En CT
En CT
En CT
Ellen G. White
1913
Copyright © 2017
Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
Information about this Book
Overview
This eBook is provided by the Ellen G. White Estate. It is included
in the larger free Online Books collection on the Ellen G. White
Estate Web site.
Further Links
A Brief Biography of Ellen G. White
About the Ellen G. White Estate
Further Information
For more information about the author, publishers, or how you
can support this service, please contact the Ellen G. White Estate
at mail@whiteestate.org. We are thankful for your interest and
feedback and wish you God’s blessing as you read.
i
ii
Preface
The most essential lessons for teachers and students to learn, are
those which point, not to the world, but from the world to the cross
of Christ.
The Essential Knowledge
14
Essential Knowledge 15
They gained the knowledge which God had refused them—to know
the consequences of transgression.
The tree of knowledge, so-called, has become an instrument of
death. Satan has artfully woven his dogmas, his false theories, into
the instruction given. From the tree of knowledge he speaks the
most pleasing flattery in regard to the higher education. Thousands
partake of the fruit of this tree, but it means death to them. Christ
says, “Ye spend money for that which is not bread.” Isaiah 55:2. You
are using your heaven-entrusted talents to secure an education which
God pronounces foolishness.
Upon the mind of every student should be impressed the thought
that education is a failure unless the understanding has learned to [13]
grasp the truths of divine revelation, and unless the heart accepts the
teachings of the gospel of Christ. The student who, in the place of
the broad principles of the word of God, will accept common ideas,
and will allow the time and attention to be absorbed in commonplace,
trivial matters, will find his mind becoming dwarfed and enfeebled.
He will lose the power of growth. The mind must be trained to
comprehend the important truths that concern eternal life.
I am instructed that we are to carry the minds of our students
higher than is now thought to be possible. Heart and mind are to
be trained to preserve their purity by receiving daily supplies from
the fountain of eternal truth. The education gained from a study of
God’s word will enlarge the narrow confines of human scholarship,
and present before the mind a far deeper knowledge to be obtained
through a vital connection with God. It will bring every student who
is a doer of the word into a broader field of thought, and secure to him
a wealth of learning that is imperishable. Without this knowledge
it is certain that man will lose eternal life; possessing it, he will be
fitted to become a companion of the saints in light.
The divine mind and hand have preserved through the ages the
record of creation in its purity. It is the word of God alone that gives
to us an authentic account of the creation of our world. This word
is to be the chief study in our schools. In it we may learn what our
redemption has cost Him who from the beginning was equal with
the Father, and who sacrificed His life that a people might stand [14]
before Him redeemed from everything earthly, renewed in the image
of God.
16 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
*****
*****
In the Teacher sent from God all true educational work finds its
center. Of this work today, as verily as of the work He established
eighteen hundred years ago, the Saviour speaks in the words, “I am
the first and the last, and the Living One.” “I am the Alpha and the
Omega, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 1:17, 18; 21:6, R.V.
In the presence of such a Teacher, with such opportunity for
divine education, what worse than folly is it to seek an education
apart from Him—to seek to be wise apart from Wisdom; to be true
while rejecting Truth; to seek illumination apart from Light, and
existence without the Life; to turn from the Fountain of living waters,
and hew out broken cisterns, that can hold no water!—Education,
83.
*****
*****
20
First of Sciences 21
*****
from the preparatory school of earth to the higher grade, the school
above.—Education, 18, 19.
The Teacher of Truth the Only Safe Educator [25]
God Misrepresented
Satan has ascribed to God all the evils to which flesh is heir.
He has represented Him as a God who delights in the sufferings of
His creatures, who is revengeful and implacable. It was Satan who
originated the doctrine of eternal torment as a punishment for sin, [28]
because in this way he could lead men into infidelity and rebellion,
distract souls, and dethrone human reason.
Heaven, looking down and seeing the delusions into which men
were led, knew that a divine Instructor must come to the earth.
Through the misrepresentations of the enemy, many were so de-
ceived that they worshiped a false god, clothed with the attributes of
the satanic character. Those in ignorance and moral darkness must
have light, spiritual light; for the world knew not God, and He must
be revealed to their understanding. Truth looked down from heaven
and saw not the reflection of her image; for dense clouds of spiritual
darkness and gloom enveloped the world. The Lord Jesus alone was
able to roll back the clouds; for He is the light of the world. By His
presence He could dissipate the gloomy shadow that Satan had cast
between man and God.—First published November 17, 1891.
*****
A True Representation
The Son of God came to this earth to reveal the character of the
Father to men, that they might learn to worship Him in spirit and
in truth. He came to sow the world with truth. He held the keys of
all the treasures of wisdom, and was able to open doors to science,
and to reveal undiscovered stores of knowledge, were it essential to
salvation. The Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the
world, every phase of truth was evident to Him.
In the days of Christ the established teachers instructed men in [29]
the traditions of the fathers, in childish fables, with which were min-
gled the opinions of those who were thought to be high authorities.
Yet neither high nor low could find light or strength in their teaching.
Jesus spake as never man spake. He poured out to men the
whole treasure of heaven in wisdom and knowledge. He had not
come to utter uncertain sentiments and opinions, but to speak truth
28 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
have faith in the pardon brought to you at infinite cost, or all the
wisdom attained on earth will perish with you.
Shall we bring into our schools the sower of tares? Shall we
permit men who have been taught by the enemy of all truth, to
have the education of our youth? Or shall we take the word of
God as our guide? Why take the unstable words of men as exalted
wisdom, when a greater and certain wisdom is at your command? [31]
Why present inferior authors to the attention of students, when He
whose words are spirit and life invites, “Come, ... and learn of Me”?
Matthew 11:28, 29.
“Labor not for the meat which perisheth,” Christ admonished,
“but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the
Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed.”
John 6:27. When we obey these words, we shall rightly understand
the teachings of the Scriptures, and esteem the truth as the most
valuable treasure with which to store the mind. We shall have within
us a wellspring of the water of life. We shall pray, as did the psalmist,
“Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of
Thy law;” and we shall find, as he did, that “the judgments of the
Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they
than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and
the honeycomb. Moreover by them is Thy servant warned: and in
keeping of them there is great reward.” Psalm 119:18; 19:9-11.
*****
It is only life that can beget life. He alone has life who is con-
nected with the Source of life, and only such can be a channel of
life. In order that the teacher may accomplish the object of his work,
he should be a living embodiment of truth, a living channel through
which wisdom and life may flow. A pure life, the result of sound
principles and right habits, should therefore be regarded as his most
essential qualification.
[32] Unselfish Service the Law of Heaven
30
Unselfish Service the Law of Heaven 31
The Remedy
Looking upon man, God saw his desperate rebellion, and He
devised a remedy. Christ was His gift to the world for man’s rec-
oncilement. The Son of God was appointed to come to this earth [34]
to take humanity and by His own example to be a great educating
power among men. His experience in man’s behalf was to enable
men to resist Satan’s power. He came to mold character and to give
mental power, to shed abroad the beams of true education, that the
true aim of life might not be lost sight of. The sons of men had had a
practical knowledge of evil; Christ came to the world to show them
that He had planted for them the tree of life, the leaves of which are
for the healing of the nations.
Christ’s life on earth teaches that to obtain the higher education
does not mean to gain popularity, to secure worldly advantage, to
have all the temporal wants abundantly supplied, and to be honored
by the titled and wealthy of earth. The Prince of life suffered the
inconveniences of poverty, that He might discern the needs of the
poor—He who by His divine power could supply the needs of a
hungry multitude. Not to wear the gorgeous robes of the high priest,
not to possess the riches of the Gentiles, did He come to this earth,
but to minister to the suffering and the needy. His life rebukes all
32 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
are building their experience, not on the sophistries of the world, but
upon principles that are eternal.
It is the privilege of every student to take the life and teachings
of Christ as his daily study. Christian education means the accep-
tance, in sentiment and principle, of the teachings of the Saviour. It
includes a daily, conscientious walking in the footsteps of Christ,
who consented to come to the world in the form of humanity, that
He might give to the human race a power that they could gain by no
other means. What was that power? The power to take the teachings
of Christ and follow them to the letter.
In His resistance of evil and His labor for others, Christ gave
to men an example of the highest education. He revealed God to
His disciples in a way that wrought in their hearts a special work,
such as He has long been urging us to allow Him to do in our hearts.
There are many who in dwelling so largely on theory have lost sight
of the living power of the Saviour’s example. They have lost sight
of Him as the self-denying, humble worker. What they need is to
behold Jesus. Daily they need the fresh revealing of His presence.
They need to follow more closely His example of self-renunciation
and sacrifice.
We need the experience that Paul had when he wrote, “I am
crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth [37]
in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of
the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians
2:20.
The knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ expressed in character
is the very highest education. It is the key that opens the portals of
the heavenly city. This knowledge it is God’s purpose that all who
put on Christ shall possess.
*****
Lord Jesus Christ, he will realize his own imperfections, he will feel
his real ignorance, and he will seek constantly to preserve and put to
the stretch his powers of mind, that he may become an intelligent
Christian. Students who are imbued with the Spirit of Christ will
grasp knowledge with all their faculties. Without this experience,
education is disrobed of its true brightness and glory.
The entrance of God’s word is the application of divine truth to
the heart, purifying and refining the soul through the agency of the
Holy Spirit. The faculties devoted unreservedly to God, under the
guidance of the divine Spirit, develop steadily and harmoniously.
Devotion and piety establish so close a relation between Jesus and
[38] His disciples that the Christian becomes like Him. Through the
power of God, his weak, vacillating character becomes changed to
one of strength and steadfastness. He becomes a person of sound
principle, clear perception, and reliable, well-balanced judgment.
Having a connection with God, the source of light and understand-
ing, his views, unbiased by his own preconceived opinions, become
broader, his discernment more penetrative and farseeing. The knowl-
edge of God, the understanding of His revealed will, as far as human
minds can grasp it, will, when received into the character, make
efficient men.
*****
Knowledge is power, but it is a power for good only when united
with true piety. It must be vitalized by the Spirit of God in order
to serve the noblest purposes. The closer our connection with God,
the more fully can we comprehend the value of true science; for
the attributes of God, as seen in His created works, can be best
appreciated by him who has a knowledge of the Creator of all things,
the Author of all truth. Such can make the highest use of knowledge;
for when brought under the full control of the Spirit of God, their
talents are rendered useful to the fullest extent.
“That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our
daughters may be as cornerstones, polished after the similitude of a
palace.”
Our Children and Youth Demand Our Care
There has been altogether too little attention paid to our children
and youth, and they have failed to develop as they should in the
Christian life, because the church members have not looked upon
them with tenderness and sympathy, desiring that they might be
advanced in the divine life.
In our large churches very much might be done for the youth.
Shall they have less special labor; shall fewer inducements be held
out to them to become full-grown Christians—men and women in
Christ Jesus—than were afforded them in the denominations which
they have left for the truth’s sake? Shall they be left to drift hither
and thither, to become discouraged, and to fall into the temptations
that are lurking everywhere to catch their unwary feet? If they err,
and fall from the steadfastness of their integrity, do the members of
the church who have neglected to care for the lambs, censure and
blame them, and magnify their failures? Are their shortcomings
talked of and exposed to others, and are they left in discouragement
and despair?
The work that lies next to our church members is to become
[42] interested in our youth; for they need kindness, patience, tenderness,
line upon line, precept upon precept. Oh, where are the fathers and
mothers in Israel? There ought to be a large number who would be
stewards of the grace of Christ, who would feel not merely a casual
but a special interest in the young. There ought to be those whose
hearts are touched by the pitiable situation in which our youth are
placed, and who realize that Satan is working by every conceivable
device to draw them into his net.
God requires that the church arouse from her lethargy and see
what is the manner of service demanded of her at this time of peril.
The lambs of the flock must be fed. The Lord of heaven is looking
on to see who is doing the work He would have done for the children
and youth. The eyes of our brethren and sisters should be anointed
with heavenly eyesalve, that they may discern the necessities of the
38
Our Children and Youth Demand Our Care 39
All to Be Trained
The church is asleep, and does not realize the magnitude of this
matter of educating the children and youth. “Why,” one says, “what
is the need of being so particular to educate our youth thoroughly?
It seems to me that if you take a few who have decided to follow a
literary calling or some other calling that requires a certain discipline,
and give due attention to them, that is all that is necessary. It is not
required that the whole mass of our youth be so well trained. Will
not this answer every essential requirement?”
I answer, No, most decidedly not. What selection should we
be able to make out of the numbers of our youth? How could we
tell who would be the most promising, who would render the best
service to God? In our judgment we might look upon the outward
40 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
High Aims
God would not have us in any sense behind in educational work.
Our colleges should be far in advance in the highest kind of educa-
tion.... If we do not have schools for our youth, they will attend other
seminaries and colleges, and will be exposed to infidel sentiments,
to cavilings and questionings concerning the inspiration of the Bible.
There is a great deal of talk concerning higher education, and many
suppose that higher education consists wholly in an education in
science and literature; but this is not all. The highest education
includes the knowledge of the word of God, and is comprehended
in the words, “That they might know Thee the only true God, and
Jesus Christ, whom Thou has sent.” John 17:3.
The highest class of education is that which will give such knowl-
edge and discipline as will lead to the best development of character,
and will fit the soul for that life which measures with the life of
God. Eternity is not to be lost out of our reckoning. The highest
education is that which will teach our children and youth the science
of Christianity, which will give them an experimental knowledge of
God’s ways, and will impart to them the lessons that Christ gave to [46]
His disciples, of the paternal character of God.
“Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man
glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he
understandeth and knoweth Me.” Jeremiah 9:23, 24.... Let us seek to
follow the counsel of God in all things; for He is infinite in wisdom.
Though we have come short of doing what we might have done for
our youth and children in the past, let us now repent, and redeem the
time.—Special Testimonies On Education, 197-202; written April
28, 1896.
44
Primal Object of Education 45
in the school of Christ are meeting with infinite loss. They insult the
divine Teacher by the rejection of the provisions of His grace. The
longer they continue in their course, the more hardened they are in
sin. Their retribution will be proportioned to the infinite value of the
blessings they have spurned.
In the religion of Christ there is a regenerating influence that
transforms the entire being, lifting man above every debasing, grov-
eling vice, and raising the thoughts and desires toward God and
heaven. Linked to the Infinite One, man is made partaker of the
[52] divine nature. Upon him the shafts of evil have no effect; for he is
clothed with the panoply of Christ’s righteousness.
Every faculty, every attribute, with which the Creator has en-
dowed the children of men is to be employed for His glory; and in
this employment is found its purest, holiest, happiest exercise. While
religious principle is held paramount, every advance step taken in
the acquirement of knowledge or in the culture of the intellect is a
step toward the assimilation of the human with the Divine, the finite
with the Infinite.
fail to soften, purify, and ennoble the heart, and at the same time to
inspire the mind with new strength and vigor.
Those who regard it as brave and manly to treat the claims of God
with indifference and contempt are thereby betraying their own folly
and ignorance. While they boast their freedom and independence,
they are really in bondage to sin and Satan.
A clear conception of what God is and what He requires us to be
will lead to wholesome humility. He who studies aright the Sacred
Word will learn that human intellect is not omnipotent. He will learn
that without the help which none but God can give, human strength
and wisdom are but weakness and ignorance.
He who is following the divine guidance has found the only true
source of saving grace and real happiness, and has gained the power
of imparting happiness to all around him. No man can really enjoy
life without religion. Love to God purifies and ennobles every taste
and desire, intensifies every affection, and brightens every worthy
pleasure. It enables men to appreciate and enjoy all that is true, and
good, and beautiful.
But that which above all other considerations should lead us to
prize the Bible is that in it is revealed to men the will of God. Here
we learn the object of our creation and the means by which that
object may be attained. We learn how to improve wisely the present
life and how to secure the future life. No other book can satisfy the
questionings of the mind or the cravings of the heart. By obtaining [54]
a knowledge of God’s word and giving heed thereto, men may rise
from the lowest depths of degradation to become the sons of God,
the associates of sinless angels.
melody, nature’s ten thousand voices speak His praise. In earth and
sea and sky, with their marvelous tint and color, varying in gorgeous
contrast or blended in harmony, we behold His glory. The everlasting
hills tell of His power. The trees that wave their green banners in
the sunlight and the flowers in their delicate beauty point to their
Creator. The living green that carpets the brown earth tells of God’s
care for the humblest of His creatures. The caves of the sea and the
depths of the earth reveal His treasures. He who placed the pearls in
the ocean and the amethyst and chrysolite among the rocks is a lover
of the beautiful. The sun rising in the heavens is a representative
of Him who is the life and light of all that He has made. All the
brightness and beauty that adorn the earth and light up the heavens
speak of God.
[55] Shall we, then, in the enjoyment of His gifts, forget the Giver?
Let them rather lead us to contemplate His goodness and His love.
Let all that is beautiful in our earthly home remind us of the crystal
river and green fields, the waving trees and living fountains, the
shining city and the white-robed singers, of our heavenly home—
that world of beauty which no artist can picture, no mortal tongue
describe. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered
into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them
that love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.
To dwell forever in this home of the blest, to bear in soul, body,
and spirit, not the dark traces of sin and the curse, but the perfect
likeness of our Creator, and through ceaseless ages to advance in
wisdom, in knowledge, and in holiness, ever exploring new fields of
thought, ever finding new wonders and new glories, ever increasing
in capacity to know and to enjoy and to love, and knowing that there
is still beyond us joy and love and wisdom infinite—such is the
object to which the Christian’s hope is pointing, for which Christian
education is preparing. To secure this education, and to aid others to
secure it, should be the object of the Christian’s life.
*****
We are rapidly nearing the final crisis in this world’s history, and
it is important that we understand that the educational advantages
offered by our schools are to be different from those offered by the
schools of the world. Neither are we to follow the routine of worldly
schools. The instruction given in Seventh-day Adventist schools is
to be such as to lead to the practice of true humility. In speech, in
dress, in diet, and in the influence exerted, is to be seen the simplicity
of true godliness.
Our teachers need to understand the work that is to be done in
these last days. The education given in our schools, in our churches,
in our sanitariums, should present clearly the great work to be accom-
plished. The need of weeding from the life every worldly practice
that is opposed to the teachings of the word of God, and of supplying
its place with deeds that bear the mark of the divine nature, should
be made clear to the students of all grades. Our work of education
is ever to bear the impress of the heavenly, and thus reveal how far
divine instruction excels the learning of the world.
To some this work of entire transformation may seem impossible.
But if this were so, why go to the expense of attempting to carry
on a work of Christian education at all? Our knowledge of what
true education means is to lead us ever to seek for strict purity of
character. In all our association together we are to bear in mind that
we are fitting for transfer to another world; the principles of heaven [57]
are to be learned and practiced; the superiority of the future life to
this life is to be impressed upon the mind of every learner. Teachers
who fail to bring this into their work of education fail of having
a part in the great work of developing character that can meet the
approval of God.
As the world in this age comes more and more under the influ-
ence of Satan, the true children of God will desire more and more
to be taught of Him. Teachers should be employed who will give a
heavenly mold to the characters of the youth. Under the influence of
49
50 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
heavenly court, will be men and women who here on earth sought to
carry out the Lord’s will in every particular, who sought to put the
impress of heaven upon their earthly labors.
The Lord gave an important lesson to His people in all ages when [59]
to Moses on the mount He gave instruction regarding the building of
the tabernacle. In that work He required perfection in every detail.
Moses was proficient in all the learning of the Egyptians; he had a
knowledge of God, and God’s purposes had been revealed to him in
visions; but he did not know how to engrave and embroider.
Israel had been held all their days in the bondage of Egypt, and
although there were ingenious men among them, they had not been
instructed in the curious arts which were called for in the building
of the tabernacle. They knew how to make bricks, but they did not
understand how to work in gold or silver. How was the work to be
done? Who was sufficient for these things? These were questions
that troubled the mind of Moses.
Then God Himself explained how the work was to be accom-
plished. He signified by name the persons He desired to do a certain
work. Bezaleel was to be the architect. This man belonged to the
tribe of Judah—a tribe that God delighted to honor.
“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by
name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in
understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to
work in all manner of workmanship.
“And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of [60]
Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are
wisehearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have
commanded thee.” Exodus 31:1-6.
In order that the earthly tabernacle might represent the heavenly,
it must be perfect in all its parts, and it must be, in every smallest
detail, like the pattern in the heavens. So it is with the characters of
those who are finally accepted in the sight of heaven.
The Son of God came down to this earth that in Him men and
women might have a representation of the perfect characters which
alone God could accept. Through the grace of Christ every provision
52 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
has been made for the salvation of the human family. It is possible for
every transaction entered into by those who claim to be Christians
to be as pure as the deeds of Christ. And the soul who accepts
the virtues of Christ’s character and appropriates the merits of His
life is as precious in the sight of God as is His own beloved Son.
Sincere and uncorrupted faith is to Him as gold and frankincense
and myrrh—the gifts of the Wise Men to the Child of Bethlehem,
and the evidence of their faith in Him as the promised Messiah.
*****
Let the child and the youth be taught that every mistake, every
fault, every difficulty, conquered, becomes a steppingstone to better
and higher things. It is through such experiences that all who have
ever made life worth the living have achieved success.—Education,
296.
Character Building [61]
In His law, God has given us the pattern. Our character building is
to be after “the pattern showed to thee in the mount.” The law is the
great standard of righteousness. It represents the character of God,
and is the test of our loyalty to His government. And it is revealed
to us, in all its beauty and excellence, in the life of Christ....
Thoroughness is necessary to success in the work of character
building. There must be an earnest purpose to carry out the plan
of the Master Builder. The timbers must be solid. No careless,
unreliable work can be accepted, for this would ruin the building.
The powers of the whole being are to be put into the work. It
demands the strength and energy of manhood; there is no reserve to
be wasted in unimportant matters. ... There must be earnest, careful,
persevering effort to break away from the customs, maxims, and
associations of the world. Deep thought, earnest purpose, steadfast
integrity, are essential.
There must be no idleness. Life is an important thing, a sacred
trust; and every moment should be wisely improved, for its results
[63] will be seen in eternity. God requires each one to do all the good
possible. The talents which He has entrusted to our keeping are to
be made the most of. He has placed them in our hands to be used to
His name’s honor and glory, and for the good of our fellow men....
The Lord has precious promises in this life for those who keep
His law. He says, “My son, forget not My law; but let thine heart
keep My commandments: for length of days, and long life, and
peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee:
bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
so shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God
and man.” Proverbs 3:1-4.
But a better than earthly reward awaits those who, basing their
work on the solid Rock, build up symmetrical characters, in accor-
dance with the living word. For them is prepared “a city which hath
foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:10. Its
streets are paved with gold. In it is the Paradise of God, watered by
the river of life, which proceeds from the throne. In the midst of the
street, and on either side of the river, is the tree of life, which yields
its fruit every month; “and the leaves of the tree were for the healing
of the nations.”
Character Building 55
An Effective Helper
The true teacher will try by precept and example to win souls to
Christ. He must receive the truth in the love of it and let it cleanse
his heart and mold his life. Every teacher should be under the full
control of the Holy Spirit. Then Christ can speak to the heart, and
His voice is the voice of love. And the love of God, received into
the heart, is an active power for good, quickening and enlarging
the mind and soul. With his own heart warm with divine love, the
teacher will lift up the Man of Calvary, not to give the students a
casual glimpse, but to fasten their attention until Jesus shall seem
to them the “chiefest among ten thousand,” and the One “altogether
lovely.” Song of Solomon 5:10, 16.
The Holy Spirit is an effective helper in restoring the image of
God in the human soul, but Its efficiency and power have not been
appreciated in our schools. It came into the schools of the prophets,
bringing even the thoughts into harmony with the will of God. There
[68] was a living connection between heaven and these schools; and the
joy and thanksgiving of loving hearts found expression in songs of
praise in which angels joined.
The Holy Spirit comes to the world as Christ’s representative. It
not only speaks the truth, but It is the truth—the faithful and true
Witness. It is the great Searcher of hearts and is acquainted with the
characters of all.
Teachers and Teaching 59
The Holy Spirit has often come to our schools and has not been
recognized, but has been treated as a stranger, perhaps even as an
intruder. Every teacher should know and welcome this heavenly
Guest. If the teachers will open their own hearts to receive the Spirit,
they will be prepared to co-operate with It in working for their
students. And when It is given free course, It will effect wonderful
transformations. It will work in each heart, correcting selfishness,
molding and refining the character, and bringing even the thoughts
into captivity to Christ.
The great aim of the teacher should be the perfecting of Christian
character in himself and in his students. Teachers, let your lamps
be trimmed and burning, and they will not only be lights to your
students, but will send out clear and distinct rays to the homes and
neighborhoods where your students live, and far beyond into the
moral darkness of the world.—Special Testimonies On Education,
47-52; written May 15, 1896.
*****
Our brethren say the plea comes from ministers and parents
that there are scores of young people in our ranks who need the
advantages of our training schools, but they cannot attend unless
tuitions are lower.
Those who plead for low tuition should carefully weigh matters [69]
on all sides. If students cannot of themselves command sufficient
means to pay the actual expense of good and faithful work in their
education, is it not better that their parents, their friends, or the
churches to which they belong, or largehearted, benevolent brethren
in their conference, should assist them, than that a burden of debt
should be brought upon the school? It would be far better to let the
many patrons of the institution share the expense, than for the school
to run in debt.
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 sup-
port themselves in the school, they should assume the responsibility
of sending them to one of our training schools. There is excellent
60 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
*****
Character Building
Child Guidance, 161-190, 193-220.
Education, 225-229.
Messages to Young People, 15-18, 78-80, 163-165, 345-
350.
Individuality in Children
The education of children, at home or at school, should not be
like the training of dumb animals; for children have an intelligent
will, which should be directed to control all their powers. Dumb
animals need to be trained; for they have not reason and intellect. But
the human mind must be taught self-control. It must be educated to
rule the human being, while animals are controlled by a master and
are trained to be submissive to him. The master is mind, judgment,
and will for his beast.
[74] A child may be so trained as to have, like the beast, no will
of his own. Even his individuality may be merged in the one who
superintends his training; his will, to all intents and purposes, is
subject to the will of the teacher. Children who are thus educated
will ever be deficient in moral energy and individual responsibility.
They have not been taught to move from reason and principle; their
wills have been controlled by another, and the mind has not been
called out, that it might expand and strengthen by exercise. They
have not been directed and disciplined with respect to their peculiar
constitutions and capabilities of mind, to put forth their strongest
powers when required.
64
Right Education 65
Teachers should not stop here, but should give special attention
to the cultivation of the weaker faculties, that all the powers may
be brought into exercise and carried forward from one degree of
strength to another, that the mind may attain due proportions.
temptation. They do not make this life a success, and the same
deficiencies are seen in their religious life.
[76] Could the instructors of children and youth have the result of their
mistaken discipline mapped out before them, they would change
their plan of education.... God never designed that one human mind
should be under the complete control of another. And those who
make efforts to have the individuality of their pupils merged in
themselves, to be mind, will, and conscience for them, assume
fearful responsibilities. These scholars may, upon certain occasions,
appear like well-drilled soldiers; but when the restraint is removed,
there will be seen in them a want of independent action from firm
principle.
Those who make it their object so to educate their pupils that
they may see and feel that the power lies in themselves to make men
and women of firm principle, qualified for any position in life, are
the most useful and permanently successful teachers. Their work
may not show to the very best advantage to careless observers, and
their labors may not be valued as highly as are those of the teacher
who holds the minds and wills of his scholars by absolute authority;
but the future lives of the pupils will show the fruits of the better
plan of education.
There is danger that both parents and teachers will command
and dictate too much, while they fail to come sufficiently into social
relation with their children or scholars. They often hold themselves
too much reserved, and exercise their authority in a cold, unsympa-
thizing manner, which cannot win the hearts of their children and
pupils. If they would gather the children close to them and show that
they love them, and would manifest an interest in all their efforts and
[77] even in their sports, sometimes even being a child among them, they
would make the children very happy and would gain their love and
win their confidence. And the children would more quickly learn to
respect and love the authority of their parents and teachers.
The only schoolroom for children until eight or ten years of age
should be in the open air, amid the opening flowers and nature’s
beautiful scenery, and their most familiar textbook the treasures of
nature. These lessons, imprinted upon the minds of young chil-
dren amid the pleasant, attractive scenes of nature, will not be soon
forgotten....
In the early education of children, many parents and teachers
fail to understand that the greatest attention needs to be given to
the physical constitution, that a healthy condition of body and mind
may be secured. It has been the custom to encourage children
to attend school when they were mere babes needing a mother’s
care. When of a delicate age, they are frequently crowded into
ill-ventilated schoolrooms, where they sit in wrong positions upon
poorly constructed benches, and as a result the young and tender
frames of some have become deformed.
The disposition and habits of youth will be very likely to be
manifested in mature manhood. You may bend a young tree into
almost any shape that you choose, and if it remains and grows as
you have bent it, it will be a deformed tree, and will ever tell of the
injury and abuse received at your hands. You may, after it has had
years of growth, try to straighten the tree, but all efforts will prove [81]
unavailing. It will ever be a crooked tree.
This is the case with the minds of youth. They should be carefully
and tenderly trained in childhood. They may be trained in the right
direction or in the wrong, and in their future lives they will pursue the
course in which they were directed in youth. The habits formed in
youth will grow with the growth and strengthen with the strength....
