Our conferences look to the schools for
educated and well-trained laborers, and they should give the
schools a most hearty and intelligent support. Light has been
plainly given that those who minister in our schools, teaching
the word of God, explaining the Scriptures, educating the students
in the things of God, should be supported by the tithe money.
This instruction was given long ago, and more recently it has
been repeated again and again.
Wherever schools are established, wise
managers must be provided, "able men, such as fear God,
men of truth, hating covetousness," men who will do their
very best in the various responsibilities of their positions.
Business ability they should have, but it is of still greater
importance that they walk humbly with God and are guided by the
Holy Spirit. Such men will be taught of God, and they will seek
counsel of their brethren who are men of prayer.
The managers of our schools must labor
with pure motives. In their unselfishness they will remember
that other parts of the great harvest field will require the
same facilities that are provided for the school under their
care. In every plan they will remember that equality and unity
are to be preserved. They will carefully estimate the expense of every undertaking and will
endeavor not to absorb so large an amount of money as to deprive
other fields of necessary facilities.
Too often ministers have been brought in
to carry responsibilities which they were in no way fitted to
bear. Lay these responsibilities upon men who have business tact,
men who can give themselves to business, who can visit the schools
and keep an account of the financial condition, and who can also
give instruction regarding the keeping of the accounts. The work
of the school should be inspected several times each year. Let
the ministers act as counselors, but lay not on them the financial
responsibilities.