Practical Work Rather Than Years of Study—There are many young men and young women among us who, if inducements were held out, would naturally be inclined to take several years’ course of study at Battle Creek. [Not all the youth who labor for God require extended college and advanced study and preparation. The canvassing field is itself a classroom.] But will it pay? Has not the Lord some practical work to do in missionary lines? Manly young men will be needed to enter the printing office when it is established in Washington, to learn the printer’s trade. Our publications are to be prepared to go forth to the world. Canvassers are to be educated to take up the work of circulating these publications. Our books and papers are to go to places that are still in the darkness of error.—Letter 169, 1903. (PM 288.1) MC VC

Training Youth in Evangelistic Efforts—Before a person is prepared to become a teacher of the truth to those who are in darkness, he must become a learner.... Whenever a special effort is to be made in an important place, a well-arranged system of labor should be established, so that those who wish to become colporteurs and canvassers, and those who are adapted to give Bible readings in families, may receive the necessary instruction.... (PM 288.2) MC VC

There should be connected with our missions, training schools for those who are about to enter the field as laborers. They should feel that they must become as apprentices to learn the trade of laboring for the conversion of souls. The labor in these schools should be varied. The study of the Bible should be made of primary importance, and at the same time there should be a systematic training of the mind and manners that they may learn to approach people in the best possible way. All should learn how to labor with tact and with courtesy, and with the Spirit of Christ.—Evangelism, 107, 108. (See also Evangelism, 470.) (PM 288.3) MC VC