Physical Degeneracy
Man came from the hand of his Creator perfect and beautiful
in form, and so filled with vital force that it was more than a thou-
sand years before his corrupt appetites and passions and general
violations of physical law were sensibly felt upon the race. More
recent generations have felt the pressure of infirmity and disease
more rapidly and heavily with every generation. The vital forces
have been greatly weakened by the indulgence of appetite and lustful
passion.... The violation of physical law, and the consequence,—hu-
70 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
youth who have been properly educated make God their trust, their
moral powers will stand the most powerful test.—Testimonies for
the Church 3:131-144.
[86] Our College
There is danger that our college will be turned away from its
original design. God’s purpose has been made known—that our
people should have an opportunity to study the sciences, and at the
same time to learn the requirements of His word. Biblical lectures
should be given; the study of the Scriptures should have the first
place in our system of education.
Students are sent from great distances to attend the college at
Battle Creek, for the very purpose of receiving instruction from the
lectures on Bible subjects. But for one or two years past, there has
been an effort to mold our school after other colleges. When this is
done, we can give no encouragement to parents to send their children
to Battle Creek College.
The moral and religious influences should not be put in the
background. In times past, God has worked with the efforts of the
teachers, and many souls have seen the truth and embraced it, and
have gone to their homes to live henceforth for God, as the result of
their connection with the college. As they saw that Bible study was
made a part of their education they were led to regard it as a matter
of greater interest and importance.
74
Our College 75
Bible Study
If morality and religion are to live in a school, it must be through
a knowledge of God’s word. Some may urge that if religious teaching
76 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Christian Courtesy
The teacher who is severe, critical, overbearing, heedless of oth-
ers’ feelings, must expect the same spirit to be manifested toward
himself. He who wishes to preserve his own dignity and self-re-
spect must be careful not to wound needlessly the self-respect of
others. This rule should be sacredly observed toward the dullest,
the youngest, the most blundering students. What God intends to
do with these apparently uninteresting youth, you do not know. He
has, in the past, accepted persons no more promising or attractive,
to do a great work for Him. His Spirit, moving upon the heart, has
aroused every faculty to vigorous action. The Lord saw in those
rough, unhewn stones, precious material, that would stand the test
of storm and heat and pressure. God sees not as man sees. He
judges not from appearance, but he searches the heart and judges
righteously.
The teacher should ever conduct himself as a Christian gentle-
man. He should stand in the attitude of a friend and counselor to his
pupils. If all our people—teachers, ministers, and lay members—
would cultivate the spirit of Christian courtesy, they would far more
readily find access to the hearts of the people; many more would
be led to examine and receive the truth. When every teacher shall [94]
forget self, and feel a deep interest in the success and prosperity of
his pupils, realizing that they are God’s property, and that he must
render an account for his influence upon their minds and characters,
then we shall have a school in which angels will love to linger. Jesus
will look approvingly upon the work of the teachers and will send
His grace into the hearts of the students....
80 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
souls of their students, the approval of God, eternal life, and the joys
of the redeemed.
As colaborers with Christ, with so favorable opportunities to
impart the knowledge of God, our teachers should labor as if inspired
from above. The hearts of the youth are not hardened, nor their ideas
and opinions stereotyped, as are those of older persons. They may be
won to Christ by your holy demeanor, your devotion, your Christlike [96]
walk. It would be much better to crowd them less in the study of the
sciences, and give them more time for religious privileges. Here a
grave mistake has been made....
were once enchanted with the pleasures of sin. We need the mercy
and forbearance of God every hour, and how unbecoming for us to
be impatient with the errors of the inexperienced youth! So long as
God bears with them, dare we, fellow sinners, cast them off?
We should ever look upon the youth as the purchase of the blood
of Christ. As such they have demands upon our love, our patience,
our sympathy. If we would follow Jesus we cannot restrict our
interest and affection to ourselves and our own families; we cannot
give our time and attention to temporal matters and forget the eternal
interests of those around us.... “Love one another, as I have loved
you” (John 15:12), is the command of Jesus. Look at His self-denial;
behold the manner of love He has bestowed upon us; and then seek
to imitate the Pattern.—Testimonies for the Church 5:21-35; read in
College Hall, December, 1881.
*****
Those students who profess to love God and obey the truth
should possess that degree of self-control and strength of religious
principle that will enable them to remain unmoved amid temptations
and to stand up for Jesus in the college, at their boarding houses,
or wherever they may be. Religion is not to be worn merely as a
cloak in the house of God; religious principles should characterize
the entire life. Those who are drinking at the fountain of life will
not, like the worldling, manifest a longing desire for change and
pleasure. In their deportment and character will be seen the rest and
peace and happiness that they have found in Jesus by daily laying
their perplexities and burdens at His feet. They will show that in the
path of obedience and duty there is contentment and even joy. Such
ones will exert an influence over their fellow students which will tell
upon the entire school.
Those who compose this faithful army will refresh and
strengthen the teachers by discouraging every species of unfaith-
fulness, of discord, and of neglect to comply with the rules and
regulations. Their influence will be saving, and their works will not
perish in the great day of God, but will follow them into the future
world; and the influence of their life here will tell throughout the
ceaseless ages of eternity.
One earnest, conscientious, faithful young man in a school is
an inestimable treasure. Angels of heaven look lovingly upon him,
and in the ledger of heaven is recorded every work of righteousness,
every temptation resisted, every evil overcome. He is laying up a [99]
good foundation against the time to come, that he may lay hold on
eternal life.
Upon Christian youth depend in a great measure the preservation
and perpetuity of the institutions which God has devised as a means
by which to advance His work. Never was there a period when
results so important depended upon a generation of men. Then how
important that the young should be qualified for this great work, that
83
84 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
God may use them as His instruments! Their Maker has claims upon
them which are paramount to all others.
It is God who has given life and every physical and mental
endowment that the youth possess. He has bestowed upon them
capabilities for wise improvement, that they may do a work which
will be as enduring as eternity. In return for His great gifts He claims
a due cultivation and exercise of the intellectual and moral faculties.
He did not give them these faculties merely for their amusement, or
to be abused in working against His will and His providence, but to
advance the knowledge of truth and holiness in the world. In return
for His continued kindness and infinite mercies He claims their
goodness, their veneration, their love. He justly requires obedience
to His laws and to all wise regulations which will restrain and guard
the youth from Satan’s devices and lead them in paths of peace.
The wild, reckless character of many of the youth in this age of
the world is heartsickening. If the youth could see that in complying
with the laws and regulations of our institutions, they are only doing
that which will improve their standing in society, elevate the charac-
[100] ter, ennoble the mind, and increase their happiness, they would not
rebel against just rules and wholesome requirements, nor engage in
creating suspicion and prejudice against these institutions.
With energy and fidelity our youth should meet the demands
upon them, and this will be a guarantee of success. Young men
who have never made a success in the temporal duties of life will
be equally unprepared to engage in the higher duties. A religious
experience is gained only through conflict, through disappointment,
through severe discipline of self, through earnest prayer. The steps
to heaven must be taken one at a time, and every advance step gives
strength for the next.
they could do at any time if they decided not to stand under the yoke
of obedience, for we did not design to have a few leading spirits in
wrongdoing demoralizing the other students.
I told the principal and teachers that God had laid upon them the
responsibility of watching for souls as they that must give account. I
showed them that the wrong course pursued by some of the students
would mislead other students, if it were continued, and for this God
would hold the teachers responsible. Some students would attend
school who had not been disciplined at home, and whose ideas of
proper education and its value were perverted. If these were allowed
to carry things in their way, the object for which the school was
established would be defeated, and the sin would be charged against
the guardians of the schools, as if they had committed it themselves.
God holds everyone responsible for the influence that surrounds
his soul, on his own account and on the account of others. He
calls upon young men and women to be strictly temperate, and
conscientious in the use of their faculties of mind and body. Their
capabilities can be properly developed only by the most diligent use
of their opportunities and the wise appropriation of their powers to
the glory of God and the benefit of their fellow men.
[103] To know what constitutes purity of mind, soul, and body is
an important part of education. Paul summed up the attainments
possible for Timothy by saying, “Keep thyself pure.” 1 Timothy
5:22. Impurity of thought, word, or action will not be indulged by
the child of God. Every encouragement and the richest blessings are
held up before the overcomers of evil practices, but the most fearful
penalties are laid upon those who profane the body and defile the
soul.
Teachers, blessed are the pure in heart—now; not, Blessed will
be the pure in heart. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see
God.” Matthew 5:8. Yes, as did Moses, they shall endure the seeing
of Him who is invisible. They have the assurance of the richest
blessings, both in this life and in the life that is to come.
Students, if you will watch and pray, and make earnest efforts in
the right direction, you will be thoroughly imbued with the spirit of
Christ. “Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for
the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14. Be determined
that you will make the school a success. If you will heed the instruc-
Deportment of Students 87
tion given in the word of God you may go forth with a development
of intellectual and moral power that will cause even angels to rejoice,
and God will joy over you with singing. Under such discipline you
will secure the fullest development of your faculties. Let not the
buoyancy and the lust of youth through manifold temptations make
your day of opportunity and privilege a failure. Day by day put
on Christ, and in the brief season of your test and trial here below
maintain your dignity in the strength of God, as co-workers with the [104]
highest agencies of heaven.
It is the privilege of the faithful teacher to reap day by day the
visible results of his patient, persevering labor of love. It is his to
watch the growth of the tender plants as they bud, and blossom, and
bear the fruit of order, punctuality, faithfulness, thoroughness, and
true nobility of character. It is his to see a love for truth and right
growing and strengthening in these children and youth for whom he
is held responsible. What can give him greater returns than to see his
pupils developing characters that will make them noble and useful
men and women, fitted to occupy positions of responsibility and
trust—men and women who in the future will wield a power to hold
in check evil influences and help in dispelling the moral darkness of
the world?
As the teacher awakens in the minds of his pupils a realization
of the possibilities before them, as he causes them to grasp the truth
that they may become useful, noble, trustworthy men and women,
he sets in motion waves of influence that, even after he himself has
gone to rest, will reach onward and ever onward, giving joy to the
sorrowing and inspiring hope in the discouraged. As he lights in
their minds and hearts the lamp of earnest endeavor, he is rewarded
by seeing its bright rays diverge in every direction, illuminating not
only the lives of the few who daily sit before him for instruction, but
through them the lives of many others.
Our College
Child Guidance, 328-336.
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 488-491.
Testimonies For The Church 4:418-449;
Testimonies For The Church 5:11-15, 21-36, 59-61;
Testimonies For The Church 6:141-151.
Deportment of Students
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 191-195.
Section 4—The Home School [106]
[107]
In His wisdom the Lord has decreed that the family shall be
the greatest of all educational agencies. It is in the home that the
education of the child is to begin. Here is his first school. Here,
with his parents as instructors, he is to learn the lessons that are to
guide him throughout life—lessons of respect, obedience, reverence,
self-control. The educational influences of the home are a decided
power for good or for evil. They are in many respects silent and
gradual, but if exerted on the right side, they become a far-reaching
power for truth and righteousness. If the child is not instructed aright
here, Satan will educate him through agencies of his choosing. How
important, then, is the school in the home!
In the home school—the first grade—the very best talent should
be utilized. Upon all parents there rests the obligation of giving
physical, mental, and spiritual instruction. It should be the object
of every parent to secure to his child a well-balanced, symmetrical
character. This is a work of no small magnitude and importance—
a work requiring earnest thought and prayer no less than patient,
persevering effort. A right foundation must be laid, a framework,
[108] strong and firm, erected, and then day by day the work of building,
polishing, perfecting, must go forward.
Children may be trained for the service of sin or for the service
of righteousness. Solomon says, “Train up a child in the way he
should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs
22:6. This language is positive. The training that Solomon enjoins is
to direct, educate, develop. But in order for parents to do this work,
they must themselves understand the “way” the child should go. It
is impossible for parents to give their children proper training unless
they first give themselves to God, learning of the Great Teacher
lessons of obedience to His will.
Physical training, the development of the body, is far more eas-
ily given than spiritual training. The nursery, the playground, the
workshop; the sowing of the seed, and the gathering of the har-
90
Child’s First School 91
Home Discipline
The children are to be taught that their capabilities were given
[111] them for the honor and glory of God. To this end they must learn
the lesson of obedience, for only by lives of willing obedience can
they render to God the service He requires. Before the child is old
enough to reason, he must be taught to obey. By gentle, persistent
effort the habit should be established. Thus to a great degree may be
prevented those later conflicts between will and authority that do so
much to arouse in the minds of the youth alienation and bitterness
toward parents and teachers, and too often resistance of all authority,
human and divine.
Let children be shown that true reverence is revealed by obedi-
ence. God has commanded nothing that is unessential, and there
Child’s First School 93
Administer the rules of the home in wisdom and love, not with
a rod of iron. Children will respond with willing obedience to the
rule of love. Commend your children whenever you can. Make their
lives as happy as possible. Provide them with innocent amusements.
Make the home a Bethel, a holy, consecrated place. Keep the soil
of the heart mellow by the manifestation of love and affection, thus
preparing it for the seed of truth. Remember that the Lord gives
the earth not only clouds and rain, but the beautiful, smiling sun-
shine, causing the seed to germinate and the blossom to appear.
Remember that children need not only reproof and correction, but
encouragement and commendation, the pleasant sunshine of kind
words.
The home should be to the children the most attractive place in
the world, and the mother’s presence should be its greatest charm.
Children have sensitive, loving natures. They are easily pleased and
easily made unhappy. By gentle discipline, in loving words and acts,
mothers may bind their children to their hearts.
Above all things, parents should surround their children with [115]
an atmosphere of cheerfulness, courtesy, and love. A home where
love dwells and where it finds expression in looks, in words, in acts,
is a place where angels delight to dwell. Parents, let the sunshine
of love, cheer, and happy content enter your own hearts, and let its
sweet influence pervade the home. Manifest a kindly, forbearing
spirit, and encourage the same in your children, cultivating all those
graces that will brighten the home life. The atmosphere thus created
will be to the children what air and sunshine are to the vegetable
world, promoting health and vigor of mind and body.
Instead of sending her children from her that she may not be
annoyed by their noise or troubled by their little wants, let the mother
plan amusement or light work to employ the active hands and minds.
By entering into their feelings and directing their amusements and
employments, the mother will gain the confidence of her children;
thus she can the more effectually correct wrong habits or check the
manifestation of selfishness or passion. A word of caution or reproof
spoken at the right time will be of great value. By patient, watchful
love she can turn the minds of the children in the right direction,
cultivating in them beautiful and attractive traits of character.
96 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Unpromising Children
There are some children who need more patient discipline and
kindly training than others. They have received as a legacy unpromis-
ing traits of character, and because of this they need the more of
[116] sympathy and love. By persevering labor these wayward ones may
be prepared for a place in the work of the Master. They may possess
undeveloped powers, which, when aroused, will enable them to fill
places far in advance of those from whom more has been expected.
If you have children with peculiar temperaments, do not, because
of this, let the blight of discouragement rest upon their lives. There
should be no loud-voiced commands, no unkind, exasperating words,
no harsh, severe, or gloomy expressions. Help them by the mani-
festation of forbearance and sympathy. Strengthen them by loving
words and kindly deeds to overcome their defects of character.
The work of “breaking the will” is contrary to the principles of
Christ. The will of the child must be directed and guided. Save all
the strength of the will, for the human being needs it all; but give it
proper direction. Treat it wisely and tenderly, as a sacred treasure.
Do not hammer it in pieces; but by precept and true example wisely
fashion and mold it until the child comes to years of responsibility.
*****
From their infancy the youth need to have a firm barrier built
up between them and the world, that its corrupting influence may
not affect them. Parents must exercise unceasing watchfulness, that
their children be not lost to God. The vows of David, recorded
in the 101st psalm, should be the vows of all upon whom rest the
responsibilities of guarding the influences of the home. The psalmist
declares: “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the
work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. A froward
heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. Whoso
privily slandereth his neighbor, him will I cut off: him that hath an
high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. Mine eyes shall be
upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that
walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He that worketh deceit
shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in
my sight.” Psalm 101:3-7.
The youth should not be left to learn good and evil indiscrimi-
nately, the parents thinking that at some future time the good will
predominate and the evil lose its influence. The evil will increase
faster than the good. It is possible that the evil which children learn
may be eradicated after many years, but who would trust to this?
Whatever else they neglect, parents should never leave their children
free to wander in the paths of sin.
99
100 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
tion; but how can they be sure of this? It is far easier to yield to evil
influences than to resist them. Ere they are aware of it, their children
may become imbued with the spirit of their associates and may be
degraded or ruined.
Parents, guard the principles and habits of your children as the
apple of the eye. Allow them to associate with no one with whose
character you are not well acquainted. Permit them to form no inti-
macy until you are assured that it will do them no harm. Accustom
your children to trust your judgment and experience. Teach them
that you have clearer perception of character than they in their inex-
perience can have, and that your decisions must not be disregarded.
that corrupt good manners. Truth will protect the soul from the
endless temptations that must be encountered.
Let the youth be taught to give close study to the word of God.
Received into the soul, it will prove a mighty barricade against
temptation. “Thy word,” the psalmist declares, “have I hid in mine [122]
heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” “By the word of Thy lips I
have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” Psalm 119:11; 17:4.
of their own; and as you teach them how to make a garden, how to
prepare the soil for seed, and the importance of keeping all the weeds
pulled out, teach them also how important it is to keep unsightly,
injurious practices out of the life. Teach them to keep down wrong
habits as they keep down the weeds in their gardens. It will take
time to teach these lessons, but it will pay, greatly pay.
Tell your children about the miracle-working power of God. As [125]
they study the great lesson book of nature, God will impress their
minds. The farmer plows his land and sows his seed, but he cannot
make the seed grow. He must depend on God to do that which no
human power can do. The Lord puts His vital power into the seed,
causing it to spring forth into life. Under His care the germ of life
breaks through the hard crust encasing it, and springs up to bear
fruit. First appears the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the
ear. As the children are told of the work that God does for the seed,
they learn the secret of growth in grace.
There is untold value in industry. Let the children be taught to do
something useful. More than human wisdom is needed that parents
may understand how best to educate their children for a useful, happy
life here, and for higher service and greater joy hereafter.
Unity in Government
Unitedly and prayerfully the father and mother should bear the
grave responsibility of guiding their children aright. It is chiefly
upon the mother that the work of child training devolves, but the
father should not become so absorbed in business life or in the study
of books that he cannot take time to study the natures and necessities
of his children. He should help in devising ways by which they may [128]
be kept busy in useful labor agreeable to their varying dispositions.
The father of boys should come into close contact with his sons,
giving them the benefit of his larger experience and talking with
them in such simplicity and tenderness that he binds them to his
heart. He should let them see that he has their best interests, their
happiness, in view all the time. As the priest of the household, he
is accountable to God for the influence that he exerts over every
member of the family.
The mother should feel her need of the Holy Spirit’s guidance,
that she herself may have a genuine experience in submission to
the way and will of God. Then, through the grace of Christ, she
can be a wise, gentle, loving teacher. To do her work as it should
be done requires talent and skill and patient, thoughtful care. It
calls for self-distrust and earnest prayer. Let every mother strive by
persevering effort to fulfill her obligations. Let her bring her little
ones to Jesus in the arms of faith, telling Him her great need, and
asking for wisdom and grace. Earnestly, patiently, courageously, she
should seek to improve her own abilities, that she may use aright the
highest powers of the mind in the training of her children.
As united rulers of the home kingdom, let father and mother show
kindness and courtesy to each other. Never should their deportment
militate against the precepts they seek to inculcate. They must
maintain purity of heart and life if they would have their children
pure. They must train and discipline self if they would have their
children subject to discipline. They must set before their children an [129]
example worthy of imitation. Should they be remiss in this respect,
what will they answer if the children entrusted to them stand before
the bar of heaven as witnesses to their neglect? How terrible will be
their realization of loss and failure as they face the Judge of all the
earth!
106 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
One great reason why there is so much evil in the world today is
that parents occupy their minds with other things to the exclusion
of the work that is all-important—the task of patiently and kindly
teaching their children the way of the Lord. Parents should allow
nothing to prevent them from giving to their children all the time
that is necessary to make them understand what it means to obey
and trust the Lord fully.
Before visitors, before every other consideration, your children
should come first. The time spent in needless sewing, God would
have you spend in educating them in essential things. That unnec-
essary garment you are making, that extra dish you think you will
prepare—let it be neglected rather than the education of your chil-
dren. The labor due your child during its early years will admit of no
neglect. There is no time in its life when the rule should be forgotten,
Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little.
Deny your children anything rather than the instruction which, if
faithfully followed, will make them good and useful members of
society, and will prepare them for citizenship in the kingdom of
heaven.
in His great work. The Lord will bless them as they work for Him.
They can be His helping hand.
Your home is the first field in which you are called to labor.
The precious plants in the home garden demand your first care.
Consider carefully your work, its nature, its bearings, its results,
ever remembering that your looks, your words, your actions, have a
direct bearing on the future of your dear ones. Your work is not to
fashion beauty on canvas, or to chisel it from marble, but to impress [131]
upon a human soul the image of the divine.
Give your children intellectual culture and moral training. Fortify
their young minds with firm, pure principles. While you have op-
portunity, lay the foundation for a noble manhood and womanhood.
Your labor will be rewarded a thousandfold.
This is your day of trust, your day of responsibility and oppor-
tunity. Soon will come your day of reckoning. Take up your work
with earnest prayer and faithful endeavor. Teach your children that it
is their privilege to receive every day the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Let Christ find you His helping hand to carry out His purposes. By
prayer you may gain an experience that will make your ministry for
your children a perfect success.
Seventh-day Adventist parents should more fully realize their
responsibilities as character builders. God places before them the
privilege of strengthening His cause through the consecration and
labors of their children. He desires to see gathered out from the
homes of our people a large company of youth who, because of the
godly influences of their homes, have surrendered their hearts to Him,
and go forth to give Him the highest service of their lives. Directed
and trained by the godly instruction of the home, the influence of
the morning and evening worship, the consistent example of parents
who love and fear God, they have learned to submit to God as their
teacher and are prepared to render Him acceptable service as loyal
sons and daughters. Such youth are prepared to represent to the
world the power and grace of Christ.
[132] What Shall Our Children Read?
What shall our children read? This is a serious question and one
that demands a serious answer. It troubles me to see in Sabbath-
keeping families periodicals and newspapers containing continued
stories which leave no impressions for good on the minds of children
and youth. I have watched those whose taste for fiction was thus
cultivated. They have had the privilege of listening to the truth, of
becoming acquainted with the reasons of our faith; but they have
grown to maturer years destitute of true piety and practical godliness.
They manifest no devotion and reflect no heavenly light upon their
associates to lead them to the fount of all true knowledge.
It is during the first years of a child’s life that his mind is most
susceptible to impressions either good or evil. During these years
decided progress is made in either a right direction or a wrong one.
On one hand, much worthless information may be gained; on the
other, much solid, valuable knowledge. The strength of intellect,
the substantial knowledge, are possessions which the gold of Ophir
could not buy. Their price is above gold or silver.
The kind of education that fits the youth for practical life, they
naturally do not choose. They urge their desires, their likes and
dislikes, their preferences and inclinations; but if parents have correct
views of God, of the truth, and of the influences and associations that
should surround their children, they will feel that upon them rests
the God-given responsibility of carefully guiding the inexperienced
youth.
[133] Many youth are eager for books. They read anything that they
can obtain. I appeal to the parents of such children to control their
desire for reading. Do not permit upon your tables the magazines
and newspapers in which are found love stories. Supply their place
with books that will help the youth to put into their character building
the very best material—the love and fear of God, the knowledge
of Christ. Encourage your children to store the mind with valuable
knowledge, to let that which is good occupy the soul and control
108
What Shall Our Children Read? 109
Worthless Reading
The world is deluged with books that might better be consumed
than circulated. Books on sensational topics, published and circu-
lated as a money-making scheme, might better never be read by
the youth. There is a satanic fascination in such books. The heart-
sickening recital of crimes and atrocities has a bewitching power
upon many, exciting them to see what they can do to bring them-
selves into notice, even by the wickedest deeds. The enormities, the
cruelties, the licentious practices, portrayed in some of the strictly
historical writings, have acted as leaven on many minds, leading to
the commission of similar acts.
Books that delineate the satanic practices of human beings are [134]
giving publicity to evil. These horrible particulars need not be lived
over, and no one who believes the truth for this time should act a
part in perpetuating the memory of them. When the intellect is fed
and stimulated by this depraved food, the thoughts become impure
and sensual.
There is another class of books—love stories and frivolous, ex-
citing tales—which are a curse to everyone who reads them, even
though the author may attach a good moral. Often religious state-
ments are woven all through these books, but in most cases Satan
is but clothed in angel robes to deceive and allure the unsuspicious.
The practice of story reading is one of the means employed by Satan
to destroy souls. It produces a false, unhealthy excitement, fevers
the imagination, unfits the mind for usefulness, and disqualifies it
for any spiritual exercise. It weans the soul from prayer and from
the love of spiritual things.
Readers of frivolous, exciting tales become unfitted for the duties
of practical life. They live in an unreal world. I have watched
110 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Infidel Authors
Another source of danger against which we should be constantly
on guard is the reading of infidel authors. Such works are inspired
by the enemy of truth, and no one can read them without imperiling
the soul. It is true that some who are affected by them may finally
recover; but all who tamper with their evil influence place themselves
on Satan’s ground, and he makes the most of his advantage. As they
invite his temptations they have not wisdom to discern or strength
[136] to resist them. With a fascinating, bewitching power, unbelief and
infidelity fasten themselves upon the mind.
What Shall Our Children Read? 111
and children should devote time to the study of the lesson, seeking
to obtain a thorough knowledge of the facts presented and also of the
spiritual truths which these facts are designed to teach. We should
especially impress upon the minds of the youth the importance of
seeking the full significance of the scripture under consideration.
Parents, set apart a little time each day for the study of the
Sabbath school lesson with your children. Give up the social visit
if need be, rather than sacrifice the hour devoted to the lessons of
sacred history. Parents as well as children will receive benefit from
this study. Let the more important passages of Scripture connected
with the lesson be committed to memory, not as a task, but as a
privilege. Though at first the memory be defective, it will gain
[138] strength by exercise, so that after a time you will delight thus to
treasure up the words of truth. And the habit will prove a most
valuable aid to spiritual growth.
The Bible
Above all, take time to read the Bible—the Book of books. A
daily study of the Scriptures has a sanctifying, uplifting influence
upon the mind. Bind the Holy Volume to your hearts. It will prove
to you a friend and guide in perplexity.
Both old and young neglect the Bible. They do not make it their [139]
study, the rule of their life. Especially are the young guilty of this
neglect. Most of them find time to read other books, but the Book
that points out the way to eternal life is not daily studied. Idle stories
are attentively read, while the Bible is neglected. This Book is our
guide to a higher, holier life. The youth would pronounce it the
most interesting book they ever read had not their imagination been
perverted by the reading of fictitious stories.
Youthful minds fail to reach their noblest development when
they neglect the highest source of wisdom—the word of God. That
we are in God’s world, in the presence of the Creator; that we are
made in His likeness; that He watches over us and loves us and cares
for us—these are wonderful themes for thought, and lead the mind
into broad, exalted fields of meditation. He who opens mind and
heart to the contemplation of such themes as these will never be
satisfied with trivial, sensational subjects.
The importance of seeking a thorough knowledge of the Scrip-
tures can hardly be estimated. “Given by inspiration of God,” able to
make us “wise unto salvation,” rendering the man of God “perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:15-17), the
Bible has the highest claim to our reverent attention. We should not
be satisfied with a superficial knowledge, but should seek to learn
the full meaning of the words of truth, to drink deep of the spirit of
the Holy Oracles.
[140] The Parable of the Growing Seed
114
Parable of the Growing Seed 115
see the result of our toil; for we shall see those for whom we have
labored and prayed gathered into the heavenly garner. So shall we
enter into the joy of our Lord, when “He shall see of the travail of
His soul, and shall be satisfied.” Isaiah 53:11.—Special Testimonies
On Education, 67-72.
*****
and muscle. Work is not a curse, but a blessing. God gave sinless
Adam and Eve a beautiful garden to tend. This was pleasant work,
and none but pleasant work would have entered our world had not
the first pair transgressed God’s commandments.... The wealthy are
[148] not to be deprived of the privilege and blessing of a place among the
world’s workers. They should realize that they are responsible for
the use they make of their entrusted possessions; that their strength,
their time, and their money are to be used wisely, and not for selfish
purposes....
The approval of God rests with loving assurance upon the chil-
dren who cheerfully take their part in the duties of domestic life,
sharing the burdens of father and mother. They will be rewarded
with health of body and peace of mind; and they will enjoy the plea-
sure of seeing their parents take their share of social enjoyment and
healthful recreation, thus prolonging their lives. Children trained to
the practical duties of life will go out from the home to be useful
members of society, with an education far superior to that gained by
close confinement in the schoolroom at an early age, when neither
the mind nor the body is strong enough to endure the strain.
At home and in the school, by precept and example, the children
and youth should be taught to be truthful, unselfish, industrious.
They should not be allowed to spend their time in idleness; their
hands should not be folded in inaction. Parents and teachers should
work for the accomplishment of this object—the development of all
the powers, and the formation of right character. But when parents
realize their responsibilities, there will be far less left for the teachers
to do.
