Hindrances to Reform
To some extent the Bible has been introduced into our schools,
and some efforts have been made in the direction of reform; but it
is most difficult to adopt right principles after having been so long
accustomed to popular methods. The first attempts to change the old
customs brought severe trials upon those who would walk in the way
which God has pointed out. Mistakes have been made, and great loss
has resulted. There have been hindrances which have tended to keep
us in common, worldly lines, and to prevent us from grasping true
educational principles. To the unconverted, who view matters from
the lowlands of human selfishness, unbelief, and indifference, right
principles and methods have appeared wrong.
Some teachers and managers who are only half converted are
stumbling blocks to others. They concede some things and make half
reforms; but when greater knowledge comes, they refuse to advance,
preferring to work according to their own ideas. In doing this they
pluck and eat of that tree of knowledge which places the human above
the divine. “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity
and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the
other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it
seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye
will serve.” “If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow
him.”
Joshua 24:14, 15
;
1 Kings 18:21
. We should have been far in
advance of our present spiritual condition had we moved forward as
the light came to us.
When new methods have been advocated, so many doubtful ques-
tions have been introduced, so many councils held that every difficulty
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might be discerned, that reformers have been handicapped, and some
have ceased to urge reforms. They seem unable to stem the current of
doubt and criticism. Comparatively few received the gospel in Athens
because the people cherished pride of intellect and worldly wisdom,
and counted the gospel of Christ foolishness. But “the foolishness
of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than
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