True Higher Education
353
Christ’s work was to restore man to his original state, to heal
him, through divine power, from the wounds and bruises made by sin.
Man’s part is to lay hold by faith of the merits of Christ, and co-operate
with the divine agencies in forming a righteous character; so that God
may save the sinner, and yet be just and His righteous law vindicated.
The price paid for our redemption lays a great obligation upon
every one of us. It is our duty to understand what God requires of
us, and what He would have us to be. The educators of youth should
realize the obligation resting upon them, and do their best to obliterate
defects, whether physical, mental, or moral. They should aim at
perfection in their own case, that the students may have a correct
model.
Teachers should work circumspectly. Those who are often with
God in prayer, have holy angels by their side. The atmosphere that
surrounds their souls is pure and holy; for their whole soul is imbued
with the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of God. They should be
learners every day in the school of Christ, that they may be teachers
under the great Teacher. They must learn of Christ, and become one
with Him in the work of training minds, before they can be efficient
teachers in the higher education—the knowledge of God.
God is revealed in His word. “For whatsoever things were written
aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and
comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” “And again, Praise the
Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias
saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over
the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles trust.”
[431]
The true higher education is what makes students acquainted with
God and His word, and fits them for eternal life. It was to place this
life within their reach that Christ gave Himself an offering for sin. His
purpose of love and mercy is expressed in his prayer for His disciples.
“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven and said,
Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may
glorify Thee: as Thou hast given Him power over all flesh that He
should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this
is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” Every instructor of youth is to work in
harmony with this prayer, leading the students to Christ.