Spalding and Magan Collection

Help for Berrien Springs

Nashville, Tenn.,

Dec. 27, 1901.

To the Ministers and other Friends of the Berrien Springs School:

There are times when things do not look as bright and cheerful as we could wish, because difficulties stand in the way of rapid advancement; but we hope, by brethren and sisters, that you will be encouraged to take a thorough interest in the establishment of the school at Berrien Springs, and aid it by the sale of “Christ's Object Lessons” and in other ways. Let the sale of “Christ's Object Lessons” be taken hold of interestedly in our large cities and in the smaller settlements. Brethren, wake up. The good hand of the Lord has been with our people in the selection of a good place to locate the school. This place corresponds to the representations given me as to where the school would be located. It is away from the cities, and there is an abundance of land for agricultural purposes, and room so that the houses will not need to be built one close to another. There is plenty of ground where students shall be educated to educate the land. “Ye and God's husbandry: ye are God's building.” SpM 203.5

We would have all to understand when canvassing for “Object Lessons”, that they are doing a work that is essential to be done for the school which should now be going on. The Lord will help each one who will pray and work, and work and pray. The light which I have tried to present before our people is that we must arouse ourselves from sleep, and feel an interest in the school that is to be built up at Berrien Springs. Do not let this matter of erecting suitable buildings fade away from your interest. It is for this purpose that the sale of “Object Lessons” should be vigorously carried forward. Let our prompt action enable the interested ones to make successful that work of moving our school out of Battle Creek. SpM 204.1

The land has been secured, and now the work of preparing suitable buildings is to be entered without delay. Let all plans be laid, and the fitting place be now selected. Let those who have been faithful workers take right hold and do their best. Let not this work fail. Let the students take right hold of this matter in earnest. Let not managers, teachers, or helpers swing back in their old customary ways of letting their influence negative the very plans the Lord has presented as the best plan for the physical, mental, and moral education of our youth. SpM 204.2

The Lord calls for steps in advance. Because the teachers may never have been trained to physical, manual labor, they are not easily persuaded in regard to the very best methods to secure for the youth an all-round education, and even the very ones who have been most reluctant to come into line in this matter, had they been given in their youth the physical, mental, and moral education combined, might have saved themselves several attacks of illness, and their brain, bone, and muscle would at this time be in a more healthy condition because all of the Lord's machine would be proportionately taxed. Precious lessons from the best instructors should be secured in spiritual lines, in agricultural employments, and also in carpenter's trade and in the printing business. The Lord would have these mechanical industries brought in and taught by competent men. SpM 204.3

Whoever shall take up the work of selling “Christ's Object Lessons” should have the help and encouragement of their brethren. SpM 204.4

Ellen G. White.