290
Testimonies for the Church Volume 8
the nations of the earth. We are to see in history the fulfillment of
prophecy, to study the worKings of Providence in the great reformatory
movements, and to understand the progress of events in the marshalling
of the nations for the final conflict of the great controversy.
But too often the motive of those who study these many books
is not so much to obtain food for mind or soul. It is an ambition to
become acquainted with philosophers and theologians, a desire to
present Christianity to the people in learned terms and propositions.
“Learn of Me,” said the greatest Teacher the world ever knew.
“Take My yoke upon you, learn My meekness and lowliness.” Your
intellectual pride will not aid in the work of communicating with souls
that are perishing for want of the bread of life. In your study of these
[308]
books you are allowing them to take the place, in mind and heart, of
the practical lessons you should be learning from the Great Teacher.
With the results of this study the people are not fed. Very little of
the study and research which is so wearying to the mind furnishes
anything that will make one a successful laborer for souls.
Men and women who spend their lives in humble, commonplace
work need words as simple as Christ gave in His lessons, words that
are easily understood. The Saviour came “to preach the gospel to the
poor.” And it is written that “the common people heard Him gladly.”
Those who are teaching the truth for this time need a deeper insight
into the lessons He has given.
The words of the living God are the highest of all education. The
studied phrases designed to please the taste of the supposed-to-be
refined fall short of the mark. Those who minister to the people need
to eat the bread of life. This will give them spiritual strength; then
they will be prepared to minister to all classes of people. The piety,
the spiritual energy of the church is sustained by feeding on the bread
that came down from heaven. At the feet of Jesus we are to learn the
simplicity of true godliness.
Myths and Fairy Tales
In the education of children and youth, fairy tales, myths, and
fictitious stories are now given a large place. Books of this character
are used in the schools, and they are to be found in many homes. How
can Christian parents permit their children to use books so filled with