In the erection of school buildings, in
their furnishing, and in every feature of their management the
strictest economy must be practiced. Our schools are not to be
conducted on any narrow or selfish plans. They should be as homelike
as possible, and in every feature they are to teach correct lessons
of simplicity, usefulness, thrift, and economy.
The students are in our schools for a special
training to become acquainted with all lines of work that should
they go out as missionaries they could be self-reliant and able,
through their educated ability, to furnish themselves with necessary
conveniences and facilities. Whether men or women, they should
learn to mend, wash, and keep their own clothes in order. They
should be able to cook their own meals. They should be familiar
with agriculture and with mechanical pursuits. Thus they can
lighten their own expenses, and, by their example, inculcate
principles of thrift and economy. These lessons can best be taught
where economy in all things is conscientiously practiced.
Not only for the financial welfare of the
schools, but also as an education to the students, economy should
be faithfully studied and conscientiously and diligently practiced.
The managers must guard carefully every point, that there may
be no needless expense, to bring a burden of debt upon the school.
Every student who loves God supremely will help to bear the responsibility
in this matter. Those who have been educated to do this can demonstrate
by precept and example to those with whom they come in contact
the principles taught by our self-denying Redeemer. Self-indulgence
is a great evil and must be overcome.
Some have felt reluctant to let the students
know of the financial embarrassment
of the schools; but it will be far better for the students to
see and understand our lack of means, for they will thus be able
to help in the practice of economy. Many who come to our schools
leave homes that are unadorned and where they have been accustomed
to eat simple food without a number of courses. What influence
will our example have on these? Let us teach them that while
we have so many ways in which to use our means; while thousands
are starving, dying of the plague, of famine, of bloodshed, and
of fire, it becomes every one of us to consider carefully, to
get nothing that is needless, simply to gratify appetite or to
make an appearance.
If our schools are conducted on right lines,
debts will not be piling up, and still the students will be made
comfortable, and the table will be supplied with plenty of good,
substantial food. Our economy must never be of that kind which
would lead to providing meager meals. Students should have an
abundance of wholesome food. But let those in charge of the cooking
gather up the fragments that nothing be lost.
Students should be taught to guard carefully
their own property and that of the school. They should be made
to understand the duty to bind about every needless expense at
the school and while traveling to and from their homes. Self-denial
is essential. We must heed the instruction given, for we are
nearing the end of time. More and more shall we be obliged to
plan, and devise, and economize. We cannot manage as if we had
a bank on which to draw in case of emergency; therefore we must
not get into straitened places. As individuals and as managers
of the Lord's institutions we shall necessarily have to cut away
everything intended for display and bring our expenses within
the narrow compass of our income.