EGW
[Extracts from writings of Mrs. E. G. White.]
The question may be asked, How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plow, and driveth oxen?—By seeking her as silver, and searching for her as for hid treasures. ‘For his God doth instruct him to discretion and doth teach him.’ Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 1
“He who taught Adam and Eve in Eden how to tend the garden, would instruct men today. There is wisdom for him who holds the plow, and plants and sows the seed. The earth has its concealed treasures, and the Lord would have thousands and tens of thousands working upon the soil who are crowded into the cities to watch for a chance to earn a trifle; in many cases that trifle is not turned into bread, but is put into the till of the publican, to obtain that which destroys the reason of man formed in the image of God. Those who will take their families into the country, place them where they have fewer temptations. The children who are with parents that love and fear God, are in every way much better situated to learn of the Great Teacher, who is the source and fountain of wisdom. They have a much more favorable opportunity to gain a fitness for the kingdom of heaven. Send the children to schools located in the city, where every phase of temptation is waiting to attract and demoralize them, and the work of character building is tenfold harder for both parents and children. Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 2
“The earth is to be made to give forth its strength. Fathers and mothers who possess a piece of land and a comfortable home are kings and queens. Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 3
“Many farmers have failed to secure adequate returns from their lands because they have undertaken the work as though it was a degrading employment; they do not see that there is a blessing in it for themselves and their families. All they can discern is the brand of servitude. Their orchards are neglected, the crops are not put in at the right season, and a mere surface work is done in cultivating the soil. Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 4
“Farmers need far more intelligence in their work. In most cases it is their own fault if they do not see the land yield its harvest. They should be constantly learning how to secure a variety of treasures from the earth. The people should learn as far as possible to depend upon the products that they can obtain from the soil. Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 5
“To develop the capacity of the soil requires thought and intelligence. Not only will it develop muscle, but capability for study, because the action of brain and muscle is equalized. We should so train the youth that they will love to work upon the land, and delight in improving it.... Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 6
“Men take you to their orchards, and tell you that the produce does not pay for the work done in them. It is next to impossible to make ends meet, and parents decide that the children shall not be farmers; they have not the hope and courage to educate them to till the soil. Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 7
“What is needed is schools to educate and train the youth so that they will know how to overcome this condition of things. There must be education in the sciences and education in plans and methods of working the soil. There is hope in the soil, but brain and heart and strength must be brought into the work of tilling it.... Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 8
“This country needs educated farmers.... The occupations requiring sedentary habits are the most dangerous, for they take men away from the open air and sunshine, and train one set of facilities, while other organs are becoming weak from inaction. Men carry on their work, perfect their business, and soon lie down in the grave. Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 9
“Much more favorable is the condition of one whose occupation keeps him in the open air, exercising his muscles, while the brain is equally taxed, and all the organs have the privilege of doing their work. To those who can live outside of the cities and labor in the open air, beholding the works of the great Master Artist, new scenes are continually unfolding. As they make the book of nature their study, a softening, subduing influence comes over them; for they realize that God's care is over all, from the glorious sun in the heavens to the little brown sparrow or the tiniest insect that has life. The Majesty of heaven has pointed us to these things of God's creation as an evidence of his love.” Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 10
“Schools should be established where there is as much as possible to be found in nature to delight the senses and give variety to the scenery.” Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 11
“We need schools in this country to educate children and youth that they may be masters of labor, and not slaves of labor.” Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 12
“A return to simple methods will be appreciated by the children and youth. Work in the garden and field will be an agreeable change from the wearisome routine of abstract lessons, to which their young minds should never be confined.” Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 13
“We feel to the depth of the soul the peril that surrounds the youth in these last days; and shall not those who come to us for an education, and the families that are attracted to our schools, be withdrawn, as far as possible, from these seductive and demoralizing influences [of the city]?” Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 14
“The altar and the plow are the experiences for all who seek eternal life.” Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 15
“I have been shown that study in agricultural lines should be the A, B, and C of the educational work of our school.... 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 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.” Advocate August 1, 1900, par. 16