Proper Education of the Young
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gathering knowledge. By exerting every power to glorify God, they
will have increased power with which to glorify him. But those who
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are willing to remain in a narrow channel because God condescended
to accept them when they were there, are very foolish; and yet there
are hundreds and thousands who are doing this very thing. God has
given them the living machinery, and this needs to be used daily in
order for the mind to reach higher and still higher attainments. It is a
shame that many link ignorance with humility, and that with all the
qualities God has given us for education, so great a number are willing
to remain in the same low position that they were in when the truth
first reached them. They do not grow mentally; they are no better fitted
and prepared to do great and good works than when they first heard
the truth.
Many who are teachers of the truth cease to be students, digging,
ever digging for truth as for hidden treasures. Their minds reach
a common, low standard; but they do not seek to become men of
influence,—not for the sake of selfish ambition, but for Christ’s sake,
that they may reveal the power of the truth upon the intellect. It is
no sin to appreciate literary talent, if it is not idolized; but no one
is to strive for vain glory to exalt self. When this is the case, there
is an absence of the wisdom that cometh from above, which is first
pure, then peaceable, easy to be entreated, full of love and of good
fruits.—
The Review and Herald, June 21, 1887
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