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Fundamentals of Christian Education
though a fool, need not err therein. Those who come to Battle Creek
are not to be encouraged to absorb several years in study.
Intemperance in study is a species of intoxication, and those who
indulge in it, like the drunkard, wander from safe paths, and stumble
and fall in the darkness. The Lord would have every student bear in
mind that the eye must be kept single to the glory of God. They are
not to exhaust and waste their physical and mental powers in seeking
to acquire all possible knowledge of the sciences; but every individual
is to preserve the freshness and vigor of all his powers to engage in the
work which the Lord has appointed him in helping souls to find the
path of righteousness. All must preserve the vigor of their lives, their
soul-energy and ambitions, and prepare to leave their studies in school,
and take up the more practical studies in the sphere of activity, where
angels cooperate with them. The intelligences of heaven will work
through the human agents. The command of heaven is to do, work,—
do something which will reflect glory to God by being a benefit to our
fellow men who are ready to perish.
There is great danger that students in the schools will fail of learn-
ing the all-important lesson which our Master would have them taught.
This lesson is conveyed to us in the following scripture: “Take My
yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My
burden is light.” Some have not only failed to learn to bear the yoke of
the meek and lowly Jesus, but have been unable to stand against the
temptations which have surrounded them. Inexperienced youth who
have journeyed long distances to obtain the advantages of an education
at our school, have lost their hold upon Jesus. These things ought not
so to be.
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The Lord does not choose or accept laborers according to the
numerous advantages which they have enjoyed, or according to the
superior education which they have received. The value of the human
agent is estimated according to the capacity of the heart to know and
understand God. “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that
is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among
many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be
able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good
soldier of Jesus Christ.” The highest possible good is obtained through