The churches in different localities should
feel that a solemn responsibility rests upon them to train youth
and educate talent to engage in missionary work. When they see
those in the church who give promise of making useful workers,
but who are not able to support themselves in the school, they
should assume the responsibility of sending them to one of our
training schools. There is excellent ability in the churches
that needs to be brought into service. There are persons who
would do good service in the Lord's vineyard, but many are too
poor to obtain without assistance the education that they require.
The churches should feel it a privilege to take a part in defraying
the expenses of such.
Those who have the truth in their hearts
are always openhearted, helping where it is necessary. They lead
out, and others imitate their example. If there are some who
should have the benefit of the school, but who cannot pay full
price for their tuition, let the churches show their liberality
by helping them.
Besides this, in each conference a fund should
be raised to lend to worthy poor students who desire to give
themselves to the missionary work; and in some cases they should
even receive donations. When the Battle Creek College was first
started, there was a fund placed in the Review and Herald office
for the benefit of those who wished
to obtain an education but had not the means. This was used by
several students until they could get a good start; then from
their earnings they would replace what they had drawn, so that
others might be benefited by the fund. The youth should have
it plainly set before them that they must work their own way
as far as possible and thus partly defray their expenses. That
which costs little will be appreciated little. But that which
costs a price somewhere near its real value will be estimated
accordingly.