Heaven is interested in this work in behalf of the young. The
parents and teachers who by wise instruction, in a calm, decided
manner, accustom children to think of and care for others, will
help them to overcome their selfishness and will close the door
[149] against many temptations. Angels of God will co-operate with these
faithful instructors. Angels are not commissioned to do this work
themselves; but they will give strength and efficiency to those who,
in the fear of God, seek to train the young to a life of usefulness.
*****
Teaching Lessons of Helpfulness 121
Our schools are the Lord’s special instrumentality to fit the chil-
dren and youth for missionary work. Parents should understand their
responsibility and help their children to appreciate the great privi-
leges and blessings that God has provided for them in educational
advantages.
But their domestic education should keep pace with their edu-
cation in missionary lines. In childhood and youth practical and
literary training should be combined. Children should be taught to
have a part in domestic duties. They should be instructed how to help
father and mother in the little things that they can do. Their minds
should be trained to think, their memories taxed to remember their
appointed work; and in the training to habits of usefulness in the
home they are being educated in doing practical duties appropriate
to their age.
If children have proper home training, they will not be found
upon the streets, receiving the haphazard education that so many
receive. Parents who love their children in a sensible way will not
permit them to grow up with lazy habits and ignorant of how to do
home duties. Ignorance is not acceptable to God and is unfavorable
for the doing of His work.
[150] Co-operation Between the Home and the School
It is in the home school that our boys and girls are to be prepared
to attend the church school. Parents should constantly keep this in
mind, and as teachers in the home should consecrate every power of
the being to God, that they may fulfill their high and holy mission.
Diligent, faithful instruction in the home is the best preparation that
children can receive for school life. Wise parents will help their
children to understand that in the school life, as in the home, they
are to strive to please God, to be an honor to Him.
To shield their children from contaminating influences, parents
should instruct them in the principles of purity. Those children who
in the home form habits of obedience and self-control will have little
difficulty in their school life, and will escape many of the temptations
that beset the youth. Parents should train their children to be true to
God under all circumstances and in all places. They should surround
them with influences that tend to strengthen character. With such a
training, children, when sent away to school, will not be a cause of
disturbance or anxiety. They will be a support to their teachers and
an example and encouragement to their fellow pupils.
122
Co-operation Between the Home and the School 123
Requiring Obedience
The teacher should bring true self-respect into all that he does.
He should not allow himself to be quick-tempered. He should not
punish harshly children that are in need of reform. Let him under-
stand that self must be kept in subjection. He should never forget
that over him is a divine Teacher, whose pupil he is, and under
whose control he is ever to be. As the teacher humbles the heart
before God, it will be softened and subdued by the thought of his
own shortcomings. He will realize something of the meaning of
124 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
the words, “You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your
mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled in the body of
His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and
unreprovable in His sight.” Colossians 1:21, 22.
[153] Sometimes there is in the school a disorderly element that makes
the work very hard. Children who have not received a right education
make much trouble, and by their perversity make the heart of the
teacher sad. But let him not become discouraged. Test and trial bring
experience. If the children are disobedient and unruly, there is all the
more need of strenuous effort. The fact that there are children with
such characters is one of the reasons why church schools should be
established. The children whom parents have neglected to educate
and discipline must be saved if possible.
In the school as well as in the home there should be wise dis-
cipline. The teacher must make rules to guide the conduct of his
pupils. These rules should be few and well considered, and once
made they should be enforced. Every principle involved in them
should be so placed before the student that he will be convinced of
its justice. Thus he will feel a responsibility to see that the rules
which he himself has helped to frame are obeyed.
who themselves rule in anger are the most unreasonable when their
children are restrained and disciplined in school.
There are church members who have been quick to catch up
unkind suppositions and to speak disparagingly of the teacher before
other church members and even in the presence of the children.
Some have talked freely and bitterly concerning a teacher without
clearly understanding the difficulty of which they were speaking.
This should not be. The one who thinks that a teacher has done
wrong should follow the directions given in the word: “If thy brother
shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee
and him alone.” Matthew 18:15. Until this has been done, no one is
justified in telling others of a brother’s mistakes.
Parents, when the church-school teacher tries so to train and
discipline your children that they may gain eternal life, do not in
their presence criticize his actions, even though you may think him
too severe. If you desire them to give their hearts to the Saviour,
co-operate with the teacher’s efforts for their salvation. How much
better it is for children, instead of hearing criticism, to hear from the [155]
lips of their mother words of commendation regarding the work of
the teacher. Such words make lasting impressions and influence the
children to respect the teacher.
We are not to concern ourselves so much about the course that
others are following, as about the course that we ourselves are
following. If the children attending a church school do not improve
in manners, the parents should not unduly blame the teacher. Rather
they should closely examine themselves to see if they are such
teachers as God can approve. In many cases children are greatly
neglected in the home and are more disorderly there than they are
in the school. If children who for years have been left to follow
their own inclinations and desires are not led by the efforts of the
teacher to live Christlike lives, shall the parents, because of this, set
in circulation unkind criticisms concerning the teacher?
God’s method of government is an example of how children are
to be trained. There is no oppression in the Lord’s service, and there
is to be no oppression in the home or in the school. Yet neither
parents nor teachers should allow disregard of their word to pass
unnoticed. Should they neglect to correct the children for doing
wrong, God will hold them accountable for their neglect. But let
126 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
A Sympathetic Understanding
The school work in a place where a church school has been
established should never be given up unless God plainly directs
that this should be done. Adverse influences may seem to conspire
against the school, but with God’s help the teacher can do a grand,
saving work in changing the order of things. If he labors patiently,
earnestly, perseveringly, in Christ’s lines, the reformatory work done
in the school may extend to the homes of the children, bringing into
them a purer, more heavenly atmosphere. This is indeed missionary
work of the highest order.
If parents faithfully act their part, the work of the teacher will be
greatly lightened. His hope and courage will be increased. Parents
whose hearts are filled with the love of Christ will refrain from
finding fault and will do all in their power to encourage and help the
one whom they have chosen as teacher for their children. They will
be willing to believe that he is just as conscientious in his work as
they are in theirs.
The teachers in the home and the teachers in the school should
have a sympathetic understanding of one another’s work. They
should labor together harmoniously, imbued with the same mis-
sionary spirit, striving together to benefit the children physically,
mentally, and spiritually, and to develop characters that will stand
the test of temptation.
[158] Home Schools
128
Home Schools 129
Missionary Agencies
I speak to fathers and mothers: You can be educators in your
homes; you can be spiritual missionary agencies. Let fathers and
mothers feel their need of being home missionaries, the need of
keeping the atmosphere of the home free from the influence of
unkind and hasty speech, the need of making the home a place
where angels of God can come in and bless and give success to the
efforts put forth.
Let parents unite in providing a place for the daily instruction of
their children, choosing as teacher one who is apt to teach, and who,
[161] as a consecrated servant of Christ, will increase in knowledge while
imparting instruction. The teacher who has consecrated herself to
the service of God will be able to do a definite work in missionary
service and will instruct the children in the same lines.
Let fathers and mothers co-operate with the teacher, laboring
earnestly for the salvation of their children. If parents will realize
the importance of these small educating centers, co-operating to do
the work that the Lord desires to have done at this time, the plans of
the enemy for our children will be largely frustrated.
*****
*****
*****
*****
Neither the church school nor the college affords the opportu-
nities for establishing a child’s character building upon the right
foundation that are afforded in the home.
Home Schools
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 149-161.
134 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Section 5—The Church School [164]
[165]
“Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?”
Our Responsibility
136
Our Responsibility 137
*****
and take away their sins. And when they ask Him to pardon all their
transgressions they must believe that He does it.
God wants every child of tender age to be His child, to be adopted
into His family. Young though they may be, the youth may be mem-
bers of the household of faith and have a most precious experience.
They may have hearts that are tender and ready to receive impres-
sions that will be lasting. They may have their hearts drawn out in
confidence and love for Jesus, and live for the Saviour. Christ will
make them little missionaries. The whole current of their thought
may be changed, so that sin will not appear a thing to be enjoyed,
but to be shunned and hated.
Small children, as well as those who are older, will be benefited
by this instruction; and in thus simplifying the plan of salvation, the
teachers will receive as great blessings as those who are taught. The
Holy Spirit of God will impress the lessons upon the receptive minds [170]
of the children, that they may grasp the ideas of Bible truth in their
simplicity. And the Lord will give an experience to these children in
missionary lines; He will suggest to them lines of thought that even
the teachers did not have. The children who are properly instructed
will be witnesses to the truth.
Teachers who are nervous and easily irritated should not be
placed over the youth. They must love the children because they are
the younger members of the Lord’s family. The Lord will inquire of
them, as of the parents, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy
beautiful flock?” Jeremiah 13:20....
In educating the children and youth, teachers should not allow
one passionate word or gesture to mar their work, for in so doing
they imbue the students with the same spirit which they themselves
possess. The Lord would have our primary schools, as well as
those for older students, of that character that angels of God can
walk through the room, and behold, in the order and principle of
government, the order and government of heaven. This is thought
by many to be impossible; but every school should begin with this,
and work most earnestly to preserve the spirit of Christ in temper, in
communications, in instruction, the teachers placing themselves in
the channel of light where the Lord can use them as His agents to
reflect His own likeness of character. The teachers may know that,
140 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law,” Psalm
119:18. When the teacher will rely upon God in prayer, the Spirit
of Christ will come upon him, and God will work through him by
the Holy Spirit upon the mind of the student. The Holy Spirit fills
mind and heart with hope and courage and Bible imagery, which
will be communicated to the student. The words of truth will grow
in importance, and will assume a breadth and fullness of meaning
of which he has never dreamed. The beauty and virtue of the word
of God have a transforming influence upon mind and character; the
sparks of heavenly love will fall upon the hearts of the children as
an inspiration. We may bring hundreds and thousands of children to
Christ if we will work for them.—Special Testimony to the Battle
Creek Church; written at Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia, December
15, 1897.
[173] The Work of the Church School
142
Work of the Church School 143
Our church schools need teachers who have high moral qualities;
those who can be trusted; those who are sound in the faith and who
[176] have tact and patience; those who walk with God and abstain from
the very appearance of evil....
*****
Work of the Church School 145
*****
[in the simplicity of natural beauty and loveliness]; they toil not,
neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in
all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Then followed the
assurance, “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which
today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more
clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Matthew 6:28-30....
In His work as a public teacher, Christ never lost sight of the chil-
dren. When wearied with the bustle and confusion of the crowded
city, tired of contact with crafty and hypocritical men, His spirit
found rest and peace in the society of innocent little children. His
presence never repelled them. His large heart of love could compre-
hend their trials and necessities, and find happiness in their simple
joys; and He took them in His arms and blessed them.
In these children who were brought in contact with Him, Jesus [180]
saw the future men and women who should be heirs of His grace
and subjects of His kingdom, and some of whom would become
martyrs for His sake. He knew that these children would listen
to Him and accept Him as their Redeemer far more readily than
would the grown people, many of whom were worldly-wise and
hardhearted. In His teaching He came down to their level. He, the
Majesty of heaven, did not disdain to answer their questions and
simplify His important lessons to meet their childish understanding.
He planted in their expanding minds the seeds of truth, which in
after years would spring up and bear fruit unto eternal life.
Parents and teachers, Jesus is still saying, “Suffer little children,
and forbid them not, to come unto Me.” Matthew 19:14. They are
the most susceptible to the teachings of Christianity; their hearts
are open to influences of piety and virtue, and strong to retain the
impressions received.—Special Testimonies On Education, 62-66;
written May 17, 1896.
*****
To develop the minds and hearts of the youth, and not hinder
their growth by an unwarranted control of one mind over another,
requires tact and understanding. Teachers are needed who are able to
deal wisely with the different phases of character; who are quick to
see and to make the most of opportunities to do good; who possess
148 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
enthusiasm, who are “apt to teach;” and who can inspire thought,
quicken energy, and impart courage.
The Bible Lesson [181]
In all that men have written, where can be found anything that
has such a hold upon the heart, anything so well adapted to awaken
the interest of the little ones, as the stories of the Bible? In these
simple stories may be made plain the great principles of the law of
God. Thus by illustrations best suited to the child’s comprehension,
parents and teachers may begin very early to fulfill the Lord’s in-
junction concerning His precepts: “Thou shalt teach them diligently
unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in the
thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest
down, and when thou risest up.” Deuteronomy 6:7.
The use of object lessons, blackboards, and maps will be an aid
in explaining these lessons and fixing them in the memory. Parents
and teachers should constantly seek for improved methods. The
teaching of the Bible should have our freshest thought, our best
methods, and our most earnest effort.
In order to do effective study, the interest of the child must be
enlisted. Especially by the one who has to do with children and
youth differing widely in disposition, training, and habits of thought,
this is a matter not to be lost sight of. In teaching children the Bible,
we may gain much by observing the bent of their minds, the things
in which they are interested, and by arousing their interest to see
what the Bible says about these things. He who created us with our
various aptitudes has in His word given something for everyone. As
the pupils see that the lessons of the Bible apply to their own lives, [182]
teach them to look to it as a counselor.
Help them also to appreciate its wonderful beauty. Many books
of no value, books that are exciting and unhealthful, are recom-
mended, or at least permitted to be used, because of their supposed
literary value. Why should we direct our children to drink of these
polluted streams, when they may have free access to the pure foun-
tains of the word of God? The Bible has a fullness, a strength, a
149
150 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
desire for the present and eternal good of the children under your
care should bring you often to your knees to seek counsel of Him
who is too wise to err, too good to leave you in the helplessness of
your own wisdom.
Bible instruction is to be made forcible by the holy life of the
teacher. God-fearing teachers will practice every principle they [184]
seek to imprint on the minds of the children. Such teachers do not
see their heavenly Father except by the eye of faith; but they have
learned of Him; they read His love in the most trying dispensations.
They do not judge their Creator by dispensations; they are partakers
of His divine nature. They can trust Him who withheld not His
only-begotten Son, knowing that with Him He will give all things
for their spiritual and eternal good.
*****
If the teacher has learned his lessons from Jesus Christ, and has
learned for the purpose of bringing these lessons fully into his own
life, he can teach successfully. Those who are daily learners of the
Great Teacher will have a most precious treasure house from which
to draw things new and old.
To church-school teachers I would say: Know that you are con-
trolled by the Holy Spirit. Reveal in your lives the transforming
influence of the truth. Do your utmost to improve your own capabil-
ities, that you may teach your students how to make improvement.
As soon as your minds harmonize with the mind of God, you will
be brought into touch with an intelligence that will communicate to
you lessons that will be of invaluable help in your work of teaching.
As you tell the children the story of the cross, your own souls will be
lifted above gloom and despondency. In considering the Redeemer’s
infinite sacrifice, you will lose all desire for the things of this world.
[185] Teaching from Nature
While the Bible should hold the first place in the education of
children and youth, the book of nature is next in importance. God’s
created works testify to His love and power. He has called the world
into being, with all that it contains. God is a lover of the beautiful;
and in the world which He has fitted up for us He has not only
given us everything necessary for our comfort, but He has filled the
heavens and the earth with beauty. We see His love and care in the
rich fields of autumn, and His smile in the glad sunshine. His hand
has made the castle-like rocks and the towering mountains. The
lofty trees grow at His command; He has spread earth’s green velvet
carpet and dotted it with shrubs and flowers.
Why has He clothed the earth and trees with living green, instead
of with dark, somber brown? Is it not that they may be more pleasing
to the eye? And shall not our hearts be filled with gratitude as we
read the evidences of His wisdom and love in the wonders of His
creation?
The same creative energy that brought the world into existence is
still exerted in upholding the universe and continuing the operations
of nature. The hand of God guides the planets in their orderly march
through the heavens. It is not because of inherent power that year
by year the earth continues her motion round the sun and produces
her bounties. The word of God controls the elements. He covers
the heavens with clouds and prepares rain for the earth. He makes
the valleys fruitful and “grass to grow upon the mountains;” Psalm
[186] 147:8. It is through His power that vegetation flourishes, that the
leaves appear and the flowers bloom.
The whole natural world is designed to be an interpreter of the
things of God. To Adam and Eve in their Eden home, nature was full
of the knowledge of God, teeming with divine instruction. To their
attentive ears it was vocal with the voice of wisdom. Wisdom spoke
to the eye and was received into the heart, for they communed with
God in His created works. As soon as the holy pair transgressed the
152
Teaching from Nature 153
law of the Most High, the brightness from the face of God departed
from the face of nature. Nature is now marred and defiled by sin. But
God’s object lessons are not obliterated; even now, rightly studied
and interpreted, she speaks of her Creator....
The most effective way to teach the heathen who know not God
is through His works. In this way, far more readily than by any other
method, they can be made to realize the difference between their
idols, the works of their own hands, and the true God, the Maker of
heaven and earth.... There is a simplicity and purity in these lessons
direct from nature that makes of the highest value to others besides
the heathen. The children and youth, all classes of students, need the
lessons to be derived from this source. In itself the beauty of nature
leads the soul away from sin and worldly attractions, and toward
purity, peace, and God.
For this reason the cultivation of the soil is good work for children
and youth. It brings them into direct contact with nature and nature’s
God. And that they may have this advantage, there should be, as
far as possible, in connection with our schools, large flower gardens [187]
and extensive lands for cultivation.
An education amid such surroundings is in accordance with the
directions which God has given for the instruction of youth; but it
is in direct contrast with the methods employed in the majority of
schools.... The minds of the young have been occupied with books
of science and philosophy, where the thorns of skepticism have been
only partially concealed; with vague, fanciful fairy stories; or with
the works of authors who, although they may write on Scripture
subjects, weave in their own fanciful interpretations. The teaching
of such books is as seed sown in the heart. It grows and bears fruit,
and a plentiful harvest of infidelity is reaped. The result is seen in
the depravity of the human family.
A return to simpler methods will be appreciated by the children
and youth. Work in the garden and field will be an agreeable change
from the wearisome routine of abstract lessons to which the young
minds should never be confined. To the nervous child or youth, who
finds lessons from books exhausting and hard to remember, it will
be especially valuable. There is health and happiness for him in the
study of nature; and the impressions made will not fade out of his
154 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
mind, for they will be associated with objects that are continually
before his eyes.
In the natural world, God has placed in the hands of the children
of men the key to unlock the treasure house of His word. The unseen
is illustrated by the seen; divine wisdom, eternal truth, infinite grace,
are understood by the things that God has made. Then let the children
[188] and youth become acquainted with nature and nature’s laws. Let the
mind be developed to its utmost capacity and the physical powers
trained for the practical duties of life. But teach them also that
God has made this world fair because He delights in our happiness;
and that a more beautiful home is preparing for us in that world
where there will be no more sin. The word of God declares: “Eye
hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of
man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1
Corinthians 2:9.
The little children should come especially close to nature. In-
stead of putting fashion’s shackles upon them, let them be free like
the lambs to play in the sweet, fresh sunlight. Point them to shrubs
and flowers, the lowly grass and the lofty trees, and let them become
familiar with their beautiful, varied, and delicate forms. Teach them
to see the wisdom and love of God in His created works; and as their
hearts swell with joy and grateful love, let them join the birds in
their songs of praise.
Educate the children and youth to consider the works of the great
Master Artist, and to imitate the attractive graces of nature in their
character building. As the love of God wins their hearts, let them
bring into their lives the beauty of holiness. So shall they use their
capabilities to bless others and to honor God.—Special Testimonies
On Education, 58-62; written May 20, 1896.
*****
His word. And nature does the bidding of the Creator. To the heart
softened by the grace of God, the sun, the moon, the stars, the lofty
trees, the flowers of the field, utter their words of counsel and advice.
The sowing of the seed carries the mind to spiritual seed sowing.
The tree stands forth declaring that a good tree cannot bear evil fruit,
neither can an evil tree bear good fruit. “Ye shall know them by their
fruits.” Matthew 7:16. Even the tares have a lesson to teach. They
are of Satan’s sowing, and if left unchecked, will spoil the wheat by
their rank growth.
When man is reconciled to God, the things of nature speak to
him in words of heavenly wisdom, bearing testimony to the eternal
truth of God’s word. As Christ tells us the meaning of the things
in nature, the science of true religion flashes forth, explaining the
relation of the law of God to the natural and the spiritual world.
*****
The swallow and the crane observe the changes of the seasons.
They migrate from one country to another to find a climate suitable
to their convenience and happiness, as the Lord designed they should.
They are obedient to the laws which govern their life. But the beings
formed in the image of God fail to honor Him by obeying the laws
of nature. By disregarding the laws that govern the human organism,
they disqualify themselves for serving God. He sends them warnings [190]
to beware how they break His law in breaking the laws of life; but
habit is strong, and they will not heed. The days are filled with pain
of body and disquietude of mind because they are determined to
follow wrong habits and practices. They will not reason from cause
to effect, and they sacrifice health, peace, and happiness to their
ignorance and selfishness.
The wise man addresses the indolent in the words: “Go to the
ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having
no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and
gathereth her food in the harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8. The habitations
that the ants build for themselves show skill and perseverance. Only
one little grain at a time can they handle, but by diligence and
perseverance they accomplish wonders.
156 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
*****
The sun, the moon, the stars, the solid rocks, the flowing stream,
the broad, restless ocean, teach lessons that all would do well to
heed.
Under Discipline to Christ [191]
have been left to do as they pleased; others have been found fault
with and discouraged. Very little pleasantness and cheerfulness have
been shown them; few words of approval have been spoken to them.
They have inherited the defective characters of their parents, and the
discipline of the home has been no help in the formation of right
character. To place as teachers of these children and youth, young
men and women who have not developed a deep, earnest love for
God and for the souls for whom Christ has died, is to make a mistake
that may result in the loss of many souls. Those who easily become
impatient and irritated should not be educators.
Teachers should remember that they are not dealing with men
and women, but with children who have everything to learn. And
it is much more difficult for some to learn than for others. The dull
pupil needs much more encouragement than he receives. If there are
[193] placed over these varied minds teachers who love to order and dictate
and to magnify their authority, teachers who deal with partiality,
having favorites to whom they show preference, while others are
treated with exactitude and severity, confusion and insubordination
will result. Teachers who are not blessed with a pleasant, well-
balanced disposition may be placed in charge of children, but a great
wrong is done to those whom they educate.
A teacher may have sufficient education and knowledge in the
sciences to instruct, but has it been ascertained that he has tact and
wisdom to deal with human minds? If instructors have not the
love of Christ abiding in their hearts, they are not fit to bear the
grave responsibilities placed upon those who educate the youth.
Lacking the higher education themselves, they know not how to
deal with human minds. Their own insubordinate hearts are striving
for control; and to subject the plastic minds and characters of the
children to such discipline is to leave upon the mind scars and bruises
that will never be removed.
Inquire, teachers, you who are doing your work not only for time
but for eternity, Does the love of Christ constrain me as I deal with
the souls for whom He has given His life? Under His discipline
do old traits of character, not in conformity with the will of God,
pass away and qualities the opposite take their place? or am I, by
my unsanctified words and my impatience, my want of that wisdom
which is from above, confirming these youth in their perverse spirit?
Under Discipline to Christ 159
leaves the rest of the sheep, and his whole energies are taxed to find
the one that is lost.
And then the picture—praise God!—the shepherd returns with
the sheep, carrying it in his arms, and rejoicing at every step. “Re-
joice with me,” he says, “for I have found my sheep which was lost.”
Luke 15:6. I am so thankful that we have the picture of the sheep
found. There is no picture presented before our imagination of a
sorrowful shepherd returning without the sheep. This is the lesson
that the undershepherds are to learn—success in bringing the sheep
and lambs back to the fold.
The wisdom of God, His power, and His love are without parallel.
They are the divine guarantee that not one, even, of the straying sheep
and lambs is overlooked, not one left unsuccored. A golden chain—
the mercy and compassion of divine power—is passed around every
one of these imperiled souls.
A Wide Field
[199] To those who are accepted as teachers in our schools is opened
a wide field for labor and cultivation, for the sowing of the seed,
and the harvesting of the ripened grain. What should give greater
satisfaction than to educate the children and youth to love God and
keep His commandments? What should give greater joy than to
see these children and youth following Christ, the Great Shepherd?
What should shed more sunshine through the soul of the devoted
worker than to know that his patient, persevering labor in the Lord
is not in vain, to see his pupils experiencing joy in their souls for
sins forgiven, to see them receiving the impressions of the Spirit
of God in true nobility of character and in the restoration of the
moral image of God, seeking for that peace which comes from the
Prince of Peace? The truth a bondage? Yes, in one sense; for it binds
the soul in willing captivity to the Saviour, bowing the heart to the
gentleness of Christ.
*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
Further Instruction
It is not wise for a new school to lift its banner and promise to
do a high grade of work before proving that it is fully able to do
preparatory work. It should be the great aim in every intermediate
school to do most thorough work in the common branches.
In every school that is established among us, the teachers should
begin humbly, not grasping the higher rounds off the ladder before
they have climbed the lower ones. They are to climb round after
round, beginning at the bottom. They are to be learners even as they
teach the common branches. When they have learned the meaning
of the simplicity of true education they will better understand how to [211]
prepare students for advanced studies. Teachers are to learn as they
teach. Advancement is to be made, and by advancement experience
is to be gained.
Our teachers should not think that their work ends with giving
instruction from books. Several hours each day should be devoted
to working with the students in some line of manual training. In no
case should this be neglected.
In every school there should be those who have a store of patience
and disciplinary talent, who will see to it that every line of work
is kept up to the highest standard. Lessons in neatness, order, and
thoroughness are to be given. Students should be taught how to keep
in perfect order everything in the school and about the grounds.
Before he attempts to guide the youth, a teacher should learn
to control himself. If he is not a constant learner in the school of
Christ; if he has not the discernment and discrimination that would
enable him to employ wise methods in his work; if he cannot govern
those in his charge with firmness, yet pleasantly and kindly, how can
he be successful in his teaching? The teacher who is not under the
control of God needs to heed the invitation, “Take My yoke upon
172 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall
find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is
light.” Matthew 11:29, 30.
Every teacher should learn daily of Jesus, wearing His yoke of
restraint, sitting in His school as a student, obeying the rules of
Christian principle. The teacher who is not under the guidance of the
[212] Master Teacher will not be able to meet successfully the different
developments that arise as the result of the natural perversity of
childhood and youth.
Let the teacher bring peace and love and cheerfulness into his
work. Let him not allow himself to become angry or provoked. The
Lord is looking upon him with intense interest, to see if he is being
molded by the divine Teacher. The child who loses his self-control
is far more excusable than the teacher who allows himself to become
angry and impatient. When a stern reproof is to be given, it may
still be given in kindness. Let the teacher beware of making the
child stubborn by speaking to him harshly. Let him follow every
correction with drops of the oil of kindness. He should never forget
that he is dealing with Christ in the person of one of Christ’s little
ones.
Let it be a settled maxim that in all school discipline, faithfulness
and love are to reign. When a student is corrected in such a way that
he is not made to feel that the teacher desires to humiliate him, love
for the teacher springs up in his heart.
Saint Helena, California,
May 17, 1903
*****
“You are just beginning your work. Not all your ideas are posi-
tively correct. Not all your methods are wise. It is not possible that
your work at its beginning will be perfect. But as you advance, you
will learn how to use to better advantage the knowledge that you are
gaining. In order to do their work in harmony with the Lord’s will,
teachers must keep their minds open to receive instruction from the
Great Teacher.”
Los Angeles, California,
September 18, 1902
*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
The instruction which the Lord has sent us, warning students and
teachers against spending years of study in school, does not apply to
young boys and girls. These need to go through the proper period
of thorough discipline and study of the common branches and the
Bible until they have reached an age of more mature and reliable
judgment.
The Influence Of Association [220]
Jesus will be the helper of all who put their trust in Him. Those
who are connected with Christ have happiness at their command.
They follow the path where their Saviour leads, for His sake cruci-
fying the flesh, with its affections and lusts. They have built their
hopes on Christ, and the storms of earth are powerless to sweep
them from the sure foundation.
It rests with you, young men and women, to decide whether
you will become trustworthy and faithful, ready and resolute to take
Influence Of Association 183
your stand for the right under all circumstances. Do you desire
to form correct habits? Then seek the company of those who are
sound in morals, and whose aim tends to that which is good. The
precious hours of probation are granted that you may remove every
defect from the character, and this you should seek to do, not only
that you may obtain the future life, but that you may be useful in
this life. A good character is a capital of more value than gold or [226]
silver. It is unaffected by panics or failures, and in that day when
earthly possessions shall be swept away, it will bring rich returns.
Integrity, firmness, and perseverance are qualities that all should seek
earnestly to cultivate; for they clothe the possessor with a power
which is irresistible—a power which makes him strong to do good,
strong to resist evil, strong to bear adversity.
The love of truth, and a sense of the responsibility to glorify God,
are the most powerful of all incentives to the improvement of the
intellect. With this impulse to action the student cannot be a trifler.
He will be always in earnest. He will study as under the eye of God,
knowing that all heaven is enlisted in the work of his education. He
will become noble-minded, generous, kind, courteous, Christlike,
efficient. Heart and mind will work in harmony with the will of God.
*****
The youth who are in harmony with Christ will choose com-
panions who will help them in right doing, and will shun society
that gives no aid in the development of right principles and noble
purposes. In every place are to be found youth whose minds are
cast in an inferior mold. When brought into association with this
class, those who have placed themselves without reserve on the side
of Christ will stand firmly by that which reason and conscience tell
them is right.
Influence of Association
The Adventist Home, 455-471.
Messages to Young People, 419, 423, 424, 432.
