204 Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists
be ready at the call of the government to engage in actual service. One
day a fine tent was brought upon the ground. Then came the discipline
of pitching it and taking it down; instruction was given as to setting
it up in proper order, every man having his specific work. Several
times the tent was erected and taken down. By another company, many
small cannon were brought upon the ground, and lessons were given
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by the officers in the matter of moving these quickly from place to
place, in taking apart the cannon wagon, and setting the gun ready
for use, and in quickly attaching again the fore wheels so as to be
ready at the call to set them in motion in an instant. Ambulances
were brought to the ground, and the sanitary corps were taught to take
care of the wounded. Men were laid upon stretchers, and their heads
and limbs were bandaged as are those of the wounded on the field of
battle. Then they were laid in the ambulances, and drawn from the
ground. For hours, soldiers are drilled to disencumber themselves of
their knapsacks, and place them quickly in position again upon the
person. They are taught how to stack their arms, and how to seize them
quickly. They are drilled in making a charge as against the enemy, and
are trained in all kinds of maneuvers.
Thus the drill goes on, preparing men for any emergency. And
should those who are fighting the battle for Prince Immanuel be less
earnest and painstaking in their preparation for the spiritual warfare?
Those who engage in this great work must take part in the drill. They
must educate themselves to obey, before they are fitted to command.
Even at this eleventh hour, there should be decided advancement
made in the matter of a special preparatory work. In all our Confer-
ences there should be well-organized plans for the instruction and
training of those who desire to give themselves to the cause of God.
Our city missions afford favorable opportunities for education in mis-
sionary labor; but these are not enough. There ought to be connected
with our schools the best possible facilities for the preparation of la-
borers both for home and foreign fields. There should also be in our
larger churches special training schools for young men and women, to
fit them to become workers for God. And far more attention should be
given by our ministers to the matter of assisting and educating younger
laborers.
When an effort is made to introduce the truth in an important
place, our ministers should give special attention to the instruction