accordance with God’s plan.
Had the money which our larger schools have used in expensive build-
ings been invested in procuring land where students could receive a
proper education, so large a number of students would not now be
struggling under the weight of increasing debt, and the work of these
institutions would be in a more prosperous condition. Had this course
been followed, there would have been some grumbling from students,
and many objections would have been raised by parents; but the stu-
dents would have secured an all-round education, which would have
prepared them, not only for practical work in various trades, but for a
place on the Lord’s farm in the earth made new.
Had all our schools encouraged work in agricultural lines, they
would now have an altogether different showing. There would not
be so great discouragements. Opposing influences would have been
overcome; financial conditions would have changed. With the students,
labor would have been equalized; and as all the human machinery was
proportionately taxed, greater physical and mental strength would have
been developed. But the instruction which the Lord has been pleased
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to give has been taken hold of so feebly that obstacles have not been
overcome.
It reveals cowardice to move so slowly and uncertainly in the labor
line—that line which will give the very best kind of education. Look
at nature. There is room within her vast boundaries for schools to be
established where grounds can be cleared and land cultivated. This
work is essential to the education most favorable to spiritual advance-
ment; for nature’s voice is the voice of Christ, teaching us innumerable
lessons of love and power and submission and perseverance. Some do
not appreciate the value of agricultural work. These should not plan
for our schools, for they will hold everything from advancing in right
lines. In the past their influence has been a hindrance.
If the land is cultivated, it will, with the blessing of God, supply
our necessities. We are not to be discouraged about temporal things
because of apparent failures, nor should we be disheartened by delay.