Testimonies For The Church 1:400-405, 512, 513;
Testimonies For The Church 2:222, 407, 408;
Testimonies For The Church 3:41-47 (courtship), 362-
367;
Testimonies For The Church 4:209, 435, 436, 587-591,
622-624;
Testimonies For The Church 5:111-113 (courtship), 222,
223, 542-546.
Section 7—The Teacher And The Work [228]
[229]
“The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I
should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.”
Some Of The Christian Teacher’s Needs
186
Some Of The Christian Teacher’s Needs 187
Harmonious Development
No one branch of study should receive special attention to the
neglect of others equally important. Some teachers devote much
time to a favorite branch, drilling students upon every point, and
praising them for their progress, while in other essential studies
these students may be deficient. Such instructors are doing their
pupils a great wrong. They are depriving them of that harmonious
development of the mental powers which they should have, as well
as of knowledge which they sorely need.
In these matters, teachers are too often controlled by ambitious
and selfish motives. While they labor with no higher object, they
cannot inspire their pupils with noble desires or purposes. The
keen, active minds of the youth are quick to detect every defect of
character, and they will copy defects far more readily than they will
the graces of the Holy Spirit.
Increase by Use
The teacher should not think that all his time is to be spent in
the study of books. By putting into practice what he learns, he will
obtain more than he will by mere study. As he uses his knowledge
he will receive more. Some who have but one talent feel that they
can do nothing. They hide their talent in the earth, as it were; and
because they receive no increase they murmur against God. But if
they would use the ability given them, their talent would double. It
is by a faithful use of talents that they are multiplied. As we use
aright the advantages God gives us, He increases our capabilities for
service.
Because you are teachers, do not think that it is unnecessary to
[235] obtain a training in the simplest duties of life. Because you are study-
ing books, do not neglect the everyday duties around you. Wherever
you are, weave into your life all the usefulness possible, and you
will find your minds more capable of expansion, more vigorous in
grasping the lessons you endeavor to learn. By performing with
faithfulness every practical duty that falls to you, you are becoming
better qualified to educate those who need to learn how to do these
things.
An Appeal
There are some who love the society of the world, who regard the
companionship of the worldling as something to be desired above the
companionship of those who love God and keep His commandments.
Teachers, know enough to obey God. Know enough to follow the
footsteps of Jesus, to wear the yoke of Christ. Do you desire the
wisdom of God? Then humble yourselves before Him; walk in the
way of His commandments; determine that you will make the most
of every opportunity granted you. Gather every ray of light that falls
across your pathway. Follow the light. Bring the teachings of truth
into your life practice. As you humble yourselves under the mighty
hand of God, He will lift you up. Commit your work to Him; labor
in faithfulness, in sincerity, in truth, and you will find that each day’s
labor brings its reward.
Some Of The Christian Teacher’s Needs 191
*****
The Lord has made provision that the nobler powers of the mind
should be trained for high pursuits. But instead of this, men pervert
the faculties of the mind and press them into the service of temporal
interests, as if the attainment of the things of this earth were of
supreme importance. In this way the higher powers are dwarfed
and men remain unqualified for the duties of life that devolve upon
them. If the nobler powers of the mind are not cultivated, they fail
to act with integrity, even in the obligations relating to this life. It is
Satan’s design that the faculties of the mind shall become belittled
and sensualized, but it is not God’s will that any should yield the
mind to the control of the evil one. In intellectual and in spiritual
pursuits, He would have His children make progress....
The lifework given us is that of preparation for the life eternal. If
we accomplish this work as God designs we shall, every temptation
may work for our advancement; for as we resist its allurements we
make progress in the divine life. In the heat of the conflict, unseen
agencies will be by our side, commanded of heaven to aid us in our
wrestlings; and in the crisis, strength and firmness and energy will
be imparted to us, and we shall have more than mortal power.
But unless the human agent brings his will into harmony with
[238] the will of God, unless he forsakes every idol and overcomes every
wrong practice, he will not succeed in the warfare, but will be finally
overcome. Those who would be conquerors must engage in conflict
with unseen agencies; inward corruption must be overcome, and
every thought must be brought into subjection to Christ.
The Holy Spirit is ever at work, seeking to purify, refine, and
discipline the souls of men, in order that they may become fitted for
the society of saints and angels.... As children of God, we should
make earnest efforts to be overcomers; and as students who seek to
honor and glorify God, we should study to show ourselves approved
of Him, workmen that need not to be ashamed.
192
Necessity Of Doing Our Best 193
Christ’s Method
Ministers and teachers should give special attention to the cul-
tivation of the voice. They should learn to speak, not in a nervous,
[240] hurried manner, but with a slow, distinct, clear utterance, preserving
the music of the voice.
The Saviour’s voice was as music to the ears of those who had
been accustomed to the monotonous, spiritless preaching of the
scribes and Pharisees. He spoke slowly and impressively, emphasiz-
ing those words to which He wished His hearers to give special heed.
Old and young, ignorant and learned, could catch the full meaning
of His words. This would have been impossible had He spoken in
a hurried way and rushed sentence upon sentence without a pause.
The people were very attentive to Him, and it was said of Him that
He spoke not as the scribes and Pharisees, for His word was as of
one who had authority....
Christ’s manner of teaching was beautiful and attractive, and it
was ever characterized by simplicity. He unfolded the mysteries
of the kingdom of heaven through the use of figures and symbols
with which His hearers were familiar; and the common people heard
Him gladly, for they could comprehend His words. There were no
high-sounding words used, to understand which it was necessary to
consult a dictionary.
Jesus illustrated the glories of the kingdom of God by the use of
the experiences and occurrences of earth. In compassionate love and
tenderness He cheered and comforted and instructed all who heard
Him; for grace was poured upon His lips that He might convey to
men in the most attractive way the treasures of truth.
This is the way in which He would have us present His truth
to others. The power of speech is of great value, and the voice
should be cultivated for the blessing of those with whom we come
in contact.
[241] In Prayer
I am pained as I see how little the gift of speech is appreciated.
In reading the Bible, in engaging in prayer, in bearing testimony
in meeting, how necessary is clear, distinct utterance! And how
Necessity Of Doing Our Best 195
much is lost in family worship when the one offering prayer bows
the face down and speaks in a low, feeble voice! But as soon as
family worship is over, those who could not speak loud enough to
be heard in prayer, can usually speak in clear, distinct tones, and
there is no difficulty in hearing what they say. Prayer that is thus
uttered is appropriate for the closet, but not edifying in family or
public worship; for unless those assembled can hear what is said,
they cannot say Amen. Nearly all can speak loud enough to be heard
in ordinary conversation, and why should they not speak thus when
called upon to bear testimony or to offer prayer?
When speaking of divine things, why not speak in distinct tones
in a manner that will make it manifest that you know whereof you
speak, and are not ashamed to show your colors? Why not pray as if
you had a conscience void of offense, and could come to the throne
of grace in humility, yet with holy boldness, lifting up holy hands
without wrath and doubting? Do not bow down and cover up your
faces as if there were something that you desired to conceal; but
lift up your eyes toward the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ your
Mediator stands before the Father to present your prayers, mingled
with His own merit and spotless righteousness, as fragrant incense.
You are invited to come, to ask, to seek, to knock; and you are [242]
assured that you will not come in vain. Jesus says, “Ask, and it shall
be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened
unto you: for everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh
findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matthew 7:7,
8.
Christ illustrates the willingness of God to bless by the willing-
ness of a father to grant the request of his child. He says, “If a son
shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a
stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if
he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being
evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much
more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that
ask Him? Luke 11:11-13.
We come to God in the name of Jesus by special invitation,
and He welcomes us to His audience chamber. He imparts to the
humble, contrite soul that faith in Christ by which he is justified.
Jesus blots out as a thick cloud his transgression, and the comforted
196 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
heart exclaims, “O Lord, I will praise Thee: though Thou wast angry
with me, Thine anger is turned away, and Thou comfortedst me.”
Isaiah 12:1. Such a one will understand by his own experience the
words of Paul, “With the heart man believeth unto righteousness;
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans
10:10.
Man then becomes an agent whom God can employ to work
out His purposes. He represents Christ, holding forth to the world
[243] His mercy and love. He has a testimony that he desires others to
hear. In the language of the psalmist he says, “Bless the Lord, O
my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the
Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgiveth all
thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy
life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and
tender mercies.” Psalm 103:1-4.
should learn to speak in such a way that they can edify those who
listen. Let everyone connected with missionary work qualify himself
to speak in a clear, attractive way, enunciating his words perfectly.
The proper use of the vocal organs will bring benefit to the
physical health and increase the usefulness and influence. It is
through falling into bad habits of speech that people become tedious
readers and speakers, but those who are looked upon as intelligent
enough to become missionary workers or to transact business ought
to have intelligence enough to reform in their manner of speaking.
By judicious exercise they may expand the chest and strengthen the
muscles. By giving heed to proper instruction, by following health
principles in regard to the expansion of the lungs and the culture of
the voice, our young men and women may become speakers who
can be heard; and the exercise necessary for this accomplishment
will prolong life.
Those who gain correct ideas on the subject of voice culture
will see the necessity of educating and training themselves so that
they may honor God and bless others. They will put themselves
under patient, efficient teachers and learn to read in a way that will
preserve the melody of the voice. With an eye single to the glory of
God they will make the most of their natural abilities. Commanding
their own powers, they will not be embarrassed by defects of speech,
and their usefulness in the cause of God will be increased.
[248] A Deeper Consecration
speaks to all when He says, “If any man will come after Me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24.
A great work is to be accomplished by the setting forth of the
saving truths of the Bible. This is the means ordained of God to
stem the tide of moral corruption in the earth. Christ gave His life
to make it possible for man to be restored to the image of God. It
is the power of His grace that draws men together in obedience to
the truth. Those who would experience more of the sanctification
of the truth in their own souls should present this truth to those who
are ignorant of it. Never will they find a more elevating, ennobling
work.
*****
Deeper Consecration 203
204
Importance Of Simplicity 205
*****
Our people are now being tested as to whether they will obtain
their wisdom from the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, or
seek to the God of Ekron. Let us determine that we will not be tied
by so much as a thread to the educational policies of those who
do not discern the voice of God and who will not hearken to His
commandments.
A Caution [256]
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one
receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that
striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it
to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore
so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by
any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a
castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
I am constantly presenting the need of every man’s doing his
best as a Christian, of training himself to realize the growth, the
expansion of mind, the nobility of character, which it is possible for
each to have. In all that we do we are to sustain a Christlike relation
to one another. We are to use every spiritual force for the carrying
out of wise plans in earnest action. The gifts of God are to be used
for the saving of souls. Our relations to one another are not to be
governed by human standards, but by divine love, the love expressed
in the gift of God to our world.
The man who stands in a position of responsibility in any of
our schools cannot be too careful of his words and his acts. Never
should he allow the least approach to familiarity in his relations to
the students, such as placing his hand on the arm or shoulder of a girl
student. He should in no case give the impression that commonness
and familiarity are allowable. His lips and his hands are to express [257]
nothing that anyone could take advantage of.
In the past not all of our teachers have been clear and true and
firm in this respect. They need to see things in an altogether different
light regarding the relations that should exist between the teacher
and the student. The life and character must be kept from every
stain of evil. Every unholy passion must be kept under the control
of sanctified reason through the grace abundantly bestowed of God.
We are living in an atmosphere of satanic witchery. The enemy
will weave a spell of licentiousness around every soul that is not
207
208 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
*****
*****
Christ was the greatest teacher the world has ever known. He
came to this earth to shed abroad the bright beams of truth, that
men might gain a fitness for heaven. “For this cause came I into
the world,” He declared, “that I should bear witness unto the truth.”
John 18:37. He came to reveal the character of the Father, that men
might be led to worship Him in spirit and in truth.
Man’s need for a divine teacher was known in heaven. The pity
and sympathy of God were aroused in behalf of human beings, fallen
and bound to Satan’s chariot car; and when the fullness of time was
come, He sent forth His Son. The One appointed in the councils of
heaven came to this earth as man’s instructor. The rich benevolence
of God gave Him to our world, and to meet the necessities of human
nature He took humanity upon Himself. To the astonishment of
the heavenly host the eternal Word came to this world as a helpless
babe. Fully prepared, He left the royal courts and mysteriously allied
Himself with fallen human beings. “The Word was made flesh, and
dwelt among us.” John 1:14.
When Christ left His high command, He might have taken upon
Him any condition in life that He chose. But greatness and rank
were nothing to Him, and He chose the most humble walk of life.
No luxury, ease, or self-gratification came into His experience. The
truth of heavenly origin was to be His theme; He was to sow the
world with truth, and He lived in such a way as to be accessible to
all.
[260] That during His childhood Christ should grow in wisdom and
in favor with God and man was not a matter of astonishment, for it
was according to the laws of His divine appointment that His talents
should develop and His faculties strengthen. He did not seek an
education in the schools of the rabbis, for God was His instructor.
As He grew older He continued to increase in wisdom. He applied
Himself diligently to a study of the Scriptures, for He knew them to
be full of invaluable instruction. He was faithful in the discharge of
210
Great Teacher 211
His home duties; and the early morning hours, instead of being spent
in bed, often found Him in a retired place, searching the Scriptures
and praying to His heavenly Father.
All the prophecies concerning His work and mediation were
familiar to Him, especially those having reference to His humiliation,
atonement, and intercession. The object of His life on earth was ever
before Him, and He rejoiced to think that the gracious purpose of
the Lord should prosper in His hands.
Of Christ’s teaching it is said, “The common people heard Him
gladly.” Mark 12:37. “Never man spake like this Man” (John 7:46),
declared the officers who were sent to take Him. His words com-
forted, strengthened, and blessed those who were longing for the
peace that He alone could give. There was in His words that which
lifted His hearers to a high plane of thought and action. If these
words, instead of the words of men, were given to the learner today,
we should see evidences of higher intelligence, a clearer comprehen-
sion of heavenly things, a deeper knowledge of God, a purer, more [261]
vigorous Christian life.
Christ’s illustrations were taken from the things of daily life, and
although they were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of
meaning. The birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the growing
seed, the shepherd and the sheep—with these things Christ illustrated
immortal truth; and ever afterward, when His hearers chanced to
see these objects, they recalled His words. Thus the truth became a
living reality; the scenes of nature and the daily affairs of life were
ever repeating to them the Saviour’s teaching.
Christ always used simple language, yet His words tested the
knowledge of deep, unprejudiced thinkers. His manner of teaching
should be followed by teachers of today. Spiritual truths should
always be presented in simple language, that they may be compre-
hended and find lodgment in the heart. Thus Christ addressed the
crowds that pressed and thronged about Him; and all, learned and
unlearned, were able to comprehend His lessons.
In every school the instruction given should be as easy to under-
stand as was that given by Christ. The use of long words confuses
the mind and eclipses the beauty of the thought presented. There
is need of teachers who will come close to their students and who
212 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:6-11.
Teachers can gain efficiency and power only by working as Christ
worked. When He is the most powerful influence in their lives, they
will have success in their efforts. They will rise to heights that they
have not yet gained. They will realize the sacredness of the work
entrusted to them, and filled with His Spirit they will be animated
with the same desire to save sinners that animated Him. And by
their lives of consecration and devotion their students will be led to
the feet of the Saviour.
*****
Dealing with human minds is the most delicate work ever en-
trusted to mortals, and teachers need constantly the help of the Spirit
of God, that they may do their work aright. Among the youth attend-
ing school will be found great diversity of character and education.
The teacher will meet with impulse, impatience, pride, selfishness,
undue self-esteem. Some of the youth have lived in an element of ar-
bitrary restraint and harshness, which has developed in them a spirit
of obstinacy and defiance. Others have been treated as pets, allowed
by overfond parents to follow their own inclinations. Defects have
been excused until the character is deformed.
To deal successfully with these different minds, the teacher needs
to exercise great tact and delicacy in management, as well as firmness
in government. Dislike and even contempt for proper regulations
will often be manifested. Some will exercise their ingenuity in
evading penalties, while others will display a reckless indifference
to the consequences of transgression. All this will call for patience
and forbearance and wisdom on the part of those entrusted with the
education of these youth.
214
Christian Discipline 215
worth nothing unless united with the discipline that God has said
should be maintained. Students come to school to be disciplined for
service, trained to make the best use of their powers. If on coming
they resolve to co-operate with their teachers, their study will be
worth much more to them than if they give up to the inclination to
be rebellious and lawless. Let them give the teachers their sympathy
and co-operation. Let them take firm hold of the arm of divine power,
determining not to turn aside from the path of duty. Let them harness
their wrong habits and exert all their influence on the right side. Let
them remember that the success of the school depends upon their
consecration and sanctification, upon the holy influence they feel
bound to exert. Let them set their mark high and be determined to
reach it. When asked to go contrary to the rules of the school, let
them answer with a decided No.
Christian teacher will pray for and with an erring student, but he will
not get angry with him. He will not speak sharply to the wrongdoer,
thus discouraging a soul who is struggling with the powers of dark-
ness. He will let his heart ascend to God for help, and angels will
come to his side to help him in lifting up the standard against the
enemy; thus instead of cutting off the erring one from help, he will
be enabled to gain a soul for Christ.
you think they richly deserve, and you will cut them off from hope
and spoil your influence. Will this pay? No, a hundred times, no.
Bind the one who needs your help close to a loving, sympathizing
heart, and you will save a soul from death and hide a multitude of
sins.
Expelling Students
Great care should be exercised in the matter of expelling stu-
dents. There are times when this must be done. It is a painful task to
separate from the school the one who incites others to disobedience
and disloyalty, but for the sake of the other students this is sometimes
necessary. God saw that if Satan were not expelled from heaven the
angelic host would be in constant danger; and when God-fearing
teachers see that to retain a student is to expose others to evil influ-
ences, they should separate him from the school. But it should be a
very grave fault that calls for this discipline.
When, in consequence of transgression, Adam and Eve were cut
off from all hope, when justice demanded the death of the sinner,
Christ gave Himself as a sacrifice. “Herein is love, not that we loved
God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation [269]
for our sins.” “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned
everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity
of us all.” 1 John 4:10; Isaiah 53:6.
In dealing with their students, teachers are to show the love of
Christ. Without this love they will be harsh and dictatorial, driving
souls away from the fold. They must be minutemen, ever on guard
over self and improving every opportunity to do good to those in
their care. Let them remember that every one of our schools is to
be an asylum for the sorely tried youth, where their follies will be
wisely and patiently dealt with.
Teachers and students are to come close together in Christian
fellowship. The youth will make many mistakes, and the teacher is
never to forget to be compassionate and courteous. Never is he to
seek to show his superiority. The greatest of teachers are those who
are most patient, most kind. By their simplicity and their willingness
to learn they encourage their students to climb higher and still higher.
218 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Let teachers remember their own faults and mistakes, and strive
earnestly to be what they wish their students to become. In their
treatment of the youth let them be wise and pitiful. Let them not
forget that these youth are in need of wholesome, encouraging words
and helpful deeds. Teachers, treat your students as Christ’s children,
whom He wants you to help in every time of need. Make friends
of them. Give them practical evidence of your unselfish interest in
[270] them. Help them over the rough places. Patiently, tenderly, strive
to win them to Jesus. Eternity alone will reveal the results of such
effort.
*****
More harm than good results from the practice of offering prizes
and rewards. By it the ambitious pupil is stimulated to greater effort.
Those whose mental powers are already too active for their physical
strength are urged on to grasp subjects too difficult for the young
mind. The examinations also are a trying ordeal for pupils of this
class. Many a promising student has suffered severe illness, perhaps
death, as the result of the effort and excitement of such occasions.
Parents and teachers should be on their guard against these dangers.
*****
A Deeper Consecration
The Adventist Home, 317-325.
Christian Discipline
The Adventist Home, 305-316.
Child Guidance, 223-268, 271-290.
Education, 240-245, 280, 287-297.
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 277-284, 454-
466.
Testimonies For The Church 4:199, 200, 419-421.
Testimonies For The Church 6:168-175.
220 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Section 8—Study And Labor [272]
[273]
Notwithstanding all that has been said and written regarding the
dignity of manual labor, the feeling prevails that it is degrading.
Popular opinion has, in many minds, changed the order of things,
and men have come to think that it is not fitting for a man who works
with his hands to take his place among gentlemen. Men work hard
to obtain money; and having gained wealth, they suppose that their
money will make their sons gentlemen. But many such fail to train
their sons as they themselves were trained, to hard, useful labor.
Their sons spend the money earned by the labor of others, without
understanding its value. Thus they misuse a talent that the Lord
designed should accomplish much good.
The Lord’s purposes are not the purposes of men. He did not
design that men should live in idleness. In the beginning He created
man a gentleman; but though rich in all that the Owner of the universe
could supply, Adam was not to be idle. No sooner was he created
than his work was given him. He was to find employment and
[274] happiness in tending the things that God had created, and in response
to his labor his wants were to be abundantly supplied from the fruits
of the Garden of Eden.
While our first parents obeyed God, their labor in the garden was
a pleasure, and the earth yielded of its abundance for their wants.
But when man departed from obedience, he was doomed to wrestle
with the seeds of Satan’s sowing and to earn his bread by the sweat
of his brow. Henceforth he must battle in toil and hardship against
the power to which he had yielded his will.
It was God’s purpose to alleviate by toil the evil brought into
the world by man’s disobedience. By toil the temptations of Satan
might be made ineffectual and the tide of evil stayed. And though
attended with anxiety, weariness, and pain, labor is still a source of
happiness and development, and a safeguard against temptation. Its
discipline places a check on self-indulgence and promotes industry,
222
Dignity Of Labor 223
purity, and firmness. Thus it becomes a part of God’s great plan for
our recovery from the Fall.
And no devising of men has ever improved upon that plan. To the
[276] world’s departure from it is owing, to a large degree, the poverty and
wretchedness that exist today.
By the Israelites, industrial training was regarded as a duty.
Every father was required to see that his sons learned some useful
trade. The greatest men of Israel were trained to industrial pursuits.
A knowledge of the duties pertaining to housewifery was considered
essential for every woman; and skill in these duties was regarded as
an honor to women of the highest station.
Various industries were taught in the schools of the prophets,
and many of the students sustained themselves by manual labor.
Christ’s Example
The path of toil appointed to the dwellers on earth may be hard
and wearisome; but it is honored by the footprints of the Redeemer,
and he is safe who follows in this sacred way. By precept and
example, Christ has dignified useful labor. From His earliest years
He lived a life of toil. The greater part of His earthly life was spent
in patient work in the carpenter’s shop at Nazareth. In the garb of a
common laborer the Lord of life trod the streets of the little town in
which He lived, going to and returning from His humble toil; and
ministering angels attended Him as He walked side by side with
peasants and laborers, unrecognized and unhonored.
When He went forth to contribute to the support of the family by
His daily toil He possessed the same power as when on the shores
of Galilee He fed five thousand hungry souls with five loaves and
two fishes. But He did not employ His divine power to lessen His
[277] burdens or lighten His toil. He had taken upon Himself the form
of humanity, with all its attendant ills, and He did not flinch from
its severest trials. He lived in a peasant’s home; He was clothed
with coarse garments; He mingled with the lowly; He toiled daily
with patient hands. His example shows us that it is man’s duty to be
industrious and that labor is honorable.
Dignity Of Labor 225
godliness, they also tend to poverty and want. “He becometh poor
that dealeth with a slack hand.” Proverbs 10:4.
Judicious labor is a healthful tonic for the human race. It makes
the feeble strong, the poor rich, the wretched happy. Satan lies in
ambush, ready to destroy those whose leisure gives him opportunity
to approach them under some attractive disguise. He is never more
successful than when he comes to men in their idle hours.
*****
God designed they should be, after the example of the schools of the
prophets, to impart knowledge of a high order, not mingling dross
with the silver. But false ideas and unsound practices are leavening
that which should ever be kept pure, institutions in which the love
and fear of God should ever be first.
Let the teachers learn daily lessons in the school of Christ. “Take
My yoke upon you, and learn of Me,” He says; “for I am meek
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew
11:29. There is altogether too little of Christ and too much of self.
But those who are under the dictation of the Spirit of God, under
the rule of Christ, will be ensamples to the flock. When the Chief
Shepherd shall appear, these will receive the crown of life that fadeth
not away.
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea,
all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility:
for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble
yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may [283]
exalt you in due time.” 1 Peter 5:5, 6.
All self-uplifting works out the natural result—making character
of which God cannot approve. Work and teach; work in Christ’s
lines, and then you will never work in your own weak ability, but
will have the co-operation of the divine.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a
roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Verse 8.
He is on the playground, watching your amusements, and catching
every soul whom he finds off guard, sowing his seeds in human
hearts, and gaining control of human minds. He is present in every
exercise in the schoolroom. Those students who allow their minds to
be deeply excited over games are not in the best condition to receive
the instruction, the counsel, the reproof, most essential for them.
Physical exercise was marked out by the God of wisdom. Some
hours each day should be devoted to useful education in lines of
work that will help the students in learning the duties of practical
life, which are essential for all our youth.
There is need of everyone in every school and in every other
institution being, as was Daniel, in such close connection with the
Source of all wisdom that he will be enabled to reach the highest
standard in every line. The love and fear of God was before Daniel;
230 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
*****
burdens that, for their own present and future good, they should
share with her....
Equalizing Labor
The minds of thinking men labor too hard. They frequently
use their mental powers prodigally; while there is another class
whose highest aim in life is physical labor. The latter class do not
exercise the mind. Their muscles are exercised, while their brains are
robbed of intellectual strength; just as the minds of thinking men are
worked while their bodies are robbed of strength and vigor by their
Physical Labor for Students 235
True, there is some excuse for young women not choosing house-
work for an employment because those who hire kitchen girls gener-
[292] ally treat them as servants. Frequently the employers do not respect
them, but treat them as if they were unworthy to be members of the
family. They do not give them the privileges they give the seamstress,
the copyist, and the teacher of music.
But there can be no employment more important than that of
housework. To cook well, to place wholesome food upon the table
in an inviting manner, requires intelligence and experience. The
one who prepares the food that is to be placed in the stomach,
to be converted into blood to nourish the system, occupies a most
important and elevated position. The position of copyist, dressmaker,
or music teacher cannot equal in importance that of the cook.
A Reformatory Work
Time is too short now to accomplish that which might have been
done in past generations; but we can do much, even in these last
days, to correct the existing evils in the education of youth....
We are reformers. We desire that our children should study to
the best advantage. In order that they may do this, employment
should be given them which will call the muscles into exercise.
Daily systematic labor should constitute a part of the education
of the youth, even at this late period. Much can now be gained
by connecting labor with our schools. In following this plan the
students will realize elasticity of spirit and vigor of thought, and
will be able to accomplish more mental labor in a given time than
they could be study alone. And they can leave school with their
[293] constitutions unimpaired and with strength and courage to persevere
in any position in which the providence of God may place them.
Because time is short, we should work with diligence and double
energy. Our children may never enter college, but they can obtain
an education in those essential branches which they can turn to a
practical use, and which will give culture to the mind and call its
powers into exercise. Very many youth who have gone through a
college course have not obtained that true education that they can
put to practical use.—Testimonies for the Church 3:148-159.
Physical Labor for Students 237
*****
Overstudy
The student who desires to put the work of two years into one
should not be permitted to have his own way. To undertake to do
double work means, with many, overtaxation of the mind and neglect
of physical exercise. It is not reasonable to suppose that the mind
can assimilate an oversupply of mental food, and it is as great a sin
to overload the mind as it is to overload the digestive organs.
240 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Voice Culture
Voice culture is a subject that has much to do with the health of
students. The youth should be taught how to breathe properly and
how to read in such a way that no unnatural strain shall come on the
throat and lungs, but that the work shall be shared by the abdominal
muscles. Speaking from the throat, letting the sound come from the
upper part of the vocal organs, impairs the health of these organs
and decreases their efficiency. The abdominal muscles are to do
the heaviest part of the labor, the throat being used as a channel.
Many have died who might have lived had they been taught how to
use the voice correctly. The right use of the abdominal muscles in
reading and speaking will prove a remedy for many voice and chest
difficulties, and the means of prolonging life.
Diet
The character of the food and the manner in which it is eaten
exert a powerful influence on the health. Many students have never
[298] made a determined effort to control the appetite or to observe proper
rules in regard to eating. Some eat too much at their meals, and
some eat between meals whenever the temptation is presented.
The need of carefulness in habits of diet should be impressed on
the minds of all students. I have been instructed that those attending
Health and Efficiency 241
our schools are not to be served with flesh foods or with preparations
of food that are known to be unwholesome. Nothing that will serve
to encourage a desire for stimulants should be placed on the table. I
appeal to all to refuse to eat those things that will injure the health.
Thus they can serve the Lord by sacrifice.
Those who obey the laws of health will give time and thought
to the needs of the body and to the laws of digestion. And they will
be rewarded by clearness of thought and strength of mind. On the
other hand, it is possible for one to spoil his Christian experience
by abuse of the stomach. Those things that derange the digestion
have a benumbing influence on the finer feelings of the heart. That
which darkens the skin and makes it dingy also clouds the spirits and
destroys cheerfulness and peace of mind. Every habit that injures
the health reacts upon the mind. That time is well spent which is
directed to the establishment and preservation of sound physical and
mental health. Firm, quiet nerves and a healthy circulation help
men to follow right principles and to listen to the promptings of
conscience.
