Spalding and Magan Collection

Training of Students

Brother Sutherland, be careful not to go to opposite extremes. We very much dislike to present wrongs to be corrected, lest the opposite extreme shall be taken. You must not let the students suppose that their education is to be loose and haphazard. Let the students, the young especially, study books that are free from infidelity. As fast as possible let the youth perfect their knowledge of the common branches. Bring in the Word of God and its principles as the foundation of a solid education. Not all the youth are to receive a medical education in order to be fitted for labor. Young boys and girls need to go through the proper period of discipline in the study of the common branches and Bible lessons. But let them have no encouragement that they can engage in medical missionary work, unless they give evidence of thorough conversion. SpM 150.3

When men and women are sent to our schools to learn how to work for the Master, do not teach them that they must have a five years’ drill in Latin and Greek. Many who take this course come from the school deficient in a knowledge of the Bible. They know scarcely anything of the reasons of our faith. Teach the students solidly. Teach them how to learn and how to keep learning. Let them become as efficient as possible, that they in their own turn may be educators. Ministers and those who have been fitting themselves for missionary work should not spend years in medical missionary classes. Little boys and girls need thorough discipline in study, but there are those who need only a short time at school. SpM 150.4

It seems to be unnecessary to go into all these particulars, but I fear lest some may go to extremes that will weaken in the place of strengthening the work of God. May the Lord give sanctified understanding, is my prayer. SpM 150.5

E.G. White.