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The Heavenly Pattern
We are rapidly nearing the final crisis in this world’s history, and
it is important that we understand that the educational advantages
offered by our schools are to be different from those offered by the
schools of the world. Neither are we to follow the routine of worldly
schools. The instruction given in Seventh-day Adventist schools is
to be such as to lead to the practice of true humility. In speech, in
dress, in diet, and in the influence exerted, is to be seen the simplicity
of true godliness.
Our teachers need to understand the work that is to be done in
these last days. The education given in our schools, in our churches,
in our sanitariums, should present clearly the great work to be accom-
plished. The need of weeding from the life every worldly practice
that is opposed to the teachings of the word of God, and of supplying
its place with deeds that bear the mark of the divine nature, should
be made clear to the students of all grades. Our work of education
is ever to bear the impress of the heavenly, and thus reveal how far
divine instruction excels the learning of the world.
To some this work of entire transformation may seem impossible.
But if this were so, why go to the expense of attempting to carry
on a work of Christian education at all? Our knowledge of what
true education means is to lead us ever to seek for strict purity of
character. In all our association together we are to bear in mind that
we are fitting for transfer to another world; the principles of heaven
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are to be learned and practiced; the superiority of the future life to
this life is to be impressed upon the mind of every learner. Teachers
who fail to bring this into their work of education fail of having
a part in the great work of developing character that can meet the
approval of God.
As the world in this age comes more and more under the influ-
ence of Satan, the true children of God will desire more and more
to be taught of Him. Teachers should be employed who will give a
heavenly mold to the characters of the youth. Under the influence of
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