School for Bible Study
33
Parents and teachers who gather their knowledge from the Bible,
who are governed in mind and action by its holy principles, need not
go astray, and be found in by and forbidden paths. The most sacred
lessons of modesty and humility are to be taught to the children, both
at home and in the Sabbath school. They are to be instructed as to the
high claims of the law of God, and as to their responsibility before
Him. The lessons that should be presented to them should be of such
a character as would qualify them for usefulness in this life, and for a
place in the future, immortal kingdom.
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I
command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach
them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou
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sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when
thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” These words plainly define
the duty of parents and teachers; and if they will follow this instruction,
they will not fail to see the best results.
Results of Parent’s Failure
How different would have been the Scriptural record of the history
of Israel, a nation so highly favored of the Lord, if they had carried out
the instruction given them from the pillar of cloud by the Son of the
living God. But they did not diligently follow the admonitions given.
They failed to teach their children the requirements of God; and the
sad results are pictured before us in a nation rejected of God. They
separated so far from the wisdom of God that when the Great Teacher,
Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, appeared, they cried, “Away with Him!”
The tradition of men was more highly revered than the commandments
of God. False practices and human inventions had taken the place of
the pure teaching of God. That which was to have become a part of
their being, was regarded as of small consequence and little worth.
When Christ came into the world to exemplify true religion, and
to exalt the principles that should govern the hearts and actions of
men, falsehood had taken so deep a hold upon those who had had so
great light, that they no longer comprehended the light, and had no
inclination to yield up tradition for truth. They rejected the heavenly
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Teacher, they crucified the Lord of glory, that they might retain their