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Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
moral power, spiritual discernment, and be qualified by the grace
of Christ to do the work with fidelity and fervent love. They should
pray that the teachers may be agents through whom God shall work
to make good prevail over evil. Every day the student may exert
a silent, prayerful influence, and thus co-operate with Christ, the
Missionary in chief.
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We are far behind what we should be in Christian experience. We
are backward in bearing the testimony that should be given through
sanctified lips. Even when sitting at the meal table, Christ taught
truths that brought comfort and courage to the hearts of His hearers.
When His love abides in the soul as a living principle, there will
come forth from the treasure house of the heart words suitable to
the occasion—not light, trifling words, but uplifting words, words
of spiritual power.
Let teachers and students watch for opportunities to confess
Christ in their conversation. Such witness will be more effective than
many sermons. There are few who represent Christ truly. He needs to
be formed within, the hope of glory; then He will be acknowledged
as the giver of every good and perfect gift, the author of all our
blessings, the one in whom is centered our hope of eternal life.
Students, make your school life as perfect as possible. You
will pass over the way but once, and precious are the opportunities
granted you. You are not only to learn but to practice the lessons of
Christ. While obtaining your education, you have the opportunity
to tell of the wonderful truths of God’s word. Improve every such
opportunity. God will bless every minute spent in this way. Maintain
your simplicity and your love for souls, and the Lord will lead you
in safe paths. The rich experience you gain will be of more value to
you than gold or silver or precious stones.
You know not to what position you may be called in the future.
God may use you as He used Daniel, to take the knowledge of the
truth to the mighty of the earth. It rests with you to say whether
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you will have skill and knowledge to do this work. God can give
you skill in all your learning. He can help you to adapt yourself to
the line of study you take up. Make it your first interest to gather
up right, noble, uplifting principles. God desires you to witness for
Him. He does not want you to stand still; He wants you to run in the
way of His commandments.