*****
The Bible teaches modesty in dress. “In like manner also, that
women adorn themselves in modest apparel.” 1 Timothy 2:9. This
forbids display in dress, gaudy colors, profuse ornamentation. Any
device designed to attract attention to the wearer or to excite ad-
miration is excluded from the modest apparel which God’s word
enjoins.
Our dress is to be inexpensive—not with “gold, or pearls, or
costly array.” Money is a trust from God. It is not ours to expend for
the gratification of pride or ambition. In the hands of God’s children
it is food for the hungry and clothing for the naked. It is a defense
to the oppressed, a means of health to the sick, of preaching the
gospel to the poor. You could bring happiness to many hearts by
using wisely the money that is now spent for show. Consider the life
of Christ. Study His character, and be partakers with Him in His
self-denial.
In the professed Christian world enough is expended for jewels
and needlessly expensive dress to feed all the hungry and to clothe
the naked. Fashion and display absorb the means that might comfort
the poor and the suffering. They rob the world of the gospel of the
Saviour’s love....
But our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good
quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be
chosen for durability rather than display. It should provide warmth
[303] and proper protection. The wise woman described in the Proverbs
“is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household
are clothed with double garments.” Proverbs 31:21, margin.
Our dress should be cleanly. Uncleanliness in dress is unhealth-
ful, and thus defiling to the body and to the soul. “Ye are the temple
of God.... If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God
destroy.” 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17.
In all respects the dress should be healthful. “Above all things,”
God desires us to “be in health” (3 John 2)—health of body and of
244
Some Principles of Healthful Dressing 245
soul. And we are to be workers together with Him for the health of
both soul and body. Both are promoted by healthful dress. It should
have the grace, the beauty, the appropriateness, of natural simplicity.
Christ has warned us against the pride of life, but not against its
grace and natural beauty. He pointed to the flowers of the field, to
the lily unfolding in its purity, and said, “Even Solomon in all his
glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Matthew 6:29. Thus by
the things of nature, Christ illustrates the beauty that heaven values,
the modest grace, the simplicity, the purity, the appropriateness, that
would make our attire pleasing to Him. The most beautiful dress He
bids us wear upon the soul. No outward adorning can compare in
value or loveliness with that “meek and quiet spirit” which in His
sight is “of great price.” 1 Peter 3:4....
through the veins, giving life, health, and energy. Many women
have become confirmed invalids when they might have enjoyed
health, and many have died of consumption and other diseases when
they might have lived their allotted term of life, had they dressed in
accordance with health principles and exercised freely in the open
air.
In order to secure the most healthful clothing, the needs of every
part of the body must be carefully studied. The character of the
climate, the surroundings, the condition of the health, the age and
occupation, must all be considered. Every article of dress should
fit easily, obstructing neither the circulation of the blood nor a free,
full, natural respiration. Everything worn should be so loose that
when the arms are raised the clothing will be correspondingly lifted.
Women who are in failing health can do much for themselves by
sensible dressing and exercise. When suitably dressed for outdoor
enjoyment, let them exercise in the open air, carefully at first, but
increasing the amount of exercise as they can endure it. By taking
this course, many might regain health and live to take their share in
the world’s work.—The Ministry of Healing, 287-294.
[307] A Practical Training
will be shielded from many evil and degrading practices that are
so often the result of idleness. And this is all in keeping with the
primary object of education; for in encouraging activity, diligence,
and purity, we are coming into harmony with the Creator.
The greatest benefit is not gained from exercise that is taken
as play or exercise merely. There is some benefit in being in the
fresh air, and also from the exercise of the muscles; but let the
same amount of energy be given to the performance of useful work,
and the benefit will be greater. A feeling of satisfaction will be
realized, for such exercise carries with it a sense of helpfulness and
the approval of conscience for duty well done.
Students should go forth from our schools with educated effi-
ciency, so that when thrown upon their own resources they will have
knowledge which they can use and which is needful to success in
life. Diligent study is essential, so also is diligent hard work. Play
is not essential. Devotion of the physical powers to amusement is [309]
not most favorable to a well-balanced mind. If the time employed in
physical exercise which step by step leads on to excess were used in
working in Christ’s lines, the blessing of God would rest upon the
worker. The discipline for practical life that is gained by physical
labor combined with mental taxation is sweetened by the reflection
that it is qualifying mind and body better to perform the work that
God designs men to do. The more perfectly the youth understand
how to perform the duties of practical life, the greater will be their
enjoyment day by day in being of use to others. The mind educated
to enjoy useful labor becomes enlarged; through training and dis-
cipline it is fitted for usefulness, for it has acquired the knowledge
essential to make its possessor a blessing to others.
I cannot find an instance in the life of Christ where He devoted
time to play and amusement. He was the great educator for the
present and the future life, yet I have not been able to find one
instance where He taught the disciples to engage in amusement in
order to gain physical exercise. The world’s Redeemer gives to every
man his work and bids him, “Occupy till I come.” Luke 19:13. In
doing this the heart warms to the enterprise. All the powers of the
being are enlisted in the effort to obey. We have a high and holy
calling. Teachers and students are to be stewards of the grace of
Christ, and they are always to be earnest.
250 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Industrial Work
In establishing our schools out of the cities, we shall give the
[310] students an opportunity to train the muscles to work as well as the
brain to think. Students should be taught how to plant, how to gather
the harvest, how to build, how to become acceptable missionary
workers in practical lines. By their knowledge of useful industries
they will often be enabled to break down prejudice; often they will be
able to make themselves so useful that the truth will be recommended
by the knowledge they possess.
In our school in Australia we educated the youth along these
lines, showing them that in order to have an education that is com-
plete, they must divide their time between the gaining of book knowl-
edge and the securing of a knowledge of practical work. Part of each
day was spent in manual labor. Thus the students learned how to
clear the land, to cultivate the soil, and to build houses; and these
lines of work were largely carried on in time that would otherwise
have been spent in playing games and seeking for amusement. The
Lord blessed the students who devoted their hours to learning lessons
of usefulness. To the managers and teachers of that school I was
instructed to say:
“Various industries should be carried on in our schools. The
industrial instruction given should include the keeping of accounts,
carpentry, and all that is comprehended in farming. Preparation
should be made for the teaching of blacksmithing, painting, shoe-
making, and for cooking, baking, washing, mending, typewriting,
and printing. Every power at our command is to be brought into
this training work, that students may go forth well equipped for the
duties of practical life.
[311] “Students should be given a practical education in agriculture.
This will be of inestimable value to many in their future work. The
training to be obtained in felling trees and in tilling the soil, as well
as in literary lines, is the education that our youth should seek to
obtain. Agriculture will open resources for self-support. Other lines
of work, adapted to different students, may also be carried on. But
the cultivation of the land will bring a special blessing to the workers.
We should so train the youth that they will love to engage in the
cultivation of the soil.
Practical Training 251
Does It Pay
In many minds the question will arise, Can industrial work in
our schools be made to pay? and if it cannot, should it be carried
forward?
It would be surprising if industries could be made to pay imme-
diately on being started. Sometimes God permits losses to come to
teach us lessons that will keep us from making mistakes that would
[316] involve much larger losses. Let those who have had financial losses
in their industrial work search carefully to find out the cause and
endeavor to manage in such a way that in the future there will be no
loss.
Let us remember that we are all members of God’s family; and let
us remember, too, that Satan and all his host are seeking constantly
to force us into making mistakes, that our confidence in ourselves
and in others may be destroyed. But when perplexities arise, shall
we sit down on the stool of ignorance, and do nothing? God forbid.
There will be apparent drawbacks in the work, but this should
not discourage us. The account books may show that the school has
suffered some financial loss in carrying on industrial work; but if
in these lines of work the students have learned lessons that will
strengthen their character building, the books of heaven will show a
gain far exceeding the financial loss. How many souls this work has
helped to save will never be known till the day of judgment. Satan
finds mischief for idle hands to do; but when students are kept busy
in useful labor, the Lord has opportunity to work for them.
If, after carrying on manual training for one year, the managers
of the school find that there has been a loss, let them seek to discover
the reason for this, and guard against it in the future. But let not
the spirit of censure prevail, for the Spirit of Christ is grieved when
words of unkind criticism are spoken to those who have done their
best. In the word of God there is encouragement as well as caution.
God forbid that the hands of those who are trying to carry forward
this line of work should be weakened.
[317] I urge that our schools be given encouragement in their efforts to
develop plans for the training of the youth in agricultural and other
lines of industrial work. When, in ordinary business, pioneer work
is done and preparation is made for future development, there is
Practical Training 255
*****
*****
work they will gain much that others will fail to gain. Those who
form habits of patient, persevering industry will accomplish more
than those of quick, vivacious, brilliant mind, who, though grasping
the point quickly, lose it just as readily. The patient ones, though
slower to learn, will stand ahead of those who learn so quickly that
they do not need to study.
*****
A Practical Training
Child Guidance, 345-354.
Education, 214-222.
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 416-420.
Testimonies For The Church 5:522, 523;
Testimonies For The Church 6:176-192;
Testimonies For The Church 7:113.
258 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Section 9—Recreation [320]
[321]
260
As Lights in the World 261
Representatives of Christ
God expects those who bear the name of Christ to represent Him.
Their thoughts are to be pure, their words noble and uplifting. The
religion of Christ is to be interwoven with all that they do and say.
They are to be a sanctified, purified, holy people, communicating
light to all with whom they come in contact. It is His purpose that
by exemplifying the truth in their lives they shall be a praise in the
earth. The grace of Christ is sufficient to bring this about. But let
God’s people remember that only as they believe and work out the
principles of the gospel can they fulfill His purpose. Only as they
yield their God-given capabilities to His service will they enjoy the
fullness and the power of the promise whereon the church has been
called to stand.
Before Christ went to His final conflict with the powers of dark-
ness, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and prayed for His disciples. [323]
He said, “I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world,
but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the
world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through Thy
truth: Thy word is truth.” John 17:15-17.
The followers of Christ are to be separate from the world in prin-
ciples and interests, but they are not to isolate themselves from the
world. The Saviour mingled constantly with men, not to encourage
them in anything that was not in accordance with God’s will, but to
uplift and ennoble them. “I sanctify Myself,” He declared, “that they
also might be sanctified.” John 17:19. So the Christian is to abide
among men, that the savor of divine love may be as salt to preserve
the world from corruption.
Strength in Prayer
Daily beset by temptation, constantly opposed by the leaders
of the people, Christ knew that He must strengthen His humanity
by prayer. In order to be a blessing to men, He must commune
with God, pleading for energy, perseverance, and steadfastness.
Thus He showed His disciples where His strength lay. Without
this daily communion with God, no human being can gain power
for service. Christ alone can direct the thoughts aright. He alone
262 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
can give noble aspirations and fashion the character after the divine
similitude. If we draw near to Him in earnest prayer, He will fill
our hearts with high and holy purposes, and with deep longings for
purity and righteousness. The dangers thickening around us demand
from those who have an experience in the things of God, a watchful
[324] supervision. Those who walk humbly before God, distrustful of
their own wisdom, will realize their danger and will know God’s
keeping care.
The power of a higher, purer, nobler life is our great need. The
world is watching to see what fruit is borne by professed Christians.
It has a right to look for self-denial and self-sacrifice from those
who believe advanced truth. It is watching, ready to criticize with
keenness and severity our words and acts. Everyone who acts a part
in the work of God is weighed in the scales of human discernment.
Impressions favorable or unfavorable to Bible religion are constantly
being made on the minds of all with whom we have to do.
And God and the angels are watching. God desires His people
to show by their lives the advantage of Christianity over worldliness,
to show that they are working on a high, holy plane. He longs to
see them showing that the truth they have received has made them
children of the heavenly King. He longs to make them channels
through which He can pour His boundless love and mercy.
Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of
Himself in His church. When the character of the Saviour shall be
perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim His
own. It is the privilege of every Christian, not only to look for, but
to hasten, the coming of our Lord. Were all who profess His name
bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be
sown with the seed of the gospel! Quickly the last great harvest
would be ripened, and Christ would come.
Dangerous Amusements for the Young [325]
An Unfortunate Age
We are living in an unfortunate age of the young. The prevailing
influence in society is in favor of allowing the youth to follow the
natural turn of their own minds. If their children are very wild,
parents flatter themselves that when they are older and reason for [326]
themselves they will leave off their wrong habits and become useful
men and women. What a mistake! For years they permit an enemy
to sow the garden of the heart, and suffer wrong principles to grow
and strengthen, seeming not to discern the hidden dangers and the
fearful ending of the path that seems to them the way of happiness.
263
264 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
In many cases all the labor afterward bestowed upon these youth
will avail nothing.
The standard of piety is low among professed Christians gen-
erally, and it is hard for the young to resist the worldly influences
that are encouraged by many church members. The majority of
nominal Christians, while they profess to be living for Christ, are
really living for the world. They do not discern the excellence of
heavenly things, and therefore cannot truly love them. Many profess
to be Christians because Christianity is considered honorable. They
do not discern that genuine Christianity means cross-bearing, and
their religion has little influence to restrain them from taking part in
worldly pleasures.
Some can enter the ballroom and unite in all the amusements
which it affords. Others cannot go to such lengths as this, yet they
can attend parties of pleasure, picnics, shows and other places of
worldly amusement; and the most discerning eye would fail to detect
any difference between their appearance and that of unbelievers.
the Spirit of God, and their fruit is unto holiness. Their lives are
elevated and pure. Right actions are the unmistakable fruit of true
godliness, and those who bear no fruit of this kind reveal that they
have no experience in the things of God. They are not in the Vine.
Said Jesus, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear
fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye
abide in Me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in
Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without
Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:4, 5.
Those who would be worshipers of the true God must sacrifice
every idol. Jesus said to the lawyer, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.” Matthew 22:37, 38. The
first four precepts of the Decalogue allow no separation of affections
from God. Nor must anything share our supreme delight in Him. We
cannot advance in Christian experience until we put away everything
that separates us from God.
The great Head of the church, who has chosen His people out of
the world, requires them to be separate from the world. He designs
that the spirit of His commandments, by drawing His followers to
Himself, shall separate them from worldly elements. To love God
and keep His commandments is far away from loving the world’s
[330] pleasures and its friendship. There is no concord between Christ and
Belial.
1 Peter 1:13-15. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath
appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in
this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious
appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave
Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify
unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works,” Titus 2:11-
14.
[331] Establishing Right Principles in the Youth
*****
Youth cannot be made as sedate and grave as old age, the child
as sober as the sire. While sinful amusements are condemned,
as they should be, let parents, teachers, and guardians of youth
provide in their stead innocent pleasures, which will not taint or
corrupt the morals. Do not bind down the young to rigid rules and
restraints that will lead them to feel themselves oppressed and to
break over and rush into paths of folly and destruction. With a firm,
kind, considerate hand, hold the lines of government, guiding and
controlling their minds and purposes, yet so gently, so wisely, so
lovingly, that they will still know that you have their best good in
view.
[336] Christian Recreation
fill the minds of men with a desire for worldly amusement, that they
may have no time to ask themselves the question, How is it with my
soul? The love of pleasure is infectious. Given up to this, the mind
hurries from one point to another, ever seeking for some amusement.
Obedience to the law of God counteracts this inclination and builds
barriers against ungodliness.
*****
Young men should remember that they are accountable for all the
privileges they have enjoyed, for the improvement of their time, and
for the right use of their abilities. They may inquire, Shall we have
no amusement or recreation? Shall we work, work, work, without
variation?
Any amusement in which you can engage asking the blessing
of God upon it in faith will not be dangerous. But any amusement
which disqualifies you for secret prayer, for devotion at the altar
of prayer, or for taking part in the prayer meeting, is not safe, but
dangerous.
[338] Worldly Amusements
Parties of Pleasure
While there has been so much fear of excitement and enthusiasm
in the service of God, there has been manifest an enthusiasm in
another line which to many seems wholly congenial. I refer to the
parties of pleasure that have been held among our people. These
occasions have taken much of the time and attention of people who
profess to be servants of Christ; but have these assemblies tended to
the glory of His name? Was Jesus invited to preside over them?
Gatherings for social intercourse may be made in the highest
degree profitable and instructive when those who meet together have
the love of God glowing in their hearts, when they meet to exchange
thoughts in regard to the word of God, or to consider methods for
[339] advancing His work and doing good to their fellow men. When
nothing is said or done to grieve the Holy Spirit of God, but He is
regarded as a welcome guest, then God is honored, and those who
meet together will be refreshed and strengthened.
“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and
the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was
written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought
upon His name. And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in
that day when I make up My jewels.” Malachi 3:16, 17.
274
Worldly Amusements 275
for the gatherings for pleasure or sport, and their influence attracts
others. Young men and women who have tried to be Bible Christians
are persuaded to join the party, and they are drawn into the ring. They
[341] do not prayerfully consult the divine standard, to learn what Christ
has said in regard to the fruit to be borne on the Christian tree. They
do not discern that these entertainments are really Satan’s banquet,
prepared to keep souls from accepting the call to the marriage supper
of the Lamb and preventing them from receiving the white robe
of character, which is the righteousness of Christ. They become
confused as to what it is right for them as Christians to do. They do
not want to be thought singular, and naturally incline to follow the
example of others. Thus they come under the influence of those who
have never had the divine touch on heart or mind....
*****
and then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of
their Father....
I do not recommend pleasure parties where young people assem-
ble together for mere amusement, to engage in cheap, nonsensical
talk, and where loud, boisterous laughter is to be heard. I do not
recommend the kind of gathering where there is a letting down of
dignity and the scene is one of weakness and folly.
Many times young men for whom heavenly intelligences have
been waiting in order to number them as missionaries for God are
drawn into the gatherings for amusement, and are carried away
with Satan’s fascinations. Instead of being afraid to continue their
association with girls whose depth of mind is easily measured, whose
character is of a cheap order, they become enamored of them and
enter into an engagement. Satan knows that if these young men enter
into an engagement with cheap-minded, pleasure-loving, worldly-
minded, irreligious young women, they will bind themselves to [345]
stumbling blocks. Their usefulness will be largely crippled, if not
utterly destroyed. Even if the young men themselves succeed in
making an unreserved surrender to God, yet they will find that they
are greatly crippled by being bound to an untrained, undisciplined,
un-Christlike wife who is dead to God, dead to piety, and dead to
true holiness. Their lives will prove unsatisfying and unhappy.
Gatherings for amusement confuse faith and make the motive
mixed and uncertain. The Lord accepts no divided heart. He wants
the whole man. He made all there is of man. He offered a complete
sacrifice to redeem the body and soul of man. That which He requires
of those whom He has created and redeemed is summed up in these
words: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy mind.... Thou shalt love thy neighbor
as thyself.” Matthew 22:37-39. God will accept nothing less than
this.—Special Testimonies On Education, 80-83.
*****
take heed? Should they not faithfully point out to the youth the
dangers that are constantly arising to lead them away from God?
How to Spend Holidays [346]
Exercise in the open air for those whose employment has been
within doors and sedentary will be beneficial to health. All who can
should feel it a duty to pursue this course. Nothing will be lost, but
much gained. They can return to their occupations with new life and
new courage to engage in their labor with zeal, and they are better
prepared to resist disease.—Testimonies for the Church 1:514, 515.
*****
ture from the instruction that God has given concerning our schools.
Once the barriers are broken down, the advance of the enemy will
be marked, unless the Lord shall humble hearts and convert minds.
The effort to regain that which was lost by the proceedings of that
afternoon cost the teachers much labor. They were severely tried.
With the students there was seen a desire for further pleasure and
less regard for the instruction of God’s word. The Lord of heaven
was thus dishonored, and the indulgence of the desires of the human
heart in sin and love of pleasure was the education received.
Let those who are educating the youth govern themselves ac-
cording to the high and holy principles that Christ has given in His
word. Let them remember that, as far as possible, they are to recover
the ground that has been lost, that they may bring into our schools
the spirituality that was seen in the schools of the prophets.
*****
Christian Recreation
The Adventist Home, 493-520, 526-530.
Messages to Young People, 363-370.
Testimonies For The Church 2:585-594;
4:581.
5:218.
Worldly Amusements
The Adventist Home, 521-525.
Testimonies For The Church 9:90;
itself. You have been guilty in doing this. May the Lord forgive
you, is my prayer. Instead of being repressed and driven back, as
it has been, the Holy Spirit should be welcomed and its presence
encouraged.
When you sanctify yourself through obedience to the word, the
Holy Spirit will give you glimpses of heavenly things. When you
seek God with humiliation and earnestness, the words which you
have spoken in freezing accents will burn in your heart; the truth
will not then languish upon your tongues....
Teachers, trust in God and go forward. “My grace is sufficient
for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9), is the assurance of the Great Teacher.
Catch the inspiration of the words, and never, never talk doubt and
unbelief. Be energetic. There is no half-and-half service in pure
and undefiled religion. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all
thy strength.” Mark 12:30. The very highest sanctified ambition is
demanded of those who believe the word of God.
Tell your students that the Lord Jesus has made every provision
that they should go onward, conquering and to conquer. Lead them
to trust in the divine promise, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him
ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and
it shall be given him.” James 1:5....
From God, the fountain of wisdom, proceeds all the knowledge
that is of value to man, all that the intellect can grasp or retain.
[361] The fruit of the tree representing good and evil is not to be eagerly
plucked because it is recommended by one who was once a bright
angel in glory. He has said that if men eat thereof, they shall know
good and evil; but let it alone. The true knowledge comes not from
infidels or wicked men. The word of God is light and truth. The true
light shines from Jesus Christ, who “lighteth every man that cometh
into the world.” John 1:9. From the Holy Spirit proceeds divine
knowledge. He knows what humanity needs to promote peace,
happiness, and restfulness here in this world, and to secure eternal
rest in the kingdom of God.—Special Testimonies On Education,
26-31; written from Cooranbong, N.S.W., Australia, June 12, 1896.
*****
Teacher’s Need Of The Holy Spirit’s Aid 293
I ask you who are living at the very heart of the work to review
the experience of years and see if the “Well done” can truthfully be
spoken to you. I ask the teachers in the school to consider carefully,
prayerfully, Have you individually watched for your own soul as one
who is co-operating with God for its purification from all sin and for
its entire sanctification unto Him? Can you by precept and example
teach the youth sanctification ... through the truth unto holiness,
obedience to God?
Have you not been afraid of the Holy Spirit? At times it has
come with all-pervading influence into the school at Battle Creek
and into the schools in other localities. Did you recognize it? Did
you accord it the honor due to a heavenly Messenger? When the
Spirit seemed to be striving with the youth, did you say, “Let us put
aside all study; for it is evident that we have among us a heavenly
Guest. Let us give praise and honor to God”? Did you, with contrite
hearts, bow in prayer with your students, pleading that you might
receive the blessing that the Lord was offering you?
The Great Teacher Himself was among you. How did you honor
Him? Was He a stranger to some of the educators? Was there need
to send for someone of supposed authority to welcome or repel this
Messenger from heaven? Though unseen, His presence was among
[364] you. But was not the thought expressed that in school the time ought
to be given to study, and that there was a time for everything?—as if
the hours devoted to common study were too precious to be given
up to the working of the heavenly Messenger.
If you have in this way restricted and repulsed the Holy Spirit
of God, I entreat you to repent of it as quickly as possible. If any
have closed and padlocked the door of your heart to the Spirit of
God, I urge you to unlock the door and to pray with earnestness,
“Abide with me.” When the Holy Spirit reveals His presence in your
schoolroom, tell your students, “The Lord signifies that He has for
us today a lesson of heavenly import of more value than our lessons
294
Failure to Recognize God’s Messenger 295
in ordinary lines. Let us listen; let us bow before God and seek Him
with the whole heart.”
Let me tell you what I know of this heavenly Guest. The Holy
Spirit was brooding over the youth during the school hours; but
some hearts were so cold and dark that they had no desire for the
Spirit’s presence, and the light of God was withdrawn. The heavenly
Visitant would have opened the understanding, would have given
wisdom and knowledge in all lines of study that could be employed
to the glory of God. He came to convince of sin and to soften the
hearts hardened by long estrangement from God. He came to reveal
the great love wherewith God has loved these youth....
A principle of divine origin must pervade our conduct and bind
us to God. This will not be in any way a hindrance to the study
of true science. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”
(Proverbs 9:10); and the man who consents to be molded and fash-
ioned after the divine similitude is the noblest work of God. All who
live in communion with the Creator will have an understanding of [365]
His design in their creation. They will have a sense of their own ac-
countability to God to employ their faculties to the very best purpose.
They will seek neither to glorify nor to depreciate themselves....
little honor has been given to the living God, and so much honor to
that which is supposed to be superior talent, but with which the Holy
Spirit has no connection. The Spirit of God is not acknowledged and
respected; men have passed judgment upon it; its operations have
been condemned as fanaticism, enthusiasm, undue excitement.
God sees that which the blind eyes of the educators do not dis-
cern—that immorality of every kind and degree is striving for the
mastery, working against the manifestations of the power of the Holy
Spirit. The commonest of conversation, and low, perverted ideas are
woven into the texture of character and defile the soul.
The low, common pleasure parties, gatherings for eating and
drinking, singing and playing on instruments of music, are inspired
by a spirit that is from beneath. They are an oblation unto Satan. The
exhibitions in the bicycle craze are an offense to God. His wrath is
kindled against those who do such things. For in these gratifications
the mind becomes besotted, even as in liquor drinking. The door
is opened to vulgar associations. The thoughts, allowed to run in a
low channel, soon pervert all the powers of the being. Like Israel
of old, the pleasure lovers eat and drink, and rise up to play. There [368]
is mirth and carousing, hilarity and glee. In all this the youth are
following the example of the ungodly authors of some of the books
that are placed in their hands for study. All these things are having
their effect upon the character.
Those who take the lead in these frivolities bring upon the cause
a stain not easily effaced. They wound their own souls, and will
carry the scars through their lifetime. The evildoer may see his sins
and repent, and God may pardon the transgressor; but the power
of discernment which ought ever to be kept keen and sensitive to
distinguish between the sacred and the common, is in a great measure
destroyed....
I urge upon all to whom these words may come: Review your
own course of action, and “take heed to yourselves, lest at any time
your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and
cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For
as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the
whole earth.” Luke 21:34, 35.—Special Testimonies On Education,
202-212; written to the teachers in Battle Creek College.
298 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
*****
“Yet a little while is the light with you,” Jesus said. “Walk while
ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh
in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light,
believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.” John 12:35,
36.
Some men in the Battle Creek College have a false idea as to
what constitutes duty. The Lord God of heaven has caused His Holy
Spirit from time to time to move upon the students in the school,
that they might acknowledge Him in all their ways so that He might
direct their paths. At times the manifestation of the Holy Spirit has
been so decided that studies were forgotten, and the greatest Teacher
the world ever knew made His voice heard, saying, “Come unto Me,
all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take
My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy,
and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
The Lord knocked at the door of hearts, and I saw that angels
of God were present. There seemed to be no special effort on the
part of teachers to influence the students to give their attention to the
things of God; but God had a Watcher in the school, who, though
His presence was unseen, made His influence felt....
The Lord has been waiting long to impart the greatest, truest joys
to the heart. All those who look to Him with undivided hearts, He [370]
will greatly bless. Those who have thus looked to Him have caught
more distinct views of Jesus as their sin bearer, their all-sufficient
sacrifice, and have been hid in the cleft of the Rock, to behold the
Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world. When we have
a sense of Christ’s sacrifice in our behalf, our lips are tuned to the
highest, loftiest themes of praise.
When the students thus beheld Jesus, the suspension of their
studies was counted as no loss. They were catching glimpses of Him
who is invisible. They earnestly sought the living God, and the live
299
300 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
coal of pardon was placed upon their lips. The Holy Spirit wrought
not only for those who had lost their first love, but also for souls
who had never placed themselves on the Lord’s side.... Tokens of
His grace and favor called forth rejoicing from the hearts of those
who were thus blessed, and it was known that the salvation of God
was among His people....
Why should we not expect the Holy Watcher to come into our
schools? Our youth are there to receive an education, to acquire
a knowledge of the only true God. They are there to learn how to
present Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour. They are there to gather
up precious rays of light, that they may diffuse light again. They are
there to show forth the loving-kindness of the Lord, to speak of His
glory, to sound forth the praises of Him who has called us out of
darkness into His marvelous light....
Again and again the heavenly Messenger has been sent to the
[371] school. When His presence has been acknowledged, the darkness
has fled away, the light has shone forth, and hearts have been drawn
to God. The last words spoken by Christ to John were: “The Spirit
and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And
let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the
water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17. When we respond to God
and say, “Lord, we come,” then with joy shall we draw water out of
the wells of salvation.
Shall we not keep holy festivals unto God? Shall we not show
that we have some enthusiasm in His service? With the grand,
ennobling theme of salvation before us, shall we be as cold as statues
of marble? If men can become so excited over a match game of
cricket, or a horse race, or over foolish things that bring no good to
anyone, shall we be unmoved when the plan of salvation is unfolded
before us? Let the school and the church henceforth have festivals of
rejoicing unto the Lord.—Special Testimonies On Education, 77-82.
*****
hearts, elevate the intellect, and give divine wisdom to the students,
there are those who, in their present state, would interpose between
God and those who need the light. They would not understand the
work of the Holy Spirit; they have never understood it; in the past
it has been to them as great a mystery as were Christ’s lessons to
the Jews. The working of the Holy Spirit of God is not to create
curiosity. It is not for men to decide whether they shall lay their
hands upon the manifestations of the Spirit of God. We must let God
work.
