Problems of Youth
227
Mind Takes Level of Things It Observes—The understanding
takes the level of the things with which it becomes familiar. If all would
make the Bible [
See Chapter 11, “Bible Study and the Mind.”
] their
study, we should see a people further developed, capable of thinking
more deeply, and showing a greater degree of intelligence than the
most earnest efforts in studying merely the sciences and histories
of the world could make them. The Bible gives the true seeker an
advanced mental discipline, and he comes from contemplation of
divine things with his faculties enriched; self is humbled, while God
and His revealed truth are exalted.—
The Review and Herald, August
21, 1888
. (
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 130
.)
Value of Personal Religious Experience—God should be the
highest object of our thoughts. Meditating upon Him and pleading
with Him elevate the soul and quicken the affections. A neglect of
meditation and prayer will surely result in a declension in religious
interests. Then will be seen carelessness and slothfulness.
Religion is not merely an emotion, a feeling. It is a principle which
is interwoven with all the daily duties and transactions of life. Nothing
will be entertained, no business engaged in, which will prevent the
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accompaniment of this principle. To retain pure and undefiled religion,
it is necessary to be workers, persevering in effort.
We must do something ourselves. No one else can do our work.
None but ourselves can work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
This is the very work which the Lord has left for us to do.—
Testimonies
for the Church 2:505, 506
(1870).
Youth Need Discipline of Labor—And now, as in the days of
Israel, every youth should be instructed in the duties of practical life.
Each should acquire a knowledge of some branch of manual labor
by which, if need be, he may obtain a livelihood. This is essential,
not only as a safeguard against the vicissitudes of life, but from its
bearing upon physical, mental, and moral development. Even if it were
certain that one would never need to resort to manual labor for his
support, still he should be taught to work. Without physical exercise,
no one can have a sound constitution and vigorous health; and the
discipline of well-regulated labor is no less essential to the securing
of a strong and active mind and a noble character.—
Patriarchs and
Prophets, 601
(1890).