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Christian Education
of strength and solidity of character, of keen perception and sound
judgment,—men who would be an honor to God and a blessing to the
world.
In the study of the sciences also, we are to obtain a knowledge of
the Creator. All true science is but an interpretation of the handwriting
of God in the material world. Science brings from her research only
fresh evidences of the wisdom and power of God. Rightly understood,
both the book of nature and the written word make us acquainted with
God by teaching us something of the wise and beneficent laws through
which he works.
The student should be led to see God in all the works of creation.
Teachers should copy the example of the Great Teacher, who from the
familiar scenes of nature drew illustrations that simplified his teachings,
and impressed them more deeply upon the minds of his hearers. The
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birds caroling in the leafy branches, the flowers of the valley, the lofty
trees, the fruitful lands, the springing grain, the barren soil, the setting
sun, gilding the heavens with its golden beams,—all served as means
of instruction. He connected the visible works of the Creator with the
words of life which he spoke, that whenever these objects should be
presented to the eyes of his hearers, their thoughts might revert to the
lessons of truth he had linked with them.
The impress of Deity, manifest in the pages of revelation, is seen
upon the lofty mountains, the fruitful valleys, the broad, deep ocean.
The things of nature speak to man of his Creator’s love. He has linked
us to himself by unnumbered tokens in heaven and in earth. This world
is not all sorrow and misery. “God is love,” [
1 John 4:8
.] is written
upon every opening bud, upon the petals of every flower, and upon
every spire of grass. Though the curse of sin has caused the earth to
bring forth thorns and thistles, there are flowers upon the thistles, and
the thorns are hidden by roses. All things in nature testify to the tender,
fatherly care of our God, and to his desire to make his children happy.
His prohibitions and injunctions are not intended merely to display his
authority, but in all that he does, he has the well-being of his children
in view. He does not require them to give up anything that it would be
for their best interest to retain.
The opinion which prevails in some classes of society, that religion
is not conducive to health or to happiness in this life, is one of the
most mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: “The fear of the Lord