Speedy Preparation for the Work
277
way of representing the necessity for years of study is not pleasing to
God.
The Lord Jesus would have men trade upon their talents, and Jesus
has promised that He will give grace for grace. As we impart to others,
we shall receive more richly. And as we thus labor, the mind will
[339]
not become clogged with a mass of matter which has been crowded
into it with no opportunity to impart what has been received. The
student becomes a mental dyspeptic by being crammed with much
that he cannot use. Much time has been wasted, and the progressive
usefulness of students hindered, by the teaching of that which cannot
be utilized by the Spirit of God.
Those who come to the Battle Creek school should be speedily
and thoroughly pushed through such a course of study as would be
of practical value in the healthy development of the body and holy
activity of the soul. In His gospel, God speaks not merely to benefit
the growth of the mental capacity of man, but to instruct how the moral
senses may be quickened. This is illustrated in the case of Daniel and
the three Hebrews. They kept the fear and love of God ever before
them, and the result is recorded as follows: “As for these four children,
God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and
Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”
Christ said, “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep
it.” The bread of life alone can satisfy the hungering soul. The water
of life alone will quench the thirst of the thirsty soul. The minds of the
disciples were often excited by curiosity, but instead of gratifying their
desire to know things which were not necessary for the proper conduct
of their work, he opened new channels of thought to their minds. He
gave them much needed instruction upon practical godliness.
The many branches which students are induced to take up in their
studies, holding them from the work for years, are not in the order
of God. Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. When
He said, “Follow Me,” He assumed the position of instructor. All
the light He brought to men from heaven is to be used in revealing
to men the pit of destruction into which they have been plunged by
their sins, and to point out to them the only path which can be traveled
[340]
with hope of reaching a place of safety. The bright beams of the Sun
of Righteousness are shining upon this path, and the wayfaring man,