404
Fundamentals of Christian Education
to have efficient teachers, and to do well the work that must be done.
They should arrange to carry their students to the point of literary and
scientific training that is necessary. Many of these requirements have
been made because so much of the preparatory work done in ordinary
schools is superficial. Let all our work be thorough, faithful, and true.
In our training-schools the Bible is to be made the basis of all
education. And in the required studies, it is not necessary for our
teachers to bring in the objectionable books that the Lord has instructed
us not to use in our schools. From the light that the Lord has given me,
I know that our training-schools in various parts of the field should be
placed in the most favorable position possible for qualifying our youth
to meet the tests specified by state laws regarding medical students.
To this end the very best teaching talent should be secured, that our
schools may be brought up to the required standard.
But let not the young men and young women in our churches be
advised to go to Battle Creek in order to obtain a preparatory education.
There is a congested state of things at Battle Creek that makes it
an unfavorable place for the proper education of Christian workers.
Because the warnings in regard to the work in that congested center
have not been heeded, the Lord permitted two of our institutions to be
[491]
consumed by fire. Even after this revealing of His signal displeasure
His warnings were not heeded. The Sanitarium is still there. If it
had been divided into several plants, and its work and influence given
to several different places, how much more God would have been
glorified! But now that the Sanitarium has been rebuilt, we must
do our very best to help those who are there struggling with many
difficulties.
Let me repeat: It is not necessary for so many of our youth to study
medicine. But for those who should take medical studies our Union
Conference training-schools should make ample provision in facilities
for preparatory education. Thus the youth of each Union Conference
can be trained nearer home, and be spared the special temptations that
attend the work in Battle Creek.—
The Review and Herald, October
15, 1903
.
[492]