290
Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 1
If the physical powers are not taxed equally with the mental, too
much strain is brought upon the latter. Unless every part of the human
machinery performs its allotted tasks, the mental powers cannot be
used to their highest capability for any length of time. Natural powers
must be governed by natural laws, and the faculties must be educated
to work harmoniously and in accord with these laws. The teachers in
our schools can disregard none of these particulars without shirking
responsibility. Pride may lead them to seek for a high worldly standard
of intellectual attainment that students may make a brilliant show; but
when it comes to solid acquirements—those which are essential to fit
men and women for any and every emergency in practical life—such
students are only partially prepared to make life a success. Their de-
fective education often leads to failure in whatever branch of business
they undertake.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:522
(1889).
Not to Escape Life’s Burdens—Let the youth be impressed with
the thought that education is not to teach them how to escape life’s
disagreeable tasks and heavy burdens; that its purpose is to lighten the
work by teaching better methods and higher aims. Teach them that
life’s true aim is not to secure the greatest possible gain for themselves
but to honor their Maker in doing their part of the world’s work and
lending a helpful hand to those weaker or more ignorant.—
Education,
221, 222
(1903).
Harmonious Development Needed—The right use of one’s self
is the most valuable lesson that can be learned. We are not to do brain
work and stop there, or make physical exertion and stop there; we
are to make the best use of the various parts that compose the hu-
man machinery—brain, bone, muscle, head, and heart.—
The Youth’s
Instructor, April 7, 1898
. (
Sons and Daughters of God, 171
).
Ignorance Does Not Increase Spirituality—Young men should
not enter upon the work of explaining the Scriptures and lecturing upon
[365]
the prophecies when they do not have a knowledge of the important
Bible truths they try to explain to others. They may be deficient
in the common branches of education and therefore fail to do the
amount of good they could do if they had had the advantages of a good
school. Ignorance will not increase the humility or spirituality of any
professed follower of Christ. The truths of the Divine Word can be best
appreciated by an intellectual Christian. Christ can be best glorified by
those who serve Him intelligently. The great object of education is to