Chapter 14—Work and Education
(Copied at Ashfield Camp-ground, October 24, 1894.)
Our minds have been much exercised day and night in regard to
our schools. How shall they be conducted? And what shall be the
education and training of the youth? Where shall our Australasian
Bible School be located? I was awakened this morning at one o’clock
with a heavy burden upon my soul. The subject of education has
been presented before me in different lines, in varied aspects, by many
illustrations, and with direct specification, now upon one point, and
again upon another. I feel, indeed, that we have much to learn. We are
ignorant in regard to many things.
In writing and speaking upon the life of John the Baptist and the
life of Christ, I have tried to present that which has been presented to
me in regard to the education of our youth. We are under obligation
to God to study this subject candidly; for it is worthy of close, critical
examination upon every side. Of John the Baptist, Christ declared,
“Of them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater.” That
prophet was led by the Spirit of God into the wilderness, away from the
contaminating influences of the city, to obtain an education that would
qualify him to receive instruction from God rather than from any of
the learned scribes. He was not to connect himself with the rabbis;
the less he became acquainted with their teachings, their maxims and
traditions, the more easily could the Lord impress his mind and heart,
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and give him the pure mold of truth that was to be given to the people to
prepare the way of the Lord. The teachings of the scribes and Pharisees
were of a character to turn the people away from the unadulterated
truth that was to be presented by the Great Teacher when he should
enter upon his mission. The only hope of the people was to open their
hearts and minds to the light sent from heaven by this prophet, the
forerunner of Christ.
These lessons are for us. Those who claim to know the truth and
understand the great work to be done for this time, are to consecrate
themselves to God, soul, body, and spirit. In heart, in dress, in lan-
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