Chapter 26—The Essential Education
I have written largely in reference to students spending an un-
reasonably long time in gaining an education; but I hope I shall not
be misunderstood in regard to what is essential education. I do not
mean that a superficial work should be done as is illustrated by the
way in which some portions of the land are worked in Australia. The
plow was only put in the depth of a few inches, the ground was not
prepared for the seed, and the harvest was meager, corresponding to
the superficial preparation that was given to the land.
God has given inquiring minds to youth and children. Their rea-
soning powers are entrusted to them as precious talents. It is the duty
of parents to keep the matter of their education before them in its true
meaning; for it comprehends many lines. They should be taught to
improve every talent and organ, expecting that they will be used in the
service of Christ for the uplifting of fallen humanity. Our schools are
the Lord’s special instrumentality to fit up the children and youth for
missionary work. Parents should understand their responsibility, and
help their children to appreciate the great privileges and blessings that
God has provided for them in educational advantages.
But their domestic education should keep pace with their education
in literary lines. In childhood and youth practical and literary training
should be combined, and the mind stored with knowledge. Parents
should feel that they have a solemn work to do, and should take hold of
it earnestly. They are to train and mold the characters of their children.
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They should not be satisfied with doing surface work. Before every
child is opened up a life involved with highest interests; for they are
to be made complete in Christ through the instrumentalities which
God has furnished. The soil of the heart should be preoccupied; the
seeds of truth should be sown therein in the earliest years. If parents
are careless in this matter, they will be called to account for their
unfaithful stewardship. Children should be dealt with tenderly and
lovingly, and taught that Christ is their personal Saviour, and that by
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