Chapter 25—Diligent and Thorough Education
No movement should be made to lower the standard of education in
our school at Battle Creek. The students should tax the mental powers;
every faculty should reach the highest possible development. Many
students come to the college with intellectual habits partially formed
that are a hindrance to them. The most difficult to manage is the habit
of performing their work as a matter of routine, instead of bringing
to their studies thoughtful, determined effort to master difficulties,
and to grasp the principles at the foundation of every subject under
consideration. Through the grace of Christ it is in their power to
change this habit of routine, and it is for their best interest and future
usefulness rightly to direct the mental faculties, training them to do
service for the wisest Teacher, whose power they may claim by faith.
This will give them success in their intellectual efforts, in accordance
with the laws of God. Each student should feel that, under God, he is
to have special training, individual culture; and he should realize that
the Lord requires of him to make all of himself that he possibly can,
that he may teach others also. Indolence, apathy, irregularity, are to be
dreaded, and the binding of one’s self to routine is just as much to be
dreaded.
I hope that no one will receive the impression from any words
I have written, that the standard of the school is to be in any way
lowered. There should be most diligent and thorough education in our
school, and in order to secure this, the wisdom that comes from God
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must be made first and most important. The religion of Christ never
sanctions physical or mental laziness.
We have before us the case of Daniel and his fellows, who made
the most of their opportunities to obtain an education in the courts
of Babylon. When tested by those who questioned both their faith
and their knowledge, they were able to give a reason of the hope
that was in them, and, as well, to stand the examination as to their
knowledge in all learning and wisdom; and it was found that Daniel
had understanding also in all visions and dreams, showing that he had
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