For the Right Kind of Education

While seeking to find their way, the faculty at the College of Evangelists had encouraged those who wished to take the medical course to hope that the instruction they were receiving would count toward their graduation, either at the institution or in other medical colleges. They were now offering a three-year course, and from time to time had added sufficient equipment to make the work equal to that given in the regular medical schools, and they hoped that it might be accepted as equivalent to the first two years, if it were finally decided to give no further studies at Loma Linda.SHM 381.2

In September, 1909, Elder J. A. Burden visited St. Helena, California, and in a letter to Mrs. White set forth the details of the situation. This letter was placed in her writing room where she would find it when she arose in the morning. The following day, in an interview which was stenographically reported, she spoke very clearly and decidedly. She made it plain that those who wished to complete the medical course should find an opportunity to obtain it in its entirety in a denominational school, declaring:SHM 381.3

“We want none of that kind of ‘higher education’ that will put us in a position where the credit must be given, not to the Lord God of Israel, but to the god of Ekron. The Lord designs that we shall stand as a distinct people, so connected with Him that He can work with us. Let our physicians realize that they are to depend wholly upon the true God.SHM 382.1

“I felt a heavy burden this morning when I read over a letter that I found in my room, in which a plan was outlined for having medical students take some work at Loma Linda, but to get the finishing touches of their education from some worldly institution. ...SHM 382.2

“There are some who may not be able to see that here is a test as to whether we shall put our dependence on man, or depend upon God. Shall we, by our course, seem to acknowledge that there is a stronger power with the unbelievers than there is with God’s own people? When we take hold upon God, and trust in Him, He will work in our behalf. But we are to stand distinct and separate from the world. ...SHM 382.3

“We need not tie to men in order to secure influence. We need not think that we must have their experience and their knowledge. Our God is a God of knowledge and understanding, and if we will take our position decidedly on His side, He will give us wisdom. I would that all our people might see the inconsistency of our being God’s commandment-keeping people, a peculiar people zealous of good works, and yet feeling that we must copy after the world in order to make our work successful. Our God is stronger than is any human influence. If we will accept Him as our educator, if we will make Him our strength and righteousness, He will work in our behalf.”—E. G. White Manuscript 71, 1909.SHM 382.4