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Fundamentals of Christian Education
plans: “Without Me ye can do nothing.” Without the vital principles
of true religion, without knowledge of how to serve and glorify the
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Redeemer, education is more harmful than beneficial. When education
in human lines is pushed to such an extent that the love of God wanes
in the heart, that prayer is neglected, and that there is a failure to
cultivate spiritual attributes, it is wholly disastrous. It would be far
better to cease seeking to obtain an education, and to recover your soul
from its languishing condition, than to gain the best of educations, and
lose sight of eternal advantages. There are many who are crowding
too many studies into a limited period of time. They are overworking
their mental powers; and as a consequence they see many things in
a perverted light. They are not content in following the prescribed
course of study, but feel that injustice is done them when, in their selfish
ambition, they are not permitted to carry all the studies that they desire
to carry. They become unbalanced in mind. They do not consider the
fact that they would obtain a better qualification for the work of the
Master if they would pursue a course that would not work injury to
their physical, mental, and moral powers; but in overburdening the
mind, they bring upon themselves life-long physical infirmities that
cripple their powers, and unfit them for future usefulness.
I would not in any case counsel restriction of the education to
which God has set no limit. Our education does not end with the
advantages that this world can give. Through all eternity the chosen of
God will be learners. But I would advise restriction in following those
methods of education which imperil the soul and defeat the purpose
for which time and money are spent. Education is a grand life work;
but to obtain true education, it is necessary to possess that wisdom
that cometh alone from God. The Lord God should be represented in
every phase of education; but it is a mistake to devote a period of years
to the study of one line of book-knowledge. After a period of time
has been devoted to study, let no one advise students to enter again
upon a line of study, but, rather, advise them to enter upon the work
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for which they have been studying. Let them be advised to put into
practice the theories they have gained. Daniel pursued this course in
Babylon. He put into practical use that which he had learned under
tutors. Let students seek heavenly direction much more than they have
done hitherto, and let them make no move, even though it be advised