When teachers are willing to sit in the school of Christ and learn
of the Great Teacher, they will know far less in their own estimation
than they do now. When God becomes the teacher, He will be
acknowledged, His name will be magnified. The students will be as
were the young men in the schools of the prophets, upon whom the
Spirit of God came, and they prophesied.
The great adversary of souls is seeking to bring a dead, lifeless
[374] spiritual atmosphere into all our institutions. He works to turn and
twist every circumstance to his own advantage, to the exclusion
of Jesus Christ. Today, as in the days of Christ, God cannot do
many mighty works because of the unbelief of those who stand
in responsible positions. The converting power of God is needed
before they will understand the word of God, and be willing to
humble themselves before Him as learners.
*****
*****
If the students who attend our colleges would be firm and main-
tain integrity, if they would not associate with those who walk in the
paths of sin nor be charmed by their society, like Daniel they would
enjoy the favor of God. If they would discard unprofitable amuse-
ments and indulgence of appetite, their minds would be clear for
the pursuit of knowledge. They would thus gain a moral power that
would enable them to remain unmoved when assailed by temptation.
*****
Infidel Authors
In order to obtain an education, many think it essential to study
the writings of infidel authors, because these works contain many
bright gems of thought. But who was the originator of these gems
of thought? It was God, and God only. He is the Source of all light.
306
False and the True in Education 307
The words of the living God are the highest of all education.
Those who minister to the people need to eat of the bread of life.
This will give them spiritual strength; then they will be prepared to
minister to all classes of people.
The Classics
In the colleges and universities, thousands of youth devote a
large part of the best years of life to the study of Greek and Latin.
And while they are engaged in these studies, mind and character
are molded by the evil sentiments of pagan literature, the reading of
which is generally regarded as an essential part of the study of these
languages.
Those who are conversant with the classics declare that “the
Greek tragedies are full of incest, murder, and human sacrifices to
lustful and revengeful gods.” Far better would it be for the world
were the education gained from such sources to be dispensed with.
“Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?” Proverbs [382]
6:28. “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” Job
14:4. Can we, then, expect the youth to develop Christian character
while their education is molded by the teaching of those who set at
defiance the principles of the law of God?
In casting off restraint, and plunging into reckless amusement,
dissipation, and vice, students are but imitating that which is kept
before their minds by these studies. There are callings in which a
knowledge of Greek and Latin is needed. Some must study these
languages. But the knowledge of them essential for practical uses
might be gained without a study of literature that is corrupt and
corrupting.
And a knowledge of Greek and Latin is not needed by many.
The study of dead languages should be made secondary to a study of
those subjects that teach the right use of all the powers of body and
mind. It is folly for students to devote their time to the acquirement
of dead languages, or of book knowledge in any line, to the neglect
of a training for life’s practical duties.
What do students carry with them when they leave school?
Where are they going? What are they to do? Have they the knowl-
edge that will enable them to teach others? Have they been educated
310 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
only safeguard for the temperate man, is total abstinence. For the
lover of fiction the same rule holds true. Total abstinence is his only
safety.
A Purer Fountain
“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise,
And apply thine heart unto My knowledge....
That thy trust may be in the Lord,
I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
Christ’s Teaching
So also Christ presented the principles of truth in the gospel.
[386] In His teaching we may drink of the pure streams that flow from
the throne of God. Christ could have imparted to men knowledge
that would have surpassed any previous disclosures, and put in the
background every other discovery. He could have unlocked mystery
after mystery and could have concentrated around these wonderful
revelations the active, earnest thought of successive generations till
the close of time. But He would not spare a moment from teaching
the science of salvation. His time, His faculties, and His life were
appreciated and used only as a means for working out the salvation
of the souls of men. He had come to seek and to save that which
False and the True in Education 313
was lost, and He would not be turned from His purpose. He allowed
nothing to divert Him.
Christ imparted only that knowledge which could be utilized.
His instruction of the people was confined to the needs of their own
condition in practical life. The curiosity that led them to come to
Him with prying questions He did not gratify. All such questionings
He made the occasion for solemn, earnest, vital appeals. To those
who were so eager to pluck from the tree of knowledge, He offered
the fruit of the tree of life. They found every avenue closed except
the way that leads to God. Every fountain was sealed save the
fountain of eternal life.
Our Saviour did not encourage any to attend the rabbinical
schools of His day, for the reason that their minds would be corrupted
with the continually repeated, “They say,” or “It has been said.” Why,
then, should we accept the unstable words of men as exalted wisdom,
when a greater, a certain wisdom is at our command?
That which I have seen of eternal things, and that which I have [387]
seen of the weakness of humanity, has deeply impressed my mind
and influenced my lifework. I see nothing wherein man should be
praised or glorified. I see no reason why the opinions of worldly-wise
men and so-called great men should be trusted in and exalted. How
can those who are destitute of divine enlightenment have correct
ideas of God’s plans and ways? They either deny Him altogether
and ignore His existence, or they circumscribe His power by their
own finite conceptions.
Let us choose to be taught by Him who created the heavens and
the earth, by Him who set the stars in their order in the firmament
and appointed the sun and the moon to do their work.
education will be a loss to the student, for these studies lessen his
desire and inclination for the studies that would fit him for usefulness
and enable him to fulfill his responsibilities. A practical training is
worth far more than any amount of mere theorizing. It is not enough
even to have knowledge; we must have ability to use the knowledge
aright.
[388] The time, means, and study that so many expend for a compara-
tively useless education should be devoted to gaining an education
that would make them practical men and women, fitted to bear life’s
responsibilities. Such an education would be of the highest value.
Heart Education
What we need is knowledge that will strengthen mind and soul,
that will make us better men and women. Heart education is of far
more importance than mere book learning. It is well, even essential,
to have a knowledge of the world in which we live; but if we leave
eternity out of our reckoning we shall make a failure from which we
can never recover....
If the youth understood their own weakness, they would find in
God their strength. If they seek to be taught by Him they will become
wise in His wisdom, and their lives will be fruitful in blessing to
the world. But if they give up their minds to mere worldly and
speculative study, and thus separate from God, they will lose all that
enriches life.—The Ministry of Healing, 439-450.
*****
A thorough education, which will fit young men and women for
service, is to be given in our schools. In order to secure such an
education the wisdom that comes from God must be made first and
most important. All who engage in the acquisition of knowledge
should strive to reach the highest round of the ladder. Let students
advance as fast and as far as they can; let the field of their study be
as broad as their powers can compass; but let them make God their
wisdom, clinging to Him who is infinite in knowledge, who can
reveal secrets hidden for ages, and who can solve the most difficult [395]
problems for minds that believe in Him.
We commend to every student the Book of books as the grandest
study for human intelligence, the book that contains the knowledge
essential for this life and for the life to come. But I do not encourage
a letting down of the educational standard in the study of the sciences.
The light that has been given on this subject is clear and should in
no case be disregarded.
the soul temple. The departure from the simplicity of true godliness
on the part of students has had an influence to weaken character and
lessen mental vigor. Their advancement in the sciences has been
retarded, while if they had been like Daniel, hearers and doers of the
word of God, they would have advanced as he did in all branches of
learning upon which they entered. Being pure-minded, they would
have become strong-minded. Every intellectual faculty would have
been sharpened.
When the Bible is made the guide and counselor, it exerts an
ennobling influence upon the mind. Its study more than any other
will refine and elevate. It will enlarge the mind of the candid student,
endowing it with new impulses and fresh vigor. It will give greater
efficiency to the faculties by bringing them in contact with grand,
far-reaching truths. If the mind becomes dwarfed and inefficient, it
is because it is left to deal with commonplace subjects only. Let the
Bible be received as the food of the soul, the best and most effectual
means of purifying and strengthening the intellect.
*****
Out of the heart are the issues of life; and the heart of the com-
munity, of the church, and of the nation is the household. The
well-being of society, the success of the church, the prosperity of
the nation, depend upon home influences.
In Co-Operation with Christ [397]
*****
We have been warned again and again that the character of the
education that has been current in the world cannot stand the test
of the word of God. The subject of education is one that should
interest every Seventh-day Adventist. The Lord says to us, Seventh-
day Adventists are not to place themselves under the counsel and
instruction of teachers who know not the truth for this time. The
molding and fashioning of minds should not be left to men who
have not comprehended the importance of a preparation for that life
which measures with the life of God.
Some of our teachers have been charmed with the sentiments of
infidel authors. In a representation given me, I saw one holding in
his hand one of these books and recommending it to our teachers as a
book from which real help could be obtained along educational lines.
Another was holding in His hand books of an altogether different
character. He placed His hand upon the one who had recommended
the infidel author, and said, “Advice of the kind you have given is
opening the door for Satan with his sophistries to find easy entrance
to your school. These books contain sentiments that your students
should be instructed to avoid. Human minds are easily charmed with
studies that lead to infidelity. These books produce in the minds of
the students a distaste for the study of the word of God, which is
eternal life to all who follow its instruction. Such books should not
find entrance into any school where the youth are being taught to be
learners of the greatest of teachers.”
[402] With solemn voice the speaker continued, “Do you find in these
authors that which you can recommend as essential to true higher
education? Would you dare to recommend their study to students
who are ignorant of their true character? Wrong habits of thought,
when once accepted, become a despotic power that fastens the mind
as in a grasp of steel. If many who have received and read these
books had never seen them, but had accepted the words of the divine
Teacher in their place, they would be far in advance of where they
324
To Teachers and Students 325
Intemperance in Study
Intemperance in study is a species of intoxication, and those
who indulge in it, like the drunkard, wander from safe paths and
stumble and fall in the darkness. The Lord would have every student
bear in mind that the eye must be kept single to the glory of God.
He is not to exhaust and waste his physical and mental powers in
seeking to acquire all possible knowledge of the sciences, but is [406]
to preserve the freshness and vigor of all his powers to engage in
the work which the Lord has appointed him in helping souls to find
the path of righteousness.... The command of heaven is to do, to
work,—to do something that will reflect glory to God by being a
benefit to our fellow men....
The Lord does not choose or accept laborers according to the
advantages they have enjoyed, or according to the superior education
they have received. The value of the human agent is estimated
according to the capacity of the heart to know and understand God....
The highest possible good is obtained through a knowledge of God.
“This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” John 17:3. This knowledge
is the secret spring from which flows all power....
closely linked with heaven that God talked with him face to face,
“as a man speaketh unto his friend.” Exodus 33:11.
Thus educated, Moses was prepared to heed the call of God to
exchange his shepherd’s crook for the rod of authority; to leave
his flock of sheep to take the leadership of an idolatrous, rebellious
people. But he was still to depend on the invisible Leader. As the rod
was an instrument in his hand, so he was to be a willing instrument in
the hand of Christ. He was to be the shepherd of God’s people; and
through his firm faith and abiding trust in the Lord, many blessings
were to come to the children of Israel....
It was implicit faith in God that made Moses what he was. Ac-
cording to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did. All the
learning of the wise men could not make Moses a channel through
which the Lord could work, until he lost his self-confidence, realized
his own helplessness, and put his trust in God; until he was willing
to obey God’s commands, whether they seemed to his human reason
to be right or not....
It was not the teaching of the schools of Egypt that enabled
Moses to triumph over his enemies, but an ever-abiding, unflinching [409]
faith, a faith that did not fail under the most trying circumstances. At
the command of God, Moses advanced, although apparently there
was nothing ahead for his feet to tread upon. More than a million
people were depending on him, and he led them forward step by
step, day by day. God permitted these lonely travels through the
wilderness that His people might obtain an experience in enduring
hardship, and that when they were in peril they might know that
there was relief and deliverance in God alone. Thus they might learn
to know and to trust God, and to serve Him with a living faith.
room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon their hearts, and live
lives wholly consecrated to God, enduring the necessary discipline
imposed by the Lord without complaining or fainting by the way. If
they will not faint at the rebuke of the Lord, and become hardhearted
and stubborn, the Lord will teach both old and young, hour by hour,
day by day. He longs to reveal His salvation to the children of men;
[410] and if His chosen people will remove the obstructions, He will pour
forth the waters of salvation in abundant streams through human
channels.
Many who are seeking efficiency for the exalted work of God by
perfecting their education in the schools of men will find that they
have failed of learning the more important lessons. By neglecting to
submit themselves to the impressions of the Holy Spirit, by not living
in obedience to all God’s requirements, their spiritual efficiency
has become weakened; they have lost what ability they had to do
successful work for the Lord. Absenting themselves from the school
of Christ, they have forgotten the sound of the Teacher’s voice, and
He cannot direct their course.
Men may acquire all the knowledge possible to be imparted by
the human teacher, but God requires of them still greater wisdom.
Like Moses, they must learn meekness, lowliness of heart, and
distrust of self. Our Saviour Himself, when bearing the test for
humanity, acknowledged that of Himself He could do nothing. We
also must learn that there is no strength in humanity alone. Man
becomes efficient only by becoming partaker of the divine nature.
the very essence of success in life; but if all would give due consid-
eration to the statement of Christ, “Without Me ye can do nothing”
(John 15:5), they would make different plans. Without the vital
principles of true religion, without the knowledge of how to serve
and glorify the Redeemer, education is more harmful than beneficial.
When education in human lines is pushed to such an extent that the
love of God wanes in the heart, that prayer is neglected, and that
there is a failure to cultivate the spiritual attributes, it is wholly disas-
trous. It would be far better to cease seeking to obtain an education,
and to recover your soul from its languishing condition, than to gain
the best of educations and lose sight of eternal advantages....
[413] I would not in any case counsel restriction of the education to
which God has set no limit. Our education does not end with the
advantages that this world can give. Through all eternity the chosen
of God will be learners. But I would advise restriction in following
those methods of education which imperil the soul and defeat the
purpose for which time and money are spent. Education is a grand
lifework; but to obtain true education it is necessary to possess that
wisdom which comes from God alone. The Lord God should be
represented in every phase of education; but it is a mistake to devote
years to the study of one line of book knowledge. After a period of
time has been devoted to study, let no one advise students to enter
immediately upon another extended line of study, but rather advise
them to enter upon the work for which they have been preparing. Let
them be encouraged to put into use the education already obtained....
The minds of many need to be renewed, transformed, and molded
after God’s plan. Many are ruining themselves physically, mentally,
and morally by overdevotion to study. They are defrauding them-
selves for time and for eternity through practicing habits of intem-
perance in seeking to gain an education. They are losing their desire
to learn in the school of Christ lessons of meekness and lowliness of
heart....
how soon the crisis will come. It is stealing gradually upon us, as a [414]
thief. The sun shines in the heavens, passing over its usual round,
and the heavens still declare the glory of God; men are pursuing
their usual course of eating and drinking, planting and building,
marrying and giving in marriage; merchants are still engaged in
buying and selling; publications are still issuing one upon another;
men are jostling one against another, seeking to get the highest place;
pleasure lovers are still attending theaters, horse races, gambling
hells, and the highest excitement prevails; but probation’s hour is
fast closing, and every case is about to be eternally decided. There
are few who believe with heart and soul that we have a heaven to
win and a hell to shun; but these show their faith by their works.
The signs of Christ’s coming are fast fulfilling. Satan sees that he
has but a short time in which to work, and he has set his agencies to
work to stir up the elements of the world, that men may be deceived,
deluded, and kept occupied and entranced until the day of probation
shall be ended and the door of mercy be forever shut.
The kingdoms of this world have not yet become the kingdoms
of our Lord and of His Christ. Do not deceive yourselves; be wide
awake and move rapidly, for the night cometh in which no man
can work. Do not encourage students who come to you burdened
with the work of saving their fellow men, to enter upon course after
course of study. Do not lengthen out to many years the time for
obtaining an education. By so doing you give them the impression
that there is time enough, and this very plan proves a snare to their [415]
souls.
Many are better prepared, have more spiritual discrimination and
knowledge of God, and know more of His requirements, when they
enter upon their course of study than when they are graduated. They
become inspired with an ambition to become learned men and are
encouraged to add to their studies until they become infatuated. They
make their books their idol and are willing to sacrifice health and
spirituality in order to obtain an education. They limit the time which
they should devote to prayer and fail to improve the opportunities
which they have to do good. They fail to put to use the knowledge
which they have already obtained and do not advance in the science
of winning souls. Missionary work becomes less and less desirable,
while the passion to excel in book knowledge increases abnormally.
334 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
As long as time shall last, we shall have need of schools. There [417]
will always be need of education; but we must be careful lest ed-
ucation absorb every spiritual interest. There is positive peril in
advising students to pursue one line of education after another and
in leading them to think that by so doing they will attain perfection.
The education thus obtained will prove to be deficient in every way.
The Lord says: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will
bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the
wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath
not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in
the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased
God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” 1
Corinthians 1:19-21.
Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. In the
providence of God he received a broad education, but a large part
of that education had to be unlearned and accounted as foolishness.
Its impression had to be blotted out by forty years of experience
in caring for the sheep and the tender lambs. If many who are
connected with the work of the Lord could be isolated as was Moses,
and could be compelled by circumstances to follow some humble
vocation until their hearts became tender, ... they would not be so
prone to magnify their own abilities, or seek to demonstrate that the
wisdom of an advanced education could take the place of a sound
knowledge of God....
The disciples of Christ are not called upon to magnify men, but
to magnify God, the Source of all wisdom. Let educators give the
Holy Spirit room to do Its work upon human hearts. The greatest [418]
Teacher is represented in the midst of us by the Holy Spirit. However
you may study, though you may reach higher and still higher, and
occupy every moment of your probationary time in the pursuit of
knowledge, you will not become complete. When time is over, you
would have to ask yourselves the question, What good have I done to
those who are in midnight darkness? To whom have I communicated
the knowledge of God or even the knowledge of those things for
which I have spent so much time and money?
It will soon be said in heaven, “It is done.” “He that is unjust,
let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still:
and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is
336 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My
reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall
be.” Revelation 22:11, 12. When this fiat goes forth, every case will
have been decided.
Far better would it be for laborers to take less work and go about
it slowly and humbly, wearing the yoke of Christ and bearing His
burdens, than to devote years of preparation for a large work and
then fail to bring sons and daughters to God, fail to have any trophies
to lay at the feet of Jesus....
How many who know the truth for this time are working in
harmony with its principles? It is true that something is being
done; but more, far more, should have been done. The work is
accumulating, and the time for doing it is diminishing. All should
now be burning and shining lights, and yet many are failing to keep
their lamps supplied with the oil of grace, trimmed and burning,
[419] so that light may gleam out today. Too many are counting on a
long stretch of tomorrow, but this is a mistake. Let everyone be
educated in such a way as to show the importance of the special
work for today. Let everyone labor for God and for souls; let each
show wisdom and never be found in idleness, waiting for someone
to set him to work. The “someone” who could set you to work is
overcrowded with responsibilities, and time is lost in waiting for
his directions. God will give you wisdom in reforming at once;
for the call is still made, “Son, go work today in My vineyard.”
“Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews
3:7, 8. The Lord prefaces the requirement with the endearing word
“son.” How tender, how compassionate, yet withal, how urgent! His
invitation is also a command.—Special Testimonies On Education,
108-146; written March 21, 1895, to the teachers in the Sanitarium
and College at Battle Creek, Michigan.
*****
are willing to lay aside that which is unessential for the life eternal,
then it can be said that they are working out their own salvation with
fear and trembling, and that they are building wisely for eternity.
A Speedy Preparation
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 242-244, 334-
367
The Ministry of Healing, 474, 475.
Testimonies For The Church 3:223, 224, 522.
338 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Section 12—The Bible in Education [421]
345
346 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself,
and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine
eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of
thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons.” Deuteronomy
4:5-9.
Where shall we find laws more noble, pure, and just than are
exhibited on the statute books wherein is recorded the instruction
given to Moses for the children of Israel? From what other source
can we gather such strength or learn such noble science? What
other book will teach men so well how to love, fear, and obey God?
What other book presents to students more ennobling science, more
wonderful history? It clearly portrays righteousness and foretells the
consequence of disloyalty to the law of Jehovah.
A Moral Power
In studying the Scriptures we become acquainted with God and
are led to understand our relation to Christ, the Sin Bearer, the surety
for the fallen race. No one is left in darkness as to that which God
approves or disapproves.
The Bible contains instruction regarding the character God’s
children must possess. “Blessed are the pure in heart,” it declares,
“for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8. “Follow peace with all men,
and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews
Book of Books 347
12:14. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet
appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear,
we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man
that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1
John 3:2, 3.
This all-important knowledge should be kept before our children
and youth, not in an arbitrary, dictatorial manner, but as a divine
disclosure, as instruction of the highest value, essential for their
present peace in this world of turmoil and strife, and as a preparation [430]
for the future eternal life in the kingdom of God. Then place the
Holy Word in their hands. Encourage them to search its pages. They
will find there treasures of inestimable value. And in receiving Christ
as the bread of life they have the pledge of eternal life.
Christ’s sayings are pure gold without one particle of dross.
When those who have received the false interpretation of the word
search the Scriptures with determined effort to know what is truth,
the Holy Spirit opens the eyes of their understanding, and the word
is to them a new revelation. Their hearts are quickened with a new
and living faith, and they behold wondrous things out of His law.
The teachings of Christ have a breadth and meaning to them that
they have never before understood.
The youth are in need of educators who will keep the principles
of the word of God ever before them. If teachers will make Bible
precepts their textbook, they will have greater influence over the
youth. They will be learners, having a living connection with God.
They will endeavor to inculcate ideas and principles that will lead to
a fuller knowledge of God, an earnest, growing faith in the blood of
Christ, and in the power and efficiency of His grace to keep them
from falling. They will constantly seek to build up the strongholds
of a healthy, well-balanced Christian experience, that their students
may be qualified for usefulness.
[431] The Bible Teacher
348
Bible Teacher 349
of teaching the Scriptures, the students may thus have the benefit of
the talents of several.
Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul,
and all the writers who have borne testimony in regard to the life
and ministry of the Saviour? Why could not one of the disciples
have written a complete record and thus have given us a connected
account of Christ’s earthly life? Why does one writer bring in points
that another does not mention? Why, if these points are essential, did
not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men
differ. Not all comprehend things in exactly the same way. Certain
Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of some
than of others.
The same principle applies to speakers. One dwells at consid-
erable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not
mention at all. The whole truth is presented more clearly by several
than by one. The Gospels differ, but the records of all blend in one
harmonious whole.
So today the Lord does not impress all minds in the same way. [433]
Often through unusual experiences, under special circumstances, He
gives to some Bible students views of truth that others do not grasp.
It is possible for the most learned teacher to fall far short of teaching
all that should be taught.
It would greatly benefit our schools if regular meetings were
held frequently in which all the teachers could unite in the study
of the word of God. They should search the Scriptures as did the
noble Bereans. They should subordinate all preconceived opinions,
and taking the Bible as their lesson book, comparing scripture with
scripture, they should learn what to teach their students, and how to
train them for acceptable service.
The teacher’s success will depend largely upon the spirit which
is brought into the work. A profession of faith does not make
men Christians; but if teachers will open their hearts to the study
of the word, they will be able to aid their students to a clearer
understanding. Let not the spirit of controversy come in, but let each
seek earnestly for the light and knowledge that he needs.
God’s word is true philosophy, true science. Human opinions
and sensational preaching amount to very little. Those who are
imbued with the word of God will teach it in the same simple way
350 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
that Christ taught it. The world’s greatest Teacher used the simplest
language and the plainest symbols.
The Lord calls upon His shepherds to feed the flock with pure
provender. He would have them present the truth in its simplicity.
When this work is faithfully done, many will be convicted and
converted by the power of the Holy Spirit. There is need of Bible
[434] teachers who will come close to the unconverted, who will search
for the lost sheep, who will do personal labor and will give clear,
definite instruction.
Never utter sentiments of doubt. Christ’s teaching was always
positive in its nature. With a tone of assurance bear an affirmative
message. Lift up the Man of Calvary higher and still higher; there is
power in the exaltation of the cross of Christ.
It is the student’s privilege to have clear and accurate ideas of
the truth of the word, that he may be prepared to present these truths
to other minds. He should be rooted and grounded in the faith.
Students should be led to think for themselves, to see the force of
truth for themselves, and to speak every word from a heart full of
love and tenderness. Urge upon their minds the vital truths of the
Bible. Let them repeat these truths in their own language, that you
may be sure that they clearly comprehend them. Be sure that every
point is fastened upon the mind. This may be a slow process, but
it is of ten times more value than rushing over important subjects
without giving them due consideration. It is not enough that the
student believe the truth for himself. He must be drawn out to state
this truth clearly in his own words, that it may be evident that he
sees the force of the lesson and makes its application.
In all your teaching never forget that the greatest lesson to be
taught and to be learned is the lesson of copartnership with Christ
in the work of salvation. The education to be secured by searching
the Scriptures is an experimental knowledge of the plan of salvation.
Such an education will restore the image of God in the soul. It will
[435] strengthen and fortify the mind against temptation and fit the learner
to become a worker with Christ in His mission of mercy to the world.
It will make him a member of the heavenly family, prepare him to
share the inheritance of the saints in light.
The teacher of truth can impart effectively only that which he
himself knows by experience. Christ taught the truth because He
Bible Teacher 351
was the truth. His own thought, His character, His life experience,
were embodied in His teaching. So with His servants; those who
teach the word must make it their own by personal experience. They
must know what it is to have Christ made unto them wisdom and
righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Every minister of
Christ and every teacher should be able to say with the beloved John,
“The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and
show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was
manifested unto us.” 1 John 1:2.
Often it will seem to the teacher that the word of God has little
effect on the minds and hearts of many students; but if his work
has been wrought in God, some lessons of divine truth will linger
in the memory of the most careless. The Holy Spirit will water the
seed sown, and it will spring up after many days and bear fruit to the
glory of God.
Simplicity in Teaching
Teachers may learn a lesson from the experience of the farmer
who placed the food for his sheep in a crib so high that the young
of the flock could not reach it. Some teachers present the truth to
their students in a similar manner. They place the crib so high that
those whom they teach cannot reach the food. They forget that the
students have only a small part of the opportunity that they have had [436]
to gain a knowledge of God. They are too high up on the ladder
to reach down a helping hand, warm with tenderness and love and
deep, earnest interest. Let them step down and by their manner say
to the students:
“I will no longer stand so far above you. Let us climb together,
and we will see what can be gained by a united study of the Scrip-
tures. Christ is the One who imparts all knowledge. Let us work
together in an earnest effort to learn from God how to understand
the truths of His word, and how to place these truths before others
in their beauty and simplicity.
“Let us study together. I have nothing that you cannot receive
if you open your mind to Christ’s teachings. The Bible is your
guidebook and my guidebook. By asking questions you may suggest
ideas that are new to me. Various ways of expressing the truth we
352 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
are studying will bring light into our class. If any explanation of the
word differs from your previous understanding, do not hesitate to
state your views of the subject. Light will shine upon us as in the
meekness and lowliness of Christ we study together.”
This is the way in which the schools of the prophets were con-
ducted. Time was given in the class for a faithful study of the
thoughts presented. Hearts were warmed, and the voice of praise
and thanksgiving was heard. The sacred gospel was humanized, as
in the teachings of Christ. Much was accomplished for both teachers
[437] and students. Time was given for each one to partake of the heavenly
repast—to study the truths presented and then to add that which he
had received from God.
When the right spirit is cherished by teachers and students, they
will have special grace from God, enough for each, enough for all,
enough continually and forever. As the teacher learns from the divine
Teacher, the Bible becomes a lesson book such as God designed it
to be, giving clear conceptions to those who strive to grasp its grand
and glorious truths. As the students search for truth as for hidden
treasure, their minds are enriched with the highest of all knowledge.
There is shed into the mind a flood of light on the problem of human
life. They see how it is possible for men and women to be sanctified
through a belief of the truth as it is in Jesus.
*****
The jewels of truth lie scattered over the field of revelation; but
they have been buried beneath human traditions, beneath the sayings
and commandments of men, and the wisdom from heaven has been
practically ignored. Satan has succeeded in making the world believe
that the words and achievements of men are of great consequence.
There are veins of truth yet to be discovered, but spiritual things are
spiritually discerned. One passage of Scripture will prove a key to
unlock other passages, and in this way light is shed upon the hidden
meaning of the word. By comparing different texts treating on the
same subject, viewing their bearing on every side, the true meaning
of the Scriptures will be made evident.
A Failure to Study God’s Word [438]
That which in the counsels of heaven the Father and the Son
deemed essential for man’s salvation is clearly presented in the Holy
Scriptures. The infinite truths of salvation are stated so plainly that
finite beings who desire to know the truth cannot fail to understand.
Divine revelations have been made for their instruction in righteous-
ness, that they may glorify God and help their fellow men.
These truths are found in the word of God—the standard by
which we are to judge between right and wrong. Obedience to this
word is the best shield for the youth against the temptations to which
they are exposed while acquiring an education. From this word
they learn how to honor God and how to be faithful to humanity,
cheerfully performing the duties and meeting the trials that each day
brings, and courageously bearing its burdens.
Christ, the Great Teacher, sought to win the minds of men from
the contemplation of earthly things, that He might teach them of
heavenly things. Had the teachers of His day been willing to be
instructed by Him, had they united with Him in sowing the world
with the seeds of truth, the world would be far different from what
it now is. Had the scribes and Pharisees joined their forces with
the Saviour, the knowledge of Christ would have restored the moral
image of God in their souls.
