Preparation for Active Labor in the Cause.
By C. C. Ramsey
Now that a college is established by our people on the Pacific Coast, it is a matter of no inconsiderable solicitude on the part of those who have the best welfare of the cause at heart, lest it will not be properly appreciated by the class among us for whom it is especially designed. While the attendance of all worthy persons is desired, those who should prepare for ministerial and missionary labor are urgently invited to come and enjoy the benefits of the school. And those who have already been engaged in the work, but who need a better mental preparation for the same, should also come. For both of these classes, the college affords excellent advantages. It need not be repeated that a certain amount and quality of intellectual preparation, such as only a good school can furnish, is of great consequence to one who would labor successfully in the great harvest field in whatever capacity. The advantage to the minister or missionary worker of being an agreeable reader, a clear and forcible speaker, a legible writer, and a fair accountant, is unquestioned. This argues the importance of the study and practice, under competent instructors, of the several branches which are conducive to these results; such are elocution, English language, penmanship, arithmetic, and the elements of book-keeping. Before and above all these, however, must be placed the study of the greatest of all text-books, the Word of Life, a familiarity with which is absolutely necessary to the successful laborer for the Master. Nor is this neglected at the College, even in the case of those who have no such object specially in view. Its study forms a portion of every day's work. All of these may be studied alone, or gathered here and there by experience, with fair success. But an acquaintance with such attempts and the capabilities of the average student, leads to the conclusion that little is accomplished in this way. It is only after considerable preliminary training and mental development that one gains the power to study and investigate without the aid of an instructor. But far more important than the valuable knowledge obtained from the study of these few practical branches, is the acquisition of the ability to think, to study. This constitutes the working power of the man, and is the chief factor of success in any calling. If the artisan, who acts on matter alone, hopes to produce an article worthy of his skill, his tools must have keen edges; so the minister, who acts upon minds, cannot expect to reach hearts and touch consciences unless his mental faculties are well sharpened. This will result from hard study and severe application. It is needless to affirm that fertility of thought, systematic and profound, is a very desirable and necessary attainment for the successful laborer in the cause of God; for it must be evident to every thinking mind that such is the case. The mental awakening, and the release from intellectual bondage, which accompany the birth of thought, and which are necessary to this end, will of themselves be of great gain to the aspirant in any field of effort. A knowledge of proper methods of study and investigation, and of the use of books, is of vast importance to the minister. Coupling with this knowledge that of correct and clear expression of thought, and he is intellectually equipped. If the student improve his opportunities at our College, he will not fail of great progress in these respects. In the class-room and in the library, which is now becoming an important facility he will acquire proper habits of thought and expression. It is no small advantage to one who is fitting for a given work, to be surrounded by influences which tend in the direction of his future labors. In case of one who expects to enter upon active labor in the cause, these influences should be both intellectual and religious. A good school never fails to create a strong intellectual atmosphere; and it is believed that our College has accomplished more than this. Strong moral and religious influences have, by the blessing of God, also been generated within its walls. What has been said with reference to a preparation for work in the cause must not be construed as being in any way derogatory to the power of the Spirit of God in fitting up laborers for his vineyard. It is acknowledged by all who candidly read the Scriptures, that we are to work with the Spirit, we are to obey its promptings and follow its leadings. There is no reason to believe that it ever discourages the acquirement of useful knowledge, or the proper culture of our God-given powers. Again, the law of use governs in the determination of the value of any given process or thing. It will not be denied that sanctified knowledge and mental culture are of great utility, though never a proper substitute for spiritual power, in spreading present truth by human instrumentality in this intellectually enlightened age. Therefore their value is beyond question. There are, doubtless, a large number of young men and women, and those more advanced in years also, in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington Territory, who are deeply interested in the progress of the truth, and who perhaps have some intention of actively laboring in its behalf at some future time, or when they become better prepared. Perhaps there are others also who could be useful in the cause in some way, if their interest and sense of duty to prepare for the work were by some means aroused. The more influential brethren and sisters of all our churches in these States, should look after such persons, and urge them to attend the College. To both of these classes we would say, Make up your mind to come to our school, and decide to come now. Be on hand to commence work at the beginning of next term (Jan. 3). Time is short and rapidly fleeting. Opportunities are quickly vanishing, and responsibilities before God are fast increasing. Shall we not decide now, before another year is ushered in, that we will make more strenuous efforts to become instrumental in the salvation of souls, by obtaining a better preparation in every way for the work? May God grant that immediate and right decisions shall be made. Healdsburg College, Dec. 12, 1882.