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Value of the Common Branches
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be shorn of half their influence for good. Whatever his calling is
to be, the student should learn to control the voice. The ability to
speak plainly and distinctly, in full, round tones, is invaluable in any
line of work, and it is indispensable to those who desire to become
ministers, evangelists, Bible workers, or canvassers.
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When voice culture, reading, writing, and spelling take their
rightful place in our schools, there will be seen a great change for
the better. These subjects have been neglected because teachers have
not recognized their value. But they are more important than Latin
and Greek. I do not say that it is wrong to study Latin and Greek,
but I do say that it is wrong to neglect the subjects that lie at the
foundation of education in order to tax the mind with the study of
these higher branches.
It is a matter of great importance that students obtain an educa-
tion that will fit them for successful business life. We must not be
satisfied with the one-sided education given in many schools. The
common branches must be thoroughly mastered, and a knowledge of
bookkeeping should be considered as important as a knowledge of
grammar. All who expect to engage in the work of the Lord should
learn how to keep accounts. In the world there are many who have
made a failure of business and are looked upon as dishonest, who
are true at heart, but who have failed to succeed because they did
not know how to keep accounts.
To spell correctly, to write a clear, fair hand, and to keep accounts,
are necessary accomplishments. Bookkeeping has strangely dropped
out of school work in many places but this should be regarded as
a study of primary importance. A thorough preparation in these
studies will fit students to stand in positions of trust.
* * * * *
To every student I would say, Never rest satisfied with a low
standard. In attending school, be sure that you have in view a noble,
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holy object. Go because you desire to fit yourselves for service in
some part of the Lord’s vineyard. Do all that you can to attain this
object. You can do more for yourselves than anyone can do for you.
And if you do all that you can for yourselves, what a burden you
will lift from the principal and the teachers!