But the leaders of Israel turned from the fountain of true knowl-
edge. They studied the Scriptures only to sustain their traditions [439]
and enforce their man-made observances. By their interpretation
they made them express sentiments that God had never given. Their
mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain.
They disputed over technicalities and practically denied the most
essential truths. God’s word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits
worked their will.
Christ’s words contain nothing that is nonessential. The Sermon
on the Mount is a wonderful production, yet so simple that a child
can study it without misunderstanding. The mount of beatitudes is a
353
354 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Why is it that our youth, and even those of more mature years,
are so easily led into temptation and sin? It is because the Bible is
not studied and meditated upon as it should be. If it were made the
daily study, there would be an inward rectitude, a strength of spirit,
that would resist the temptations of the enemy. A firm, decided effort
to turn from evil is not seen in the life, because the instruction given
by God is disregarded. There is not put forth the effort that there
should be to fill the mind with pure, holy thoughts and to rid it of
all that is impure and untrue. There is not the choosing of the better
part, the sitting at the feet of Jesus, as did Mary, to learn lessons
from the divine Teacher.
When God’s word is made the man of our counsel, when we
search the Scriptures for light, heavenly angels come near to impress
the mind and to enlighten the understanding so that it can be truly
said, “The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understand-
ing unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130. It is no marvel that there is
not more heavenly-mindedness seen among the youth who profess
Christianity, when so little attention is given to the word of God.
[443] The divine counsels are not heeded; the divine admonitions are not
obeyed. Grace and heavenly wisdom are not sought, that every taint
of corruption may be cleansed from the life.
An Illustration
What was it that made John the Baptist great? He closed his
mind to the mass of tradition presented by the teachers of the Jewish
nation, and opened it to the wisdom which comes from above. Before
358 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
his birth the Holy Spirit testified of John: “He shall be great in the
sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and
he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.... And many of the children
of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before
Him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers
to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to
make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:15-17.
In his prophecy Zacharias said of John, “Thou, child, shalt be
called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of
the Lord to prepare His ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto
His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy
of our God; whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us, to
give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to
guide our feet into the way of peace.” And Luke adds, “The child
grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day
of his showing unto Israel.” Luke 1:76-80.
It was John’s choice to forgo the enjoyments and luxuries of city
[446] life for the stern discipline of the wilderness. Here his surroundings
were favorable to habits of simplicity and self-denial. Uninterrupted
by the clamor of the world, he could here study the lessons of nature,
of revelation, and of providence. The words of the angel to Zacharias
had been often repeated by his God-fearing parents. From childhood
his mission had been kept before him, and he accepted the holy trust.
To him the solitude of the desert was a welcome escape from society
in which suspicion, unbelief, and impurity had become well-nigh
all-pervading. He distrusted his own power to withstand temptation
and shrank from constant contact with sin lest he should lose the
sense of its exceeding sinfulness.
But the life of John was not spent in idleness, in ascetic gloom, or
in selfish isolation. From time to time he went forth to mingle with
men, and he was ever an interested observer of what was passing
in the world. From his quiet retreat he watched the unfolding of
events. With vision illuminated by the divine Spirit, he studied the
characters of men, that he might understand how to reach their hearts
with the message of heaven.
Of Christ, Simeon said, “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant
depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy
salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
Failure to Study God’s Word 359
a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.”
And the record declares, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature,
and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:29-32, 52.
Jesus and John were represented by the educators of that day as
ignorant because they had not learned in the schools of the rabbis;
but the God of heaven was their Teacher, and all who heard were [447]
astonished at their knowledge of the Scriptures.
The first great lesson in all education is to know and understand
the will of God. We should bring into every day of life the effort to
gain this knowledge. To learn science through human interpretation
alone is to obtain a false education, but to learn of God and Christ is
to learn the science of heaven. The confusion in education has come
because the wisdom and knowledge of God have not been exalted.
The students in our schools are to regard the knowledge of God
as above everything else. “The preaching of the cross is to them that
perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of
God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will
bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” “The foolishness
of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than
men.” “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto
us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the
Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:18, 19, 25, 30, 31.
*****
Those who profess to believe the word should daily pray for the
light of the Holy Spirit to shine upon the pages of the Sacred Book,
that they may be enabled to comprehend the things of the Spirit of
God.... The words of men, however great, are not able to make us
“perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:17.
[448] Some Results of Bible Study
The Bible contains all that is needful for the saving of the soul,
and at the same time it is adapted to strengthen and discipline the
mind. Used as a textbook in our schools, it will be found far more
effective than any other book in guiding wisely in the affairs of this
life, as well as in aiding the soul to climb the ladder that reaches to
heaven. The Bible gives the true seeker an advanced mental drill;
he comes from the contemplation of divine things with his faculties
enriched. Self is humbled, while God and His truth are exalted. It is
because men are unacquainted with the truths of the Bible that there
is so much lifting up of man and so little honor given to God.
In searching the pages of God’s word, we move through scenes
majestic and eternal. We behold Jesus, the Son of God, coming to
our world and engaging in the mysterious conflict that discomfited
the powers of darkness. How wonderful, how almost incredible,
it is that the infinite God would consent to the humiliation of His
only-begotten Son! Let students contemplate this great thought.
They will not come from such contemplation without being elevated,
purified, ennobled.
God’s word is the spiritual food by which the Christian must
grow strong in spirit and in intellect, that he may do battle for truth
and righteousness. The Bible teaches that every besetting sin must
[449] be put away, that the warfare against evil must be waged until every
wrong is overcome. The human agent must place himself as a willing
student in the school of Christ. As he accepts the grace freely offered
him, the presence of the Saviour in the thoughts and in the heart will
give him decision of purpose to lay aside every weight, that the heart
may be filled with all the fullness of God.
The simplicity of true godliness must be brought into the edu-
cation of our young people, if they are to know how to escape the
corruption that is in the world. They must be taught that the true
followers of Christ will serve God not only when it is in accordance
with their inclinations, but also when it involves self-denial and
360
Some Results of Bible Study 361
An Unerring Guide
The young man who makes the Bible his guide need not mistake
the path of duty and of safety. That Book will teach him to preserve
his integrity of character, to be truthful, to practice no deception. It
will teach him that he must never transgress God’s law in order to
accomplish a desired object, even though to obey involves a sacrifice.
It will teach him that the blessing of heaven will not rest upon him [450]
if he departs from the path of right doing; that although men may
appear to prosper in disobedience, they will surely reap the fruit of
their sowing.
Those only who read the Scriptures as the voice of God speaking
to them, are true learners. They tremble at the voice of God, for to
them it is a living reality. They open their understanding to divine
instruction and pray for grace, that they may obtain a preparation for
service. As the heavenly torch is placed in his hand, the seeker for
truth sees his own frailty, his infirmity, the hopelessness of looking
to himself for righteousness. He sees that there is in him nothing
that can recommend him to God. He prays for the Holy Spirit, the
representative of Christ, to be his constant guide, to lead him into all
truth. He repeats the promise, “The Comforter, which is the Holy
Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you
all things.” John 14:26.
Receiving to Give
The study of the Bible in our schools will give the students
special advantages. Those who receive into their hearts the holy
362 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
knowledge and return to Him in earnest service the gifts they have
received.
A New Mind
The truths of God’s word are not mere sentiments, but the utter-
ances of the Most High. He who makes these truths a part of his life
becomes in every sense a new creature. He is not given new mental
powers, but the darkness that through ignorance and sin has clouded
the understanding is removed.
The words, “A new heart also will I give you” (Ezekiel 36:26),
mean, A new mind will I give you. This change of heart is always
attended by a clear conception of Christian duty, an understanding
of truth. The clearness of our view of truth will be proportionate to
our understanding of the word of God. He who gives the Scriptures
close, prayerful attention will gain clear comprehension and sound
judgment, as if in turning to God he had reached a higher plane of
intelligence.
If the mind is set to the task of studying the Bible, the under-
standing will strengthen and the reasoning faculties will improve.
Under the study of the Scriptures the mind expands and becomes
more evenly balanced than if occupied in obtaining information from
books that have no connection with the Bible.
[453] The Word and Works of God
God calls upon teachers to behold the heavens and to study His
works in nature. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the
firmament showeth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech,
and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor
language, where their voice is not heard.” Psalm 19:1-3. Shall we
not strive to understand the wonderful works of God? We should
do well to read often the nineteenth psalm, that we may understand
how the Lord binds up His law with His created works.
Can we find for our schools any textbook filled with such deep,
earnest declarations as is the word of the living God? Then why
should this Book be laid aside for the writings of infidel authors?
What more valuable book could be placed in the hands of students
than that which teaches them how they may inherit eternal life?
The lessons of Bible history should be kept before the youth in our
schools, that those who have no love for God and no interest in
spiritual things may become interested, and learn to love the word.
Christ is the center of all true doctrine. All true religion is found
in His word and in nature. He is the One in whom our hopes of
eternal life are centered; and the teacher who learns from Him finds
a safe anchorage.
All that the mind can grasp is opened before us in the Bible. This
[454] is our spiritual food. We are to contemplate the wonderful works of
God and repeat to our children the lessons learned, that we may lead
them to see His skill, His power, and His grandeur in His created
works.
What a God is our God! He rules over His kingdom with dili-
gence and care, and He has built a hedge—the Ten Commandments—
about His subjects to preserve them from the results of transgression.
In requiring obedience to the laws of His kingdom, God gives His
people health and happiness, peace and joy. He teaches them that the
perfection of character He requires can be attained only by becoming
familiar with His word.
364
Word and Works of God 365
you look at the wonderful things that God’s hand has made, let your
proud, foolish heart feel its dependence and inferiority. How terrible
it is when the acknowledgment of God is not made when it should
be made! How sad to humble oneself when it is too late!
The psalmist declares, “When Thou saidst, Seek ye My face; my
heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” Psalm 27:8. The
whole of this psalm should find a place in the reading and spelling
lessons of the school. The twenty-eighth, twenty-ninth, and seventy-
eighth psalms tell of the rich blessings bestowed by God upon His
people and of their poor returns for all His benefits. The eighty-first
psalm explains why Israel was scattered—they forgot God, as the
churches in our land are forgetting Him today. Consider also the
eighty-ninth, ninetieth, ninety-first, ninety-second, and ninety-third
psalms.
These things were written for our admonition, upon whom the
ends of the world are come; and should they not be studied in our
schools? The word of God contains instructive lessons, given in
reproof, in warning, in encouragement, and in rich promises. Would [458]
not such food as this be meat in due season to the youth?
An Impressive Representation
In a night vision given me some years ago I was in an assembly
where our school problems were being discussed, and the question
was asked, “Why has not appropriate matter for reading books and
other lesson books been selected and compiled? Why has not the
word of God been extolled above every human production? Have
you thought that a better knowledge of what the Lord hath said
would have a deleterious effect on teachers and students?”
There was a hush in the assembly, and conviction came to stu-
dents and teachers. Men who had looked upon themselves as wise
and strong saw that they were weak and lacking in the knowledge of
that Book which concerns the eternal destiny of the human soul.
The Speaker then took from the hands of the teachers books
which they had been making their study, some of which had been
written by infidel authors and contained infidel sentiments, and
laid them on the floor. Then He placed the Bible in their hands,
saying, “You have little knowledge of this Book. You know not
368 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
the Scriptures nor the power of God. When you have taken your
students through the course of study you have followed in the past,
they will have to unlearn much that they have learned, and this they
will find very difficult to do. Objectionable ideas have taken root in
their minds, like weeds in a garden, and some will never be able to
[459] distinguish between right and wrong. The good and the evil have
been intermingled in your work. Doctrines containing a little truth,
but with which are woven the opinions and sayings and doings of
men, are repeated. The youth will never know the way of life so
long as they depend on such instruction.”
By every teacher in our schools the only true God is to be uplifted.
The prayer of Christ for His disciples was: “I have glorified Thee on
the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. And
now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with Thine own self with the glory
which I had with Thee before the world was. I have manifested Thy
name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world: Thine
they were, and Thou gavest them Me; and they have kept Thy word.
Now they have known that all things whatsoever Thou hast given
Me are of Thee. For I have given unto them the words which Thou
gavest Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that
I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send
Me.” John 17:4-8.
Who among our teachers are awake and as faithful stewards of
the grace of God are giving the trumpet a certain sound? Who are
voicing the message of the third angel, calling upon the world to
make ready for the great day of God? The message we bear has the
seal of the living God.
July 20, 1899.
Study the Bible for Yourselves [460]
When Jesus sent forth the Twelve on their first mission of mercy,
He commissioned them “to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal
the sick.” Luke 9:2. “As ye go,” He said, “preach, saying, The
kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers,
raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”
Matthew 10:7, 8. And as they “went through the towns, preaching
the gospel, and healing everywhere” (Luke 9:6), the blessing of
heaven accompanied their labors. The fulfillment of the Saviour’s
commission by the disciples made their message the power of God
unto salvation, and through their efforts many were brought to a
knowledge of the Messiah.
The Seventy who were sent out a little later were also commis-
sioned to “heal the sick” (Luke 10:9) as well as to announce the
advent of the promised Redeemer. In their work of teaching and
healing, the disciples followed the example of the Master Teacher,
who ministered to both soul and body. The gospel which He taught
was a message of spiritual life and physical restoration. Deliverance
from sin and the healing of disease were linked together.
[466] And at the close of His earthly ministry, when He charged His
disciples with a solemn commission to go “into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature,” He declared that their ministry
would receive confirmation through the restoration of the sick to
health. Ye “shall lay hands on the sick,” He said, “and they shall
recover.” Mark 16:15, 18. By healing in His name the diseases of
the body, they would testify to His power for the healing of the soul.
The Saviour’s commission to the disciples includes all believers
to the end of time. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come
are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ
are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. For this
work the church was established, and all who take upon themselves
its sacred vows are thereby pledged to be co-workers with Christ.
374
Call for Gospel Medical Missionaries 375
“They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” This
world is a vast lazar house; but Christ came to heal the sick, to pro-
claim deliverance to the captives of Satan. He was in Himself health
and strength. He imparted His life to the sick, the afflicted, those
possessed of demons. He knew that many of those who petitioned
Him for help had brought disease upon themselves, yet He did not
refuse to heal them. And when virtue from Christ entered into these
poor souls, they were convicted of sin, and many were healed of
their spiritual disease as well as of their physical maladies.
To many of the afflicted ones who received healing, Christ said,
“Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” John 5:14. Thus
He taught that disease is the result of violating God’s laws, both [467]
natural and spiritual. The great misery in the world would not exist
had men from the beginning lived in harmony with the Creator’s
plan. There are conditions to be observed by all who would preserve
health. All should learn what these conditions are. The Lord is
not pleased with ignorance in regard to His laws, either natural or
spiritual. We are to be workers together with God for the restoration
of health to the body as well as to the soul.
And we should teach others how to preserve and to recover
health. For the sick we should use the remedies which God has
provided in nature, and we should point them to Him who alone
can restore. It is our work to present the sick and suffering to Christ
in the arms of our faith. We should teach them to believe in the
Great Healer. We should lay hold on His promise and pray for
the manifestation of His power. The very essence of the gospel is
restoration, and the Saviour would have us bid the sick, the hopeless,
and the afflicted take hold upon His strength.
Never has the world’s need for teaching and healing been greater
than it is today. The world is full of those who need to be ministered
unto—the weak, the helpless, the ignorant, the degraded. The con-
tinual transgression of man for nearly six thousand years has brought
sickness, pain, and death as its fruit. Multitudes are perishing for
lack of knowledge.
As God’s ministers behold the awful results of long-continued
sin, their hearts are touched with the world’s woe, and they are
endeavoring to labor as the Master Workman and His disciples
labored. Connected with the divine Healer, they are going forth in [468]
376 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
the power of His might to teach and to heal. They realize that the
gospel is the only antidote for sin, and that as Christ’s witnesses
they are to bear testimony to its power. As they point the afflicted
ones to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world, His
transforming grace and miracle-working power are causing many to
accept the message of truth that is borne. His healing power, united
with the gospel message, is bringing success in emergencies. The
Holy Spirit is working upon hearts, and the salvation of God is being
revealed.
But the world’s need today cannot be met fully by the ministry of
God’s servants who have been called to preach the everlasting gospel
to every creature. While it is well, so far as possible, for evangelical
workers to learn how to minister to the necessities of the body as well
as of the soul, thus following the example of Christ, yet they cannot
spend all their time and strength in relieving those in need of help.
The Lord has ordained that with those who preach the word shall be
associated His medical missionary workers—Christian physicians
and nurses who have received special training in the healing of
disease and in soul winning.
Medical missionaries and workers in the gospel ministry are to
be bound together by indissoluble ties. Their work is to be done
with freshness and power. By their combined efforts the world is to
be prepared for the second advent of Christ. Through their united
labors the Sun of Righteousness is to rise, with healing in His wings,
[469] to lighten the benighted regions of the earth, where the people have
long lived in gross darkness. Many who are now dwelling in the
shadow of sin and death, as they see in God’s faithful servants a
reflection of the Light of the world, will realize that they have a
hope of salvation, and they will open their hearts to receive the
healing beams, and will in turn become light bearers to others yet in
darkness.
So great are the world’s needs, that not all who are called to be
medical missionary evangelists can afford to spend years in prepara-
tion before beginning to do actual field work. Soon doors now open
to the gospel messenger will be forever closed. God calls upon many
who are prepared to do acceptable service, to carry the message now,
not waiting for further preparation; for while some delay, the enemy
may take possession of fields now open.
Call for Gospel Medical Missionaries 377
[471] The cause of God today would have been far in advance of what
it is, had we in former years been more active in the training of
nurses who, in addition to their acquirement of more than ordinary
skill in the care of the sick, had also learned to labor as evangelists
in soul-winning service.
It is for the training of such workers, as well as for the training of
physicians, that the school at Loma Linda has been founded. In this
school many workers are to be qualified with the ability of physi-
cians, to labor, not in professional lines as physicians, but as medical
missionary evangelists. This training is to be in harmony with the
principles underlying true higher education. The cause is in need
of hundreds of workers who have received a practical and thorough
education in medical lines, and who are also prepared to labor from
house to house as teachers, Bible workers, and colporteurs. Such
students should come out of the school without having sacrificed the
principles of health reform or their love for God and righteousness.
Those who take advanced training in nursing, and go forth into
all parts of the world as medical missionary evangelists, cannot
expect to receive from the world the honor and rewards that often
come to fully accredited physicians. Yet as they go about their work
of teaching and healing, and link up closely with God’s servants who
have been called to the ministry of His word, His blessing will rest
upon their labors, and marvelous transformations will be wrought.
In a special sense they will be His helping hand.
[472] The duties of the physician are arduous. Few realize the mental
and physical strain to which he is subjected. Every energy and
capability must be enlisted with the most intense anxiety in the
battle with disease and death. Often he knows that one unskilled
movement of the hand, even but a hairbreadth in the wrong direction,
may send a soul unprepared into eternity. How much the faithful
physician needs the sympathy and prayers of the people of God!
His claims in this direction are not inferior to those of the most
devoted minister or missionary worker. Deprived, as he often is, of
sufficient rest and sleep, he needs a double portion of grace, a fresh
supply daily, or he will lose his hold on God and will be in danger
of sinking deeper in spiritual darkness than men of other callings.
And yet often he is made to bear unmerited reproaches and is left
Call for Gospel Medical Missionaries 379
*****
In order for you to become men and women that can be depended
upon, there must be a growth of the powers, the exercise of every
faculty, even in little things; then greater power is acquired to bear
larger responsibilities. Individual responsibility and accountability
are essential. In putting into practice that which you are learning
during your student days, do not shrink from bearing your share of
responsibility because there are risks to take, because something
must be ventured. Do not leave others to be brains for you. You
must train your powers to be strong and vigorous; then the entrusted
talents will grow, as a steady, uniform, unyielding energy is exercised
in bearing individual responsibility. God would have you add, day
by day, little by little, to your stock of ideas, acting as if the moments
were jewels, to be carefully gathered and discreetly cherished. You
will thus acquire breadth of thought and strength of intellect.
God will not require of man a more strict account of anything
[476] than of the way in which he has occupied his time. Have its hours
been wasted and abused? God has granted to us the precious boon
of life not to be devoted to selfish gratification. Our work is too
solemn, our time to serve God and our fellow men too short, to be
spent in seeking for fame. Oh, if men would stop in their aspirations
where God has set the bounds, what different service would the Lord
receive!
There are many who are in such haste to climb to distinction that
they skip some of the rounds of the ladder and in so doing lose expe-
rience which they must have in order to become intelligent workers.
In their zeal the knowledge of many things looks unimportant to
them. They skim over the surface and do not go deep into the mine
of truth, thus by a slow and painstaking process gaining an experi-
ence that will enable them to be of special help to others. We want
our medical students to be men and women who are most thorough
and who feel it their duty to improve every talent lent them, that they
may finally double their entrusted capital.
The light that God has given in medical missionary lines will
not cause His people to be regarded as inferior in scientific medical
knowledge, but will fit them to stand upon the highest eminence.
God would have them stand as a wise and understanding people
because of His presence with them. In the strength of Him who is
Medical Student 383
the Source of all wisdom, all grace, defects and ignorance may be
overcome.
Let every medical student aim to reach a high standard. Under
the discipline of the greatest of all teachers our course must ever
tend upward to perfection. All who are connected with the medical [477]
missionary work must be learners. Let no one stop to say, “I cannot
do this.” Let him say instead, “God requires me to be perfect. He
expects me to work away from all commonness and cheapness, and
to strive after that which is of the highest order.”
There is only one power that can make medical students what
they ought to be and keep them steadfast—the grace of God and the
power of the truth exerting a saving influence upon life and charac-
ter. These students, who intend to minister to suffering humanity,
will find no graduating place this side of heaven. That knowledge
which is termed science should be acquired, while the seeker daily
acknowledges that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Ev-
erything that will strengthen the mind should be cultivated to the
utmost of their power, while at the same time they should seek God
for wisdom; for unless they are guided by the wisdom from above
they will become an easy prey to the deceptive power of Satan. They
will become large in their own eyes, pompous, and self-sufficient.
God-fearing physicians speak modestly of their work, but
novices with limited experience in dealing with the bodies and souls
of men will often speak boastingly of their knowledge and attain-
ments. These need a better understanding of themselves; then they
would become more intelligent in regard to their duties and would
realize that in every department where they have to labor they must
possess a willing mind, an earnest spirit, and a hearty, unselfish
zeal in trying to do others good. They will not study how best to
preserve their dignity, but by thoughtfulness and caretaking will earn [478]
a reputation for thoroughness and exactitude, and by sympathetic
ministry will gain the hearts of those whom they serve.
In the medical profession there are many skeptics and atheists
who exalt the works of God above the God of science. Compara-
tively few of those who enter worldly medical colleges come out
from them pure and unspotted. They have failed to become ele-
vated, ennobled, sanctified. Material things eclipse the heavenly and
eternal. With many, religious faith and principles are mingled with
384 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
389
390 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Hold fast your integrity in the strength of the grace of Christ, and
He will fulfill His word to you.
The medical student, however young, has access to the God
of Daniel. Through divine grace and power he may become as
efficient in his calling as Daniel was in his exalted position. But
it is a mistake to make a scientific preparation the all-important
thing, while religious principles which lie at the very foundation of
a successful practice are neglected. Many are lauded as skillful men
in their profession who scorn the thought that they need to rely upon
Christ for wisdom in their work. But if these men who trust in their
knowledge of science were illuminated by the light of heaven, to
how much greater excellence might they attain! How much stronger
would be their powers! with how much greater confidence could
they undertake difficult cases! The man who is closely connected
with the Great Physician has the resources of heaven and earth at his
command, and he can work with a wisdom, an unerring precision,
that the godless man cannot possess.
[487] Like Enoch, the physician should be a man who walks with God.
This will be to him a safeguard against all the delusive, pernicious
sentiments which make so many infidels and skeptics. The truth of
God, practiced in the life and constantly guiding in all that concerns
the interest of others, will barricade the soul with heavenly principles.
God will not be unmindful of our struggles to maintain the truth.
When we place every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God
above worldly policy, above all the assertions of erring, failing man,
we shall be guided into every good and holy way.
The Christian physician, in his acceptance of the truth by his
baptismal vows, has pledged himself to represent Christ, the Physi-
cian in chief. But if he does not keep strict guard over himself, if
he allows the barriers against sin to be broken down, Satan will
overcome him with specious temptations. There will be a blemish
in his character that by its evil influence will mold other minds. The
moral palsy of sin will not only destroy the soul of the one who
departs from strict principles, but will have the power to reproduce
in others the same evil.
It is not safe to be occasional Christians. We must be Christlike
in our actions all the time. Then, through grace, we are safe for
time and for eternity. The experimental knowledge of the power of
Spiritual Growth 391
but one of the Lord’s appointed missionaries, in all your work placing
His service first. Let nothing mar your peace. Give your heart’s best
and holiest affections to Him who gave His life that you might be
among the redeemed family in the heavenly courts. Striving for the
crown of life will not make you dissatisfied or less useful. The Great
Teacher desires to acknowledge you as His helping hand. He calls
for your co-operation. Will you not now give Him all that you have [491]
and are? Will you not consecrate your talents to His service?
This life is your sowing time. Will you not pledge yourself to
God, that your seed sowing shall be that which will produce, not
tares, but a harvest of wheat? God will work with you; He will
increase your usefulness. He has entrusted to you talents that in His
strength you may use to produce a precious harvest.
To those who with steadfast perseverance strive to reveal the
attributes of Christ, angels are commissioned to give enlarged views
of His character and work, His power and grace and love. Thus
they become partakers of His nature, and day by day grow up to
the full stature of men and women in Christ. The sanctification of
the Spirit is seen in thought, word, and deed. Their ministry is life
and salvation to all with whom they associate. Of such ones it is
declared, “Ye are complete in Him.” Colossians 2:10.
*****
The physician’s example, no less than his teaching, should be a
positive power on the right side. The cause of reform calls for men
and women whose life practice is an illustration of self-control. It is
our practice of the principles we inculcate that gives them weight.
The world needs a practical demonstration of what the grace of
God can do in restoring to human beings their lost kingship, giving
them mastery of themselves. There is nothing that the world needs
so much as a knowledge of the gospel’s saving power revealed in
Christlike lives.—The Ministry of Healing, 132, 133.
The true object of education is to fit men and women for service
by developing and bringing into active exercise all their faculties.
The work at our colleges and training schools should be strengthened
year by year, for in them our youth are to be prepared to go forth
to serve the Lord as efficient laborers. The Lord calls upon the
youth to enter our schools and quickly fit themselves for active
work. Time is short. Workers for Christ are needed everywhere.
Urgent inducements should be held out to those who ought now to
be engaged in earnest effort for the Master.
Our schools have been established by the Lord; and if they are
conducted in harmony with His purpose, the youth sent to them will
be quickly prepared to engage in various branches of missionary
work. Some will be trained to enter the field as missionary nurses,
some as canvassers, some as evangelists, and some as gospel minis-
ters. Some are to be prepared to take charge of church schools, in
which the children shall be taught the first principles of education.
This is a very important work, demanding high ability and careful
study.
[494] Satan is trying to lead men and women away from right prin-
ciples. The enemy of all good, he desires to see human beings so
trained that they will exert their influence on the side of error, in-
stead of using their talents to bless their fellow men. And multitudes
who profess to belong to God’s true church are falling under his
deceptions. They are being led to turn away from their allegiance to
the King of heaven.
The signs which show that Christ’s coming is near are fast ful-
filling. The Lord calls upon our youth to labor as canvassers and
evangelists, to do house-to-house work in places where the truth
has not yet been proclaimed. He speaks to our young men, saying,
“Know ye not that ... ye are not your own? for ye are bought with a
price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which
396
Education a Fitting for Service 397
are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. Those who go forth into the
work under the Master’s direction will be wonderfully blessed.
The Lord calls for volunteers who will take their stand firmly on
His side and will pledge themselves to unite with Jesus of Nazareth
in doing the work that needs to be done now, just now. The talents
of God’s people are to be employed in giving the last message of
mercy to the world. The Lord calls upon those connected with our
schools and sanitariums and publishing houses to teach the youth to
do evangelistic work. Our time and money must not be so largely
employed in establishing sanitariums, food factories, food stores,
and restaurants that other lines of work shall be neglected. Young
men and women who should be engaged in the ministry, in Bible
work, and in the canvassing work should not be bound down to [495]
mechanical employment.
It is to fortify the youth against the temptations of the enemy
that we have established schools where they may be qualified for
usefulness in this life and for the service of God throughout eternity.
Those who have an eye single to God’s glory will earnestly desire to
fit themselves for special service; for the love of Christ will have a
controlling influence upon them. This love imparts more than finite
energy, and qualifies human beings for divine achievement.
*****
Pleasure in Religion
Wherever a school is established, there should be warm hearts
to take a lively interest in the youth. Fathers and mothers are needed
who will give warm sympathy and kindly admonitions. All the
pleasantness possible should be brought into the religious exercises.
Those who prolong these exercises to weariness are leaving wrong
impressions upon the minds of the youth, leading them to associate
religion with that which is dry, unsocial, and uninteresting.... Ar-
dent, active piety in the teacher is essential. Unless constant care is
exercised, and unless vitalized by the Spirit of God, the morning and
evening service in the chapel and the Sabbath meetings will become
dry and formal, and to the youth the most burdensome and the least
attractive of the school exercises. The social meetings should be
managed in such a way as to make them seasons not only of profit,
but of positive pleasure.
