The Education Our Schools Should Give
NP
August 26, 1898
Portions of this manuscript are published in HFM 38-42; PM 149-150; 1MR 392; 2MR 212; 4MR 244; SpM 134-140. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.
As we are about to establish our facilities for the manufacture of health foods, the question has come up: How shall we treat this matter? Where shall we locate the work so important to ourselves and to the school established in Cooranbong? Shall this branch of business be established in Cooranbong, and thus open ways and means whereby many more students may obtain an all-round education? 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 1
From the light given me in regard to the location and building up of our school interests, I know that it is the purpose of God that this institution be established at a distance from the city that is so full of temptations and snares, of amusements and holidays, which are not conducive to purity and piety and religious devotion. He designs that we shall connect manual labor with the improvement of the mental powers. I have been shown that study in agricultural lines should be the A B and C of the educational work of our school. This institution must not depend upon imported produce for the fruits so essential to healthfulness, and for their grains and vegetables. This is the very first work that must be entered upon. Then as we shall advance and add to our facilities, advance studies and object lessons should come in. We are not to subtract from that which has already been taken hold of as a branch of education. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 2
From the light given me is to be opened to our youth means whereby they, while attending school, may learn how to use tools. Buildings should be erected on the school grounds by the students themselves. Under the guidance of experienced workmen, carpenters who are apt to teach, patient [and] kind, the youth are to learn how to build economically. Then, it is essential that our printing should be done where our principal school is established, and we should have a printing press and fonts of type where another class of students may be trained to manage everything connected with typesetting and press work. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 3
Again, our youth, both men and women, should be taught how to cook savingly, and to dispense with every thing in the line of flesh foods. This is a very serious matter to the world. Thousands of human beings who subsist upon the flesh of dead animals are suffering and dying from causes of which they are ignorant. By painstaking effort they can be taught to discriminate between a proper healthful diet and the use of flesh meats. No encouragement should be given in the training of our youth to prepare dishes which are composed in any degree of flesh meats, for this is pointing to the darkness and ignorance of Egypt rather than to the purity of health reform. Teach the students to prepare healthful drinks from grains suitably prepared to take the place of tea. This drink is unhealthy in its purest preparation; and it is so adulterated, mixed with other ingredients that resemble tea, that it has become a dangerous beverage. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 4
All the arts are to come into the education of the students. Even in the school at Avondale there are too many studies taken by the students. The youth should not be left to take all the studies they shall choose, for many will be inclined to take more than they can carry; and if they do this, they cannot possibly come from the school with a thorough knowledge of each study. There should be less study of books, and greater painstaking effort made to obtain that knowledge which is essential for practical life. The youth are to learn how to work interestedly and intelligently, that, wherever they are, they may be respected because they have a knowledge of those arts which are so essential for practical life. In the place of being day laborers, under an overseer, they are to strive to be masters of their trades, to place themselves where they can command wages as good carpenters, printers, or as educators in agricultural work. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 5
If the brain is overtaxed by taking too many studies, the student is robbed of physical health. This can only be secured to him by the exercise of the muscles. The human machine must be taxed proportionately or health and vigor cannot be maintained. When the brain and muscle work proportionately, the youth can bring to the study of the Word of God healthy perception and well-balanced nerves. They can have wholesome, healthful thoughts, and can retain the precious things that are brought from the Word. They will digest its trusts, and as a result will have brain power to discern what is truth. Then, as occasion demands, they can give to every man that asketh a reason of the hope that is in them with meekness and fear. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 6
The question has been asked me, Have you any light for us; if so, give it to us. From time to time many things have been opened before me, and often light has come just before difficulties have risen. Thus it was when I was at Stanmore a few weeks ago. All through the night, in my dreams, we were making changes. Some were packing up, and moving to other localities. When examination was made of the purposes of each, there was much said. Some said they were on the way to Cooranbong, where they intended to locate in connection with the school. They said they purposed to work as work should be provided for them in any line whatever. If they could not take all the studies, they would take what they could and learn how to work. This, they said, would fit them for practical life and for the work to be done in the missionary field. They said they could see that great changes must be wrought in their own minds in the living policy before they could be prepared to enlighten other minds. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 7
