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Education
history of Joseph and Daniel is an illustration of what He will do for
those who yield themselves to Him and with the whole heart seek to
accomplish His purpose.
The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will
not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and
honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose
conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will
stand for the right though the heavens fall.
But such a character is not the result of accident; it is not due to
special favors or endowments of Providence. A noble character is the
result of self-discipline, of the subjection of the lower to the higher
nature—the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man.
The youth need to be impressed with the truth that their endow-
ments are not their own. Strength, time, intellect, are but lent treasures.
They belong to God, and it should be the resolve of every youth to put
them to the highest use. He is a branch, from which God expects fruit;
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a steward, whose capital must yield increase; a light, to illuminate the
world’s darkness.
Every youth, every child, has a work to do for the honor of God
and the uplifting of humanity.
Elisha, Faithful in Little Things
The early years of the prophet Elisha were passed in the quietude of
country life, under the teaching of God and nature and the discipline of
useful work. In a time of almost universal apostasy his father’s house-
hold were among the number who had not bowed the knee to Baal.
Theirs was a home where God was honored and where faithfulness to
duty was the rule of daily life.
The son of a wealthy farmer, Elisha had taken up the work that lay
nearest. While possessing the capabilities of a leader among men, he
received a training in life’s common duties. In order to direct wisely,
he must learn to obey. By faithfulness in little things, he was prepared
for weightier trusts.
Of a meek and gentle spirit, Elisha possessed also energy and
steadfastness. He cherished the love and fear of God, and in the humble
round of daily toil he gained strength of purpose and nobleness of
character, growing in divine grace and knowledge. While co-operating