October 4, 1898

Week of Prayer in Australia—No. 2

EGW

Just prior to the week of prayer, the spiritual condition of the communities around Cooranbong, Maitland, Newcastle, and Gosford was spread out before me like a panorama; and words were spoken regarding the work to be done in these communities by those connected with our school. The people are as sheep without a shepherd; many are hungering for the bread of life. It was represented to me that we had assembled in council, and the One who was our Teacher spoke of the light which should shine forth to all these places. His words brought light and spirit into our meeting. The instruction will not soon pass from my mind.RH October 4, 1898, par. 1

“This school,” he said, “must not be conducted on stereotyped human plans, as are many of the schools among those who have a knowledge of the truth.” The Bible is to lie at the foundation of all the education given; but more, far more, than a theoretical teaching of Bible truth is required. It is not enough to fill the minds of the students with precious lessons of the deepest importance, and then leave lesson after lesson unused. Missionary work should be done by suitable persons, that they may learn to impart what they have received. We are not to seal up the precious ointment; but we are to break the bottle, and let the fragrance be shared by all around. Among the students, there are those who have precious talents. Let these talents be put out to usury.RH October 4, 1898, par. 2

It is necessary to the best education that we give the students time to do missionary work,—time to become acquainted with the spiritual needs of the families in the community around them. They should not be so loaded down with studies that they can not have time to put to use the knowledge they have acquired. They should be encouraged to make earnest missionary effort for those in the darkness of error, by becoming acquainted with them, and taking them the truth where they are. With all humility of heart, seeking knowledge from Christ, praying, and watching unto prayer, they may make known to others the truth that is placed before them day by day.RH October 4, 1898, par. 3

The teachers and students in our schools need the divine touch. God can do much more for them than he had done, because, in the past, his way has been restricted. If a missionary spirit is encouraged, even if it takes some hours from the program of study, much of heaven's blessing will be given, provided there is more faith and spiritual zeal, more of a realization of what God will do.RH October 4, 1898, par. 4

If students will do faithfully the work that is given to them, they will see that they need all the instruction they are receiving. They will diligently seek to understand the purpose of God, that they may communicate to others the precious lessons they have received. The lessons which they are obtaining from the word of God will make them diligent students in all lines of study, and fit them for faithful service.RH October 4, 1898, par. 5

Students should be qualified to speak in an acceptable manner before congregations; and they should therefore train themselves to use pure, simple language, and to follow the best methods of speaking. Much attention should be given to the practise of reading with full, clear voice and distinct utterance, giving the proper emphasis to each word. To spell correctly, to write a clear, fair hand, and to keep accounts, are essential accomplishments. Bookkeeping has been strangely dropped out of our school work in many places, but it should be considered a study of primary importance. A thorough preparation in these studies will fit students to stand in positions of trust.RH October 4, 1898, par. 6

The lessons given in Bible lines should be repeated over and over again, in plain, simple language. It is important that the truths of God's word shall be securely fastened in the mind; and nothing will do this so effectually as for those who hear to engage in missionary labor, and speak to others the truths that have impressed their own minds. All can communicate, if they will, the grand yet simple truths regarding the mission and work of Christ. If they seek the Lord daily in earnest prayer, they will understand how to meet the people as Christ met them, adapting the instruction to their varied circumstances and understanding. The spiritual lessons regarding the kingdom of God, they should illustrate by the natural things with which their hearers are familiar. Then, as these natural objects are seen, day by day, the lesson of truth will be repeated to the mind.RH October 4, 1898, par. 7

The ministry of the divine Word is an important part of God's plan; but every one who takes part in this work must have a teachable spirit, and must yoke up with Christ. The frail human instrument is nothing. Without Christ we can do nothing. Teachers and students must so unite with Christ that their minds will be brought into captivity to him. We must let Christ be revealed in us. We must be his representatives to the world. We must “walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” Self-confidence is not an evidence of advancement in the knowledge of God. The great Teacher says, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”RH October 4, 1898, par. 8

Students as Home Missionaries

Before I presented these matters to the students of the Avondale school, a few had been diligently engaged in missionary effort, visiting families, distributing reading-matter, and holding Bible readings in places from one to five miles away; but many of the students here, as in most other schools, were acting upon the theory that it was wisest to learn all they could while in school, and wait till after school closed before undertaking any active missionary effort.RH October 4, 1898, par. 9

For some weeks beforehand, Elders Haskell, Hughes, W. C. White, and I had united with the officers of the Union Conference in making plans and preparations for the week of prayer. Letters containing information regarding the progress of the work, manuscripts that might be read in families and churches, and appeals for help to carry forward the work, were sent to leading workers in all the colonies. As we studied what would be for the best interests of the New South Wales churches, and for those students in the school who had had an experience in working for Christ, it was thought best to encourage persons of some experience to leave the school, and spend the week in visiting in the churches, in helping to conduct the meetings, and uniting with the workers in these churches in earnest work for those needing help. Seven were thus sent out from Cooranbong, besides Elder Haskell, who spent the week with the Stanmore church, upon which he has bestowed so much efficient and loving labor.RH October 4, 1898, par. 10

When this matter was first considered, by some it seemed a serious thing to lose one week out of the school term. It had cost much to reach the school, and apparently this was the last opportunity for attendance, and each lesson was very precious. But after consideration, the service was accepted cheerfully; the cross was lifted, and as it was lifted, it lifted the bearer. None of the workers settled down to have an easy time, but they moved rapidly from place to place. They met a hearty reception. They found lonely souls hungry for spiritual encouragement; as they watered others, their own souls were watered.RH October 4, 1898, par. 11

When these workers returned to the school, they were full of joy and courage. Their faith had developed with labor, and they were ready to cheer and help their fellows. Just then there was throughout the colony a visitation of the influenza, in a severe form. It appeared first in the cities, and then worked its way through the country. As might be expected, the school was one of the last places visited. There were many sick all around us; and the students who are in the class of practical nursing, freely offered to go, when needed, and care for the sick. So they were sent out, two and two, to give treatments, and to nurse those who were very feeble.RH October 4, 1898, par. 12

These experiences prepared their hearts to appreciate and receive instruction regarding the value of missionary effort as a part of their education. As this subject was presented in the school and in the church, during the week of prayer, students and teachers sought to act upon the suggestions, and opportunities for labor were found in all directions. Sabbath and Sunday afternoons, from sixteen to twenty students are engaged in holding prayer-meetings, Bible readings, young people's meetings, and preaching services, in from six to ten different places. One result of this work we already see,—the workers are greatly blessed. Other results may be seen in the future.RH October 4, 1898, par. 13