Let those who teach the youth study for themselves in the school
of Christ, and learn lessons to communicate to their students. Sin-
cere, earnest, heartfelt devotion is needed. All narrowness should be
Gaining Efficiency 403
avoided. Let the teacher so far unbend from his dignity as to be one
with the children in their exercises and amusements, without leaving
the impression that they are being watched. His very presence with
them will give a mold to their actions, and will cause his heart to
throb with new affection.
The youth need sympathy, affection, and love, or they will be- [503]
come discouraged. A spirit of “I care for nobody and nobody cares
for me” takes possession of them. They may profess to be followers
of Christ; but they have a tempting devil on their track, and they
are in danger of becoming disheartened and lukewarm, and of back-
sliding from God. Then some feel it a duty to blame them and to
treat them coldly as if they were a great deal worse than they really
are. Few, perhaps none, feel it their duty to make personal efforts to
reform them and to remove the unhappy impressions that have been
made upon them.
The teacher’s obligations are weighty and sacred, but no part of
his work is more important than that of looking after the youth with
tender, loving solicitude. Let the teacher once gain the confidence
of his students, and he can easily lead and control and train them.
The holy motives that underlie Christian living must be brought into
the life. The salvation of his pupils is the highest interest entrusted
to the God-fearing teacher. He is Christ’s co-worker, and his special
and determined effort should be to win them to Christ. God will
require this at his hands.
Every teacher should lead a life of piety, of purity, of painstaking
effort. If the heart is glowing with the love of God, there will be seen
in the life that pure affection which is essential; fervent prayers will
be offered and faithful warnings given. When these are neglected,
the souls under his care are endangered....
And yet, after all these efforts have been made, teachers may
find that some will develop unprincipled characters. They are lax
in morals, the result, in many cases, of vicious example and lack [504]
of parental discipline. Though teachers may do all they can, they
will fail to lead these youth to a life of purity and holiness. After
patient discipline, affectionate labor, and fervent prayer, they will
be disappointed by those from whom they have hoped for much. In
addition to this they will meet the reproaches of the parents because
they have not had power to counteract the influence of the wrong
404 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
The Christian aims to reach the highest attainments for the pur-
pose of doing others good. Knowledge harmoniously blended with
a Christlike character will make a man a light in the world. God
works with human efforts. Those who give all diligence to make
their calling and election sure will feel that a superficial knowledge
will not fit them for a position of usefulness. Education balanced
by a solid religious experience fits the child of God to do his ap-
pointed work steadily, firmly, understandingly. He who is learning
of the greatest Educator the world ever knew, will have not only [506]
a symmetrical Christian character, but a mind trained for effective
labor....
God does not want us to be content with lazy, undisciplined
minds, dull thoughts, and loose memories. He wants every teacher
to feel dissatisfied with simply a measure of success and to realize
his need of constant diligence in acquiring knowledge. Our bodies
and souls belong to God, for He has bought them. He has given
us talents and has made it possible for us to acquire more, that we
may be able to help ourselves and others in the way of life. It is the
work of each one to develop and strengthen the gifts that God has
lent him. If all realized this, what a vast difference we should see
in our schools, in our churches, and in our missions! But the larger
number are content with a meager knowledge, a few attainments,
content just to be passable. The necessity of being men like Daniel,
men of influence, men whose characters have become harmonious
by working to bless humanity and glorify God—such a need few
feel, and the result is that there are few fitted for the great want of
the times.
God does not ignore ignorant men; but if such are connected with
Christ, if they are sanctified through the truth, they will be constantly
gathering knowledge. By exerting every power to glorify God, they
will have increased power with which to glorify Him. Those who
are willing to remain in a narrow sphere because God condescended
to accept them when they were there, are very foolish. Yet there are
hundreds and thousands who are doing this very thing.
[507] Efficiency Through Service
408
Education Most Essential for Gospel Workers 409
Self-Improvement in Workers
If the worker has consecrated himself fully to God and is diligent
in prayer for strength and heavenly wisdom, the grace of Christ will
be his teacher, and he will overcome his defects and become more
and more intelligent in the things of God. But let none take license
from this to be indolent, to squander time and opportunities, and
neglect the training that is essential in order to become efficient.
The Lord is not pleased with those who, having had opportunities to
obtain knowledge, neglect to improve the privileges placed within
their reach....
Above all other people on earth the man whose mind is enlight-
ened by the word of God will feel that he must give himself to greater
diligence in the perusal of the Bible and to a diligent study of the
sciences, for his hope and his calling are greater than any other. The
more closely man is connected with the Source of all knowledge
and wisdom, the more he can be helped intellectually as well as
spiritually. The knowledge of God is the essential education, and
this knowledge every true worker will make it his constant study to
obtain.
[511] “According that a Man Hath”
God can and will use those who have not had a thorough edu-
cation in the schools of men. A doubt of His power to do this is
manifest unbelief. Our Saviour did not ignore learning or despise
education, yet He chose unlearned fishermen for the work of the
gospel because they had not been schooled in the false customs and
traditions of the world. They were men of good natural ability and
of a humble, teachable spirit, men whom He could educate for His
great work.
In the common walks of life there is many a toiler patiently
treading the round of his daily tasks, unconscious of latent powers
that, roused to action, would place him among the world’s great
leaders. The touch of a skillful hand is needed to arouse and develop
those dormant faculties. It was such men whom Jesus connected
with Himself, and He gave them the advantages of three years’
training under His own care. No course of study in the schools of the
rabbis or the halls of philosophy could have equaled this in value.
A life devoted to God should not be a life of ignorance. Many
speak against education because Jesus chose uneducated fishermen
to preach the gospel. They assert that He showed preference for
the uneducated. But there were many learned and honorable men
who believed the teaching of Christ. Had these fearlessly obeyed
the convictions of their consciences, they would have followed Him.
[512] Their abilities would have been accepted and employed in the service
of Christ, had they offered them. But they had not moral power, in
face of the frowning priests and jealous rulers, to confess Christ and
venture their reputation in connection with the humble Galilean.
He who knows the hearts of all understood this. If the educated
and noble would not do the work they were qualified to do, Christ
would select men who would be obedient and faithful in doing His
will. He chose humble men and connected them with Himself, that
He might educate them to carry forward the great work on earth
when He should leave it.
410
“According that a Man Hath” 411
Christ was the light of the world. He was the fountain of all
knowledge. He was able to qualify the unlearned fishermen to
carry out the high commission He would give them. The lessons
of truth given these lowly men were of mighty significance. They
were to move the world. It seemed but a simple thing for Jesus to
connect these humble persons with Himself, but it was an event
productive of tremendous results. Their words and their works were
to revolutionize the world.
God will accept the youth with their talent and their wealth of
affection, if they will consecrate themselves to Him. They may
reach to the highest point of intellectual greatness; and if balanced
by religious principle, they can carry forward the work which Christ
came from heaven to accomplish.
The students at our colleges have valuable privileges, not only
of obtaining a knowledge of the sciences, but also of learning how
to cultivate and practice virtues which will give them symmetrical
characters. They are God’s responsible moral agents. The talents [513]
of wealth, station, and intellect are given of God in trust to man
for his wise improvement. These varied trusts He has distributed
proportionately to the known powers and capacities of His servants,
to every man his work.
And the Giver expects returns according to the gifts. The hum-
blest gift is not to be despised. Everyone has his peculiar sphere
and vocation. He who makes the most of his God-given oppor-
tunities will return to the Giver, in their improvement, an interest
proportionate to the entrusted capital.
The Lord does not reward the large amount of labor. He does not
regard the greatness of the work so much as the fidelity with which it
is done. The good and faithful servant is rewarded. As we cultivate
the powers God has given us, we shall increase in knowledge and
perception.
Perseverance in the acquisition of knowledge, controlled by the
fear and love of God, will give the youth increased power for good in
this life; and those who make the most of their opportunities to reach
high attainments will take these attainments with them into the future
life. They have sought and obtained that which is imperishable. The
ability to appreciate the glories that “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard”
(1 Corinthians 2:9), will be proportionate to the attainments reached.
412 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
413
414 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Foreign Languages
There are among us those who, without the toil and delay of
learning a foreign language, might qualify themselves to proclaim
the truth to other nations. In the primitive church, missionaries were
miraculously endowed with a knowledge of the languages in which
they were called to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. And if
God was willing thus to help His servants then, can we doubt that
His blessing will rest upon our efforts to qualify those who naturally
possess a knowledge of foreign tongues, and who, with proper en-
couragement, would bear to their own countrymen the knowledge
of truth? We might have had more laborers in foreign missionary
fields had those who entered these fields availed themselves of every
talent within their reach....
It may in some cases be necessary that young men learn foreign
[516] languages. This they can do with most success by associating with
the people, at the same time devoting a portion of each day to
studying the language. This should be done, however, only as a
necessary step preparatory to educating such as are found in the
missionary fields themselves, and who, with proper training, can
become workers. It is essential that those be urged into the service
who can speak in their mother tongue to the people of different
nations. It is a great undertaking for a man of middle age to learn a
foreign language, and with all his efforts it will be next to impossible
for him to speak it so readily and correctly as to render him an
efficient laborer.
to engage in a work for which they are not qualified, and to which no
amount of training will enable them to adapt themselves. The men
thus sent out leave vacancies which inexperienced laborers cannot
supply.
But the church may inquire whether young men can be entrusted
with the grave responsibilities involved in the establishing and su-
perintending of a foreign mission. I answer, God designed that they
should be so trained in our colleges and by association in labor with
men of experience that they would be prepared for departments of
usefulness in this cause. We must manifest confidence in our young
men. They should be pioneers in every enterprise involving toil and
sacrifice, while the overtaxed servants of Christ should be cherished [517]
as counselors, to encourage and bless those who strike the heaviest
blows for God. Providence thrust these experienced fathers into
trying, responsible positions at an early age, when neither physical
nor intellectual powers were fully developed. The magnitude of the
trust committed to them aroused their energies, and their active labor
in the work aided both physical and mental development.
Young men are wanted. God calls them to missionary fields. Be-
ing comparatively free from care and responsibilities, they are more
favorably situated to engage in the work than are those who must
provide for the training and support of a large family. Furthermore,
young men can more readily adapt themselves to new climates and
new society, and can better endure inconveniences and hardships.
By tact and perseverance they can reach the people where they are.
Strength comes by exercise. All who put to use the ability which
God has given them will have increased ability to devote to His
service. Those who do nothing in the cause of God will fail to grow
in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. A man who would lie
down and refuse to exercise his limbs would soon lose all power
to use them. Thus the Christian who will not exercise his God-
given powers not only fails to grow up into Christ, but he loses the
strength which he already had; he becomes a spiritual paralytic. It
is those who, with love for God and their fellow men, are striving
to help others, that become established, strengthened, settled, in the
truth. The true Christian works for God, not from impulse, but from [518]
principle; not for a day or a month, but during the entire life....
416 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
The Master calls for gospel workers; who will respond? Not all
who enter the army are to be generals, captains, sergeants, or even
corporals. Not all have the care and responsibility of leaders. There
is hard work of other kinds to be done. Some must dig trenches and
build fortifications; some are to stand as sentinels, some to carry
messages. While there are but few officers, it requires many soldiers
to form the rank and file of the army; yet its success depends upon
the fidelity of every soldier. One man’s cowardice or treachery may
bring disaster upon the entire army....
He who has appointed “to every man his work” (Mark 13:34)
according to his ability, will never let the faithful performance of
duty go unrewarded. Every act of loyalty and faith will be crowned
with special tokens of God’s favor and approbation. To every worker
is given the promise, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing
precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing
his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6.—Testimonies for the Church
5:390-395.
*****
417
418 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
and service lived by Christ’s followers. They will learn that the
object of medical missionary work is to restore, to correct wrongs,
to show human beings how to avoid the self-indulgence that brings
disease and death.
The words and action of the workers in the sanitarium and in the
school should plainly reveal that life is an intensely solemn thing in
view of the account which all must render to God. Each one should
now put his talents out to the exchangers, adding to the Master’s gift, [522]
blessing others with the blessings given him.
Consecrated Service
There is a great work to be done by our sanitariums and schools.
Time is short. What is done must be done quickly. Let those who
are connected with these important instrumentalities be wholly con-
verted. Let them not live for self, for worldly purposes, withhold-
ing themselves from full consecration to God’s service. Let them
give themselves, body, soul, and spirit, to God, to be used by Him
in saving souls. They are not at liberty to do with themselves as
they please; they belong to God, for He has bought them with the
lifeblood of His only-begotten Son. And as they learn to abide in [523]
Christ, there will remain in the heart no room for selfishness. In His
service they will find the fullest satisfaction.
420 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Earning Scholarships
The Lord has instituted a plan whereby many of the students in
our schools can learn practical lessons needful to success in afterlife. [525]
He has given us the privilege of handling books that have been
dedicated to the advancement of our educational and sanitarium
work. In the very handling of these books the youth will meet with
many experiences that will teach them how to cope with problems
that await them in the regions beyond. During their school life, as
they handle these books they may learn how to approach people
courteously and how to exercise tact in conversing with them on
421
422 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
*****
*****
Only by the aid of that Spirit who in the beginning “was brooding
upon the face of the waters;” of that Word by whom “all things were
made;” of that “true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh
into the world” (Genesis 1:2, R.V., margin; John 1:3, 9), can the
testimony of science be rightly interpreted. Only by their guidance
can its deepest truths be discerned. Only under the direction of the
Omniscient One shall we, in the study of His works, be enabled to
think His thoughts after Him.
A Missionary Education [531]
In the work of soul saving, the Lord calls together laborers who
have different plans and ideas and various methods of labor. But
with this diversity of minds there is to be revealed a unity of purpose.
Oftentimes in the past the work which the Lord designed should
prosper has been hindered because men have tried to place a yoke
upon their fellow workers who did not follow the methods which
they supposed to be the best.
No exact pattern can be given for the establishment of schools
in new fields. The climate, the surroundings, the condition of the
country, and the means at hand with which to work must all bear a
part in shaping the work. The blessings of an all-round education
will bring success in Christian missionary work. Through its means
souls will be converted to the truth.
“Ye are the light of the world,” Christ declares. “Let your light
so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify
your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16. God’s work in
the earth in these last days is to reflect the light that Christ brought
into the world. This light is to dissipate the gross darkness of ages.
Men and women in heathen darkness are to be reached by those
who at one time were in a similar condition of ignorance, but who
have received the knowledge of the truth of God’s word. These
heathen nations will accept eagerly the instruction given them in a
knowledge of God.
Very precious to God is His work in the earth. Christ and heav- [532]
enly angels are watching it every moment. As we draw near to
the coming of Christ, more and still more of missionary work will
engage our efforts. The message of the renewing power of God’s
grace will be carried to every country and clime, until the truth shall
belt the world. Of the number of them that shall be sealed will be
those who have come from every nation and kindred and tongue and
people. From every country will be gathered men and women who
will stand before the throne of God and before the Lamb, crying,
427
428 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
“Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the
Lamb.” Revelation 7:10. But before this work can be accomplished,
we must experience here in our own country the work of the Holy
Spirit upon our hearts.
New Methods
I have been shown that in our educational work we are not to
follow the methods that have been adopted in our older established
schools. There is among us too much clinging to old customs,
and because of this we are far behind where we should be in the
development of the third angel’s message. Because men could not
comprehend the purpose of God in the plans laid before us for the
education of workers, methods have been followed in some of our
Missionary Education 429
schools which have retarded rather than advanced the work of God.
Years have passed into eternity with small results, that might have
shown the accomplishment of a great work. If the Lord’s will had
been done by the workers in earth as the angels do it in heaven,
much that now remains to be done would be already accomplished,
and noble results would be seen as the fruit of missionary effort.
The usefulness learned on the school farm is the very education [534]
that is most essential for those who go out as missionaries to many
foreign fields. If this training is given with the glory of God in view,
great results will be seen. No work will be more effectual than that
done by those who, having obtained an education in practical life, go
forth to mission fields with the message of truth, prepared to instruct
as they have been instructed. The knowledge they have obtained in
the tilling of the soil and other lines of manual work, and which they
carry with them to their fields of labor, will make them a blessing
even in heathen lands.—Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 11 pp.
27-30.
The teacher should not divorce himself from the church work.
Those who conduct church schools and larger schools should regard
it as their privilege, not only to teach in the school, but to bring into
the church with which they are connected the same talents that are
used in the school. Through their work and influence, power is to be
brought into the church. They are to strive to bring the church to a
higher standard.
*****
All through our ranks are young men and women who should
be trained for positions of usefulness and influence. Education is
necessary both for the proper fulfillment of the domestic duties of
life and for success in every field of usefulness. Under the guidance
of the Holy Spirit these youth may be educated and trained so that
all the powers will be given to God’s service.
[535] The Youth to Be Burden Bearers
“I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and
the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked
one.” 1 John 2:14.
In order that the work may go forward in all its branches, God
calls for youthful vigor, zeal, and courage. He has chosen the youth
to aid in the advancement of His cause. To plan with clear mind
and execute with courageous hand demands fresh, uncrippled ener-
gies. Young men and women are invited to give God the strength
of their youth, that through the exercise of their powers, through
keen thought and vigorous action, they may bring glory to Him and
salvation to their fellow men.
In view of their high calling, the youth among us should not
seek for amusement, or live for selfish gratification. The salvation
of souls is to be the motive that inspires them to action. In their
God-given strength they are to rise above every enslaving, debasing
habit. They are to ponder well the paths of their feet, remembering
that where they lead the way, others will follow. No one lives to
himself; all exert an influence for good or for evil. Because of this,
the apostle exhorts young men to be sober-minded. How can they
be otherwise when they remember that they are to be co-workers
with Christ, partakers with Him of His self-denial and sacrifice, His
forbearance and gracious benevolence?
To the youth of today, as surely as to Timothy, are spoken the
words, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” “Flee
also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace.”
[536] 2 Timothy 2:15, 22. “Be thou an example of the believers, in word,
in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy
4:12.
The burden bearers among us are falling in death. Many of
those who have been foremost in carrying out the reforms instituted
by us as a people are now past the meridian of life and are declin-
430
Youth to Be Burden Bearers 431
ing in physical and mental strength. With the deepest concern the
question may be asked, Who will fill their places? To whom are
to be committed the vital interests of the church, when the present
standard-bearers fall? We can but look anxiously upon the youth
of today as those who must take these burdens, and upon whom
responsibilities must fall. These must take up the work where others
leave it, and their course will determine whether morality, religion,
and vital godliness shall prevail, or whether immorality and infidelity
shall corrupt and blight all that is valuable.
Those who are older must educate the youth, by precept and
example, to discharge the claims that society and their Maker have
upon them. Upon these youth must be laid grave responsibilities.
The question is, Are they capable of governing themselves, and
standing forth in the purity of their God-given manhood, abhorring
everything that savors of wickedness?
Never before was there so much at stake; never were there results
so mighty depending upon a generation as upon these now coming
upon the stage of action. Not for one moment should the youth think
that they can acceptably fill any position of trust without possessing
a good character. Just as well might they expect to gather grapes of
thorns, or figs of thistles.
A good character must be built up brick by brick. Those charac- [537]
teristics which will enable the youth to labor successfully in God’s
cause must be obtained by the diligent exercise of their faculties, by
improving every advantage Providence gives them, and by connect-
ing with the Source of all wisdom. They must be satisfied with no
low standard. The characters of Joseph and Daniel are good models
for them to follow; and in the life of the Saviour they have a perfect
pattern.
All are given an opportunity to develop character. All may
fill their appointed places in God’s great plan. The Lord accepted
Samuel from his very childhood, because his heart was pure. He
was given to God, a consecrated offering, and the Lord made him a
channel of light. If the youth of today will consecrate themselves as
did Samuel, the Lord will accept them and use them in His work. Of
their life they may be able to say with the psalmist, “O God, Thou
hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy
wondrous works.” Psalm 71:17.
432 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
The youth must soon bear the burdens that older workers are now
carrying. We have lost time in neglecting to give young men a solid,
practical education. The cause of God is constantly progressing, and
we must obey the command, Go forward. There is need of young
men and women who will not be swayed by circumstances, who
walk with God, who pray much, and who put forth earnest efforts to
gather all the light they can.
The worker for God should put forth the highest mental and moral
energies with which nature, cultivation, and the grace of God have
[538] endowed him; but his success will be proportionate to the degree
of consecration and self-sacrifice in which his work is done, rather
than to either natural or acquired endowments. Earnest, continuous
endeavor to acquire qualifications for usefulness is necessary; but
unless God works with humanity, nothing good can be accomplished.
Divine grace is the great element of saving power; without it all
human effort is unavailing.
Whenever the Lord has a work to be done, He calls not only
for the commanding officers, but for all the workers. Today He is
calling for young men and women who are strong and active in
mind and body. He desires them to bring into the conflict against
principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places
their fresh, healthy powers of brain, bone, and muscle. But they must
have the needed preparation. Some young men are urging their way
into the work who have no real fitness for it. They do not understand
that they need to be taught before they can teach. They point to men
who with little preparation have labored with a measure of success.
But if these men were successful, it was because they put heart and
soul into the work. And how much more effective their labors might
have been if at the first they had received suitable training!
The cause of God needs efficient men. Education and training
are rightly regarded as an essential preparation for business life; and
how much more essential is thorough preparation for the work of
presenting the last message of mercy to the world! This training
cannot be gained by merely listening to preaching. In our schools
[539] our youth are to bear burdens for God. They are to receive a thor-
ough training under experienced teachers. They should make the
best possible use of their time in study, and put into practice the
knowledge acquired. Hard study and hard work are required to make
Youth to Be Burden Bearers 433
Let those who have been trained for service now take their places
quickly in the Lord’s work. House-to-house laborers are needed.
The Lord calls for decided efforts to be put forth in places where the
people know nothing of Bible truth. Singing and prayer and Bible
readings are needed in the homes of the people. Now, just now, is the
time to obey the commission, “Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:20. Those who
do this work must have a ready knowledge of the Scriptures. “It is
written” is to be their weapon of defense. God has given us light on
His word, that we may give this light to our fellow men. The truth
spoken by Christ will reach hearts. A “Thus saith the Lord” will
fall upon the ear with power, and fruit will appear wherever honest
service is done.
1882.
Literary Societies [541]
occasions for fun and boisterous mirth, they are anything but literary
or elevating. They are debasing to both mind and morals.
Bible reading, the critical examination of Bible subjects, es-
says written upon topics which would improve the mind and impart
knowledge, the study of the prophecies or the precious lessons of
Christ—these will have an influence to strengthen the mental powers [544]
and increase spirituality. A familiar acquaintance with the Scriptures
sharpens the discerning powers and fortifies the soul against the
attacks of Satan.
Few realize that it is a duty to exercise control over the thoughts
and imaginations. It is difficult to keep the undisciplined mind
fixed upon profitable subjects. But if the thoughts are not properly
employed, religion cannot flourish in the soul. The mind must
be preoccupied with sacred and eternal things, or it will cherish
trifling and superficial thoughts. Both the intellectual and the moral
powers must be disciplined, and they will strengthen and improve
by exercise.
In order to understand this matter aright, we must remember that
our hearts are naturally depraved, and we are unable of ourselves to
pursue a right course. It is only by the grace of God, combined with
the most earnest effort on our part, that we can gain the victory.
The intellect, as well as the heart, must be consecrated to the
service of God. He has claims upon all there is of us. The follower
of Christ should not indulge in any gratification, or engage in any
enterprise, however innocent or laudable it may appear, which an
enlightened conscience tells him would abate his ardor or lessen his
spirituality. Every Christian should labor to press back the tide of
evil and save our youth from the influences that would sweep them
down to ruin. May God help us to press our way against the current.
[545] Student Missionary Work
even if it takes some hours from the program of regular study, much
of heaven’s blessing will be given, provided there is more faith and
spiritual zeal, more of a realization of what God will do.
There are many lines in which the youth can find opportunity
for helpful effort. Companies should be organized and thoroughly
educated to work as nurses, gospel visitors, and Bible readers, as
canvassers, ministers, and medical missionary evangelists.
When school closes, there is opportunity for many to go out into
the field as evangelistic canvassers. The faithful colporteur finds his
way into many homes, where he leaves reading matter containing
the truth for this time. Our students should learn how to sell our
books. There is need of men of deep Christian experience, men of
well-balanced minds, strong, well-educated men, to engage in this
branch of the work. Some have the talent, education, and experience
that would enable them to educate the youth for the canvassing work
in such a way that much more would be accomplished than is now [547]
being done. Those who have this experience have a special duty to
perform in teaching others.
The canvassing work is one of the Lord’s appointed agencies for
extending the knowledge of the truth for this time. The effort made
in some schools to circulate Christ’s Object Lessons has demon-
strated what can be accomplished in the canvassing field by the
students. The Lord has blessed the efforts put forth to relieve our
schools from debt, and those who have engaged in the work have
obtained an excellent experience. As they have taken up the work
disinterestedly, great blessing has come to them. Many have thus
gained a knowledge of how to handle our larger books.
Wherever possible, students should, during the school year, en-
gage in city mission work. They should do missionary work in the
surrounding towns and villages. They can form themselves into
bands to do Christian help work. Students should take a broad view
of their present obligations to God. They are not to look forward to
a time, after the school term closes, when they will do some large
work for God, but should study how, during their student life, to
yoke up with Christ in unselfish service for others.
There is power in the ministry of song. Students who have
learned to sing sweet gospel songs with melody and distinctness
can do much good as singing evangelists. They will find many
440 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
opportunities to use the talent that God has given them in carrying
melody and sunshine into many lonely places darkened by sorrow
[548] and affliction, singing to those who seldom have church privileges.
Students, go out into the highways and hedges. Endeavor to
reach the higher as well as the lower classes. Enter the homes of the
rich as well as the poor and, as you have opportunity, ask, “Would
you be pleased to have us sing some gospel hymns?” Then as hearts
are softened, the way may open for you to offer a few words of
prayer for the blessing of God. Not many will refuse to listen. Such
ministry is genuine missionary work.
Students, educate yourselves to speak in the language of Canaan.
Put away all foolish talking and jesting, all foolish amusements. By
faith grasp God’s promises and determine that you will be Christians
here below while preparing for translation. If you strip yourselves
of every hindrance to progress in the Christian life, your minds will
be worked by the Holy Spirit, and you will become fishers of men.
The salvation of God will go forth from you as a lamp that burneth.
If your own hearts are filled with light from above, wherever you
may be you will shed light upon others. He will bless you in your
service, and you will see of His salvation.
The third angel was seen flying in the midst of heaven, heralding
the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The message
loses none of its power in its onward flight. John saw the work
increasing until the whole earth was filled with the glory of God.
With intensified zeal and energy we are to carry forward the work of
the Lord till the close of time.
In the home, in the school, in the church, men, women, and
[549] youth are to prepare to give the message to the world. Our schools
are to be more and more efficacious and self-reliant from a human
standpoint, more like the schools of the prophets. The teachers
should walk very near to God. The Lord calls for strong, devoted,
self-sacrificing young men and women who will press to the front
and who, after a short time spent in school, will go forth prepared to
give the message to the world.
From our colleges and training schools missionaries are to be
sent forth to distant lands. While at school let the students improve
every opportunity to prepare for this work. Here they are to be
tested and proved, that it may be seen what their adaptability is and
Student Missionary Work 441
whether they have a right hold from above. If they have a living
connection with heaven they will have an influence for good on those
with whom they come in contact.
A Valuable Experience
While we were living at Cooranbong, where the Avondale school
is established, the question of amusements came up for consider-
ation. “What shall we do to provide for the amusement of our
students?” the faculty inquired. We talked matters over together, and
then I came before the students and said to them:
“We can occupy our minds and our time profitably without trying
to devise methods for amusing ourselves. Instead of spending time in
playing the games that so many students play, strive to do something
for the Master.
“The very best course for you to pursue is to engage in mis-
sionary work for the people of the neighborhood and in the nearby [550]
settlements. Whenever you are listening to an interesting discourse,
take notes and mark down the passages that the minister uses, so
that you can review the subject carefully. Then after faithful study
you will soon be able to give a synopsis of the discourses, in the
form of Bible readings, to some who do not come to our meetings.”
The older students decided to follow this suggestion. They had
evening meetings for studying the Scriptures together. They worked
first of all for one another, and as a result of the Bible studies among
themselves, a number of the unconverted were won to the truth.
And the effort in behalf of the neighbors was a blessing not only to
themselves, but to those for whom they labored.
Those who went out to work for the neighbors were instructed
to report any case of sickness they might find; and those who had
had training in giving treatment to the sick were encouraged to use
their knowledge in a practical way. To work for the Master came to
be regarded as Christlike recreation.
After a time the Sunday labor question came up for consideration.
It seemed as if the lines were soon to be drawn so tightly about us
that we should not be able to work on Sunday. Our school was
situated in the heart of the woods, far from any village or railway
station. No one was living near enough to be disturbed in any way by
442 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
Christ desires to use every student as His agent. You are to co-
operate with the One who gave His life for you. What rich blessings
would come to our schools if teachers and students would consecrate
themselves, heart, mind, soul, and strength, to God’s service as His
helping hand! His helping hand—that is what you may be if you
will yield yourselves to His keeping. He will lead you safely, and
enable you to make straight paths for yourselves and for others. He
will give you knowledge and wisdom, and a fitness for fuller service.
*****
Gaining Efficiency
Testimonies For The Church 6:174, 175.
446 Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
A Broader View
Testimonies For The Church 6:468-478.