Chapter 4—Our College
To give students a knowledge of books merely, is not the purpose
of the institution. Such education can be obtained at any college in the
land. I was shown that it is Satan’s purpose to prevent the attainment
of the very object for which the College was established. Hindered
by his devices, its managers reason after the manner of the world, and
copy its plans, and imitate its customs. But in thus doing, they will not
meet the mind of the Spirit of God.
A more comprehensive education is needed,—an education which
will demand from teachers and principal such thought and effort as
mere instruction in the sciences does not require. The character must
receive proper discipline for its fullest and noblest development. The
students should receive at college, such training as will enable them
to maintain a respectable, honest, virtuous standing in society, against
the demoralizing influences which are corrupting the youth.
It would be well could there be connected with our College, land for
cultivation, and also work-shops, under the charge of men competent to
instruct the students in the various departments of physical labor. Much
is lost by a neglect to unite physical with mental taxation. The leisure
hours of the student are often occupied with frivolous pleasures, which
weaken physical, mental, and moral powers. Under the debasing power
of sensual indulgence, or the untimely excitement of courtship and
marriage, many students fail to reach that height of mental development
[37]
which they might otherwise have attained.
No other study will so ennoble every thought, feeling, and aspi-
ration, as the study of the Scriptures. This sacred word is the will of
God revealed to men. Here we may learn what God expects of the
beings formed in his image. Here we learn how to improve the present
life, and how to secure the future life. No other book can satisfy the
questionings of the mind, and the craving of the heart. By obtaining
a knowledge of God’s word, and giving heed thereto, men may rise
from the lowest depths of ignorance and degradation, to become the
sons of God, the associates of sinless angels.
30