Good ideas were brought out in regard to temperance in eating and drinking. Said they, We must first learn ourselves; then, as we shall go out to do missionary work for others, we can give them our own experience. In Cooranbong, we shall have the most favorable opportunities, not only to obtain a practical knowledge of how to work, but we shall also learn how to read and study our Bibles. Then we shall know in our own experience the words of David in the 119th Psalm: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” [Verses 9-11.] 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 8
Quite a number, both of men and women, were awakened to a purpose. Then questions were asked as to the advisability of educating others to supply the place of meat and tea and coffee with a more healthful diet. Should we make known our methods, and thus cut off from ourselves the benefits we might receive in establishing the trade in the colonies? Should we give away the science of how to make these healthful foods? Should we teach the poor people how they can live without using the flesh of dead animals? Should we teach the poor people who come into the truth how to plant and raise nuts, how to produce for themselves those things which cost too much if they bought them prepared by other hands? Should we teach them how to prepare these foods for themselves? 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 9
These seemed to be important questions, and hard to solve. Then the voice of wisdom was heard: The subject of health reform is a great subject, an important subject, and this missionary work is to be carried into the highways and byways of life. The third angel’s message is present truth for 1898, and the health question is as closely connected with that message as the arm is with the body. Therefore light must be given as to the best methods of introducing health reform. Meat is the greatest disease breeder that can be introduced into the human system. But you cannot teach health reform unless you present the most inexpensive methods of living. The enemy must have no advantage in any line. The Lord can only bless those who are keeping every precept He has given in relation to this life. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 10
Many physicians in our world are of no benefit to the human family. The drug science has been exalted, but if every bottle that comes from every such institution were done away with, there would be fewer invalids in the world today. Drug medication should never have been introduced into our institutions. There was no need of this being so, and for this very reason the Lord would have us establish an institution where He can come in, and where His grace and power can be revealed. “I am the resurrection and the life,” He declares. [John 11:25.] 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 11
The true method for healing the sick is to tell them of the herbs that grow for the benefit of man. Scientists have attached large names to these simplest preparations, but true education will lead us to teach the sick that they need not call in a doctor any more than they would call in a lawyer. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 12
They can themselves administer the simple herbs if necessary. To educate the human family that the doctor alone knows all the ills of infants and persons of every age is false teaching, and the sooner we as a people stand on the principles health reform, the greater will be the blessing that will come to those who would do true medical work. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 13
There is a work to be done in treating the sick with water and teaching them to make the most of the sunshine and physical exercise. Thus in simple language we may teach the people how to preserve health, how to avoid sickness. This is the work our sanitariums are called upon to do. This is true science. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 14
At His first advent, the Lord’s way was prepared by a man named John, who came in the spirit and power of Elias; and there is a work to be done in these last days to prepare the way of the Lord. Give the great Healer room to work for the afflicted ones. Let every one who accepts the truth for these last days bear in mind that they are to prepare the way of the Lord, to make straight in the dessert a highway for our God. The faith we exercise in behalf of the sick and afflicted is altogether too weak and uncertain. Christ says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Believest thou this?” [Verses 25, 26.] Christ is to be received as our personal Saviour. In order to save the world from ruin, the most precious gift of God, His only begotten Son, was given for the fallen race. That gift cannot be weighed by human minds. In it is embraced all heaven. Nothing was too valuable for the Lord of heaven to give in Jesus Christ, that through Him the fallen race might be recovered and stand on vantage ground with God. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 15
In the synagogue as Nazareth Christ announced His work. “He came to Nazareth where he had been brought up: and as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.” [Luke 4:16-22.] 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 16
All who follow Christ fully will understand what this means. They will have the honor or being co-laborers with Jesus Christ, to do the very same work that He accomplished in this world, in restoring the moral image of God in man. We are laborers together with God. Believest thou this? The knowledge, the capabilities, the powers, God has given us are not to be hoarded as men hoard their riches. We are not to do as the selfish money-loving men of this age are doing. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 17
