Words from a Heavenly Instructor
In the night season I was in a large company where the subject of
education was agitating the minds of all present. Many were bringing
up objections to changing the character of the education which has long
been in vogue. One who has long been our instructor was speaking
to the people. He said: “The subject of education should interest
the whole Seventh-day Adventist body. The decisions regarding the
character of our schoolwork should not be left wholly to principals
and teachers.”
Some were strenuously urging the study of infidel authors and were
recommending the very books which the Lord has condemned, and
which, therefore, should not in any way be sanctioned. After much
earnest conversation and discussion our instructor stepped forward,
and, taking in his hand books that had been earnestly advocated as
essential to a higher education, he said: “Do you find in these authors
sentiments and principles that make it altogether safe to place them in
the hands of students? Human minds are easily charmed by Satan’s
lies; and these works produce a distaste for the contemplation of the
word of God, which, if received and appreciated, will ensure eternal
life to the receiver. You are creatures of habit and should remember that
right habits are blessings both in their effect on your own character and
in their influence for good over others; but wrong habits, when once
established, exercise a despotic power and bring minds into bondage.
If you had never read one word in these books you would today be far
better able to comprehend that Book which, above all other books, is
worthy to be studied, and which gives the only correct ideas regarding
higher education.
“The fact that it has been customary to include these authors among
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your lessonbooks, and that this custom is hoary with age, is no argu-
ment in its favor. Long use does not necessarily recommend these
books as safe or essential. They have led thousands where Satan led
Adam and Eve—to the tree of knowledge of which God has forbidden
us to eat. They have led students to forsake the study of the Scrip-
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