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Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
The knowledge of God is the real essence of education. The ed-
ucation that would supersede this knowledge, or dismiss it from the
mind, as Felix dismissed Paul when he spoke to him of temperance,
righteousness, and judgment to come, is not of God. Paul’s words
made Felix tremble; but the governor dismissed the apostle with the
words, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season,
I will call for thee.”
Acts 24:25
. And today multitudes are saying the
same. Their minds are called to the deep subjects of truth, problems
as high as heaven and as broad as eternity; but they say, “I cannot
bring these subjects into my daily studies; for they would so stir up
my mind as to unfit me for the daily routine of study. I have never
mastered Bible problems. I cannot take up this study now. Go thy
way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for
thee.” Thus God’s great lesson book is set aside because it is not
regarded as the one thing needful.
The Highest Possible Development
I do not wish anyone to receive from the words I have written
the impression that the standard of education in our schools is to be
in any way lowered. Every student should remember that the Lord
requires him to make of himself all that is possible, that he may
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wisely teach others also. Our students should tax the mental powers;
every faculty should reach the highest possible development.
Many students come to college with intellectual habits that are
a hindrance to them. One of the most difficult to manage is the
habit of performing mental work as a matter of routine, instead of
bringing to bear upon each study thoughtful, determined effort to
master difficulties and to grasp the principles at the foundation of the
subject under consideration. Indolence, apathy, irregularity, are to
be dreaded, and the binding of oneself to routine is just as much to
be dreaded. Through the grace of Christ it is in the power of students
to change this habit of routine, and it is for their best interests and
future usefulness rightly to direct the mental faculties, training them
to do service under the guidance of the wisest of all teachers, whose
power they may claim by faith. This will give them success in their
intellectual efforts, in accordance with God’s promise.