The passion to accumulate their possessions and retain their power has grown upon the men of the world. In their selfishness they buy up wheat and goods so that others in their need will have to buy of them; then they charge whatever prices they desire. This is the spirit that is prevailing in the world, and is making the money-hoarder Satan’s co-partner in robbing the poor. This is keenly felt by the poorer classes, and the devil leads them to do his will in stubbornly resisting the things they cannot help. Thus selfishness and violence is exercised by man over his fellow man. The ones who are robbed and injured become exasperated, and violence and wickedness and cruelty is created in the world. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 18
This Christ declared would be. “As it was in the days of Noah,” He said, “so shall it be when the Son of man shall be revealed. They were eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage, until the flood came and took them all away.” [Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 17:26-30.] This is to be when the Son of man shall be revealed. But God designed that in all this outlay of means the brotherhood of the human family should be considered. It was His purpose that those who had large talents of means should trade upon their entrusted capital, to increase the talents lent them, and invest them in turning men from sin to righteousness. In seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, men could be men in the sight of God—fallen through sin and transgression, but purchased with a price, ransomed from Satan’s power. Christ gave His own life for the life of the world, that men might, through the facilities and opportunities and privileges given him of God, recognize his own value. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 19
Says the apostle: “Ye are not your own: but ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s.” [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.] Him that defileth the temple of God, by covetous practices, by selfishness, thereby making the lot of his fellow men more trying, by abetting Satan in his work, and becoming a co-partner with satanic agencies, “him will God destroy.” [1 Corinthians 3:17.] 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 20
The greed of the monied man increases as it is indulged, and this spirit will rule the church unless its members are followers of Christ. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and the widow in their affliction and keep himself unspotted from the world.” [James 1:27.] 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 21
This worldly policy has wrestled for the victory among Seventh-day Adventists, and the principles which should have been kept pure and unadulterated have been overcome, and selfishness has come into the very courts of the Lord. The Lord has permitted those who did not love the light, who departed from a plain “thus saith the Lord,” to walk in the sparks of the fire of their own kindling, but He says, “They shall lie down in sorrow.” [Isaiah 50:11.] 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 22
This condition of things which has existed in the world has been created in our conferences and churches under a religious cloak. Confederacies have been formed to make their showing stand out as superior, and men have gained the name of having done a large work in their responsible positions of trust. They flatter themselves that they were doing God’s service when they were establishing principles of robbery. They were depriving their brethren of their rights in gathering everything in the book line under their control, and making their own laws and rules—rules that were not after God’s order at all, but which revealed the very attributes of Satan. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 23
It was this spirit that was manifested by the priests and temple officials in their gatherings for the Passover. Cattle were brought by the dignitaries, the monied men, who oppressed those of whom they purchased. The representation was made that these animals were to be offered as a sacrifice to God at the Passover, and thus urged, the owners sold them at a cheap price. Then these scheming men brought their purchases to the temple—purchases which meant double robbery—robbery of the men of whom they had purchased, and robbery of those who wished to sacrifice, to whom they were sold again at exorbitant prices. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 24
They used the courts of the temple as though the animals brought there made them of the highest value. O, what deceit, what hypocrisy was practiced. Twice Christ’s displeasure was evidenced against them. Divinity flashed through humanity, and He drove out the buyers and sellers from the temple courts saying, “Take these things hence. It is written, My Father’s house shall be [called] a house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves.” [John 2:16; Matthew 21:13.] He overturned the tables of the money changers, and priests and people fled from before that one Man as though an army of soldiers with drawn swords were pursuing them. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 25
This work has been carried on at Battle Creek. The publishing office was turned from its original design; men made terms with authors; councils were formed; schemes were entered into. While one author was engaged in the services of a meeting at a distance, the expenses of one man was paid to go and see this brother and induce him to put the lowest figures on his books. They urged that they wished to get this important matter before as many people as possible, and that the book would have a very much larger sale if it were sold at cheap prices. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 26
The royalty was placed at the lowest figure. Then this confederacy held this example up as a rule for others. Warnings were given me that all this was the working out of a system of oppression and robbery, and that the whole institution was leavened throughout with corrupt principles, that the light of God was fast departing from all who were engaged in this confederacy. God sanctioned none of this spirit. He could not place His signature upon this devising. He would forsake these men, remove His Spirit from those who entered upon this course, and the glory of His presence would depart from them. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 27
The cause of God in any line is not to be advanced by such policy, for it is born of Satan, and can only have his inspiration. All who do not repent and seek to set things right, God will leave to stumble on in darkness. They have not discerned unrighteousness in practice. They have secured books, and diverted them from their original design to make up the sum which they wished to secure. But every page of that dark history is written in the books of heaven to react upon every soul who has engaged in these schemes, unless they shall repent with that repentance that needeth not to be repented of. The Lord cannot tolerate any such transactions as those that have been professedly done in His name. He abhors all such satanic principles. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 28
What shall be done in the future? Lest you offend God, place no responsibility upon any man who has become leavened by connection with this work, unless he shows that he has a sense of the evil practice and separates them from the institution, unless he condemns all that savors of injustice, overbearing, or lording it over God’s heritage. There has been a betrayal of sacred trusts. The work of God has been abused, and covered up with men’s unsanctified attributes, and God says, “Shall I not judge for these things?” [Jeremiah 5:9.] 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 29
It is for such workings as these that Christ says, “I came not to send peace but a sword.” [Matthew 10:34.] May God grant that never again shall this policy exist in our institutions, that no events or combination of events shall lead men to repeat the past. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 30
There is a work to be done, that has not yet been done. The temple courts are not yet cleansed as they must be before the work which Christ did after the cleansing of the temple can be done. Then all the sick were brought to Him, and He laid His hands upon them and healed them all. Here was revealed true godliness, true righteousness, a true use of the temple for a practical purpose which brought no defilement. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 31
That faith which works by love and purifies the soul is to be revealed among God’s people. The Lord has no commendation for those who were lording it over God’s heritage. He sets His face against every such work. He blows upon all Pharisaical forms and prayers and ceremonies. Religion, what is it unless the experimental elements of piety are revealed in deep heart service because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: that ye visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and keep yourself unspotted from the world.” [James 1:27.] 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 32
Says the apostle: “We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men: and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things which are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” [1 Corinthians 1:23-31.] 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 33
“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” [1 Corinthians 3:18-23.] 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 34
I see a work to be done that may appear to be working against our own interests financially. This is to give to others that information which we would have others give to us. Teach those whom we wish to restore to correct principles of health reform, how to prepare for themselves the simple nut foods. They are too poor to obtain these if they do not work them up for themselves. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 35
There is a work to be done by our churches that few have any idea of. “I was an hungered,” Christ said, “and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked and ye clothed me, I was sick, and ye visited me, I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” [Matthew 25:35, 36.] We shall have to give of our means to support laborers in the harvest field, and we shall rejoice in the sheaves gathered in. But while this is right, there is a work, as yet untouched, that must be done. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 36
The mission of Christ was to heal the sick, encourage the hopeless, bind up the broken hearted. This work of restoration to be carried on among the needy suffering ones of humanity. God calls not only for your benevolence, but your cheerful countenance, your hopeful words, the grasp of your hand. Relieve some of God’s afflicted ones. Some are sick, and hope has departed. Bring back the sunlight to them. There are souls who have lost their courage; speak to them. Pray for them. There are those who need the bread of life. Read to them from the Word of God. There is a soul sickness no balm can reach, no medicine heal. Pray for these, and bring them to Jesus Christ. And in all your work, Christ will be present to make impressions upon human hearts. 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 37
This is the kind of medical missionary work to be done. Bring the sunshine of the Sun of Righteousness into the rooms of the sick and suffering. Teach the inmates of poor homes how to cook. “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd,” with temporal and spiritual food. [Isaiah 40:11.] Christ invites you, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] 13LtMs, Ms 105, 1898, par. 38