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Fundamentals of Christian Education
principle they can carry forward the work which Christ came from
Heaven to accomplish, and in thus doing be co-workers with the
Master.
The students at our College have valuable privileges, not only of
obtaining a knowledge of the sciences, but also of learning how to
cultivate and practice virtues which will give them symmetrical charac-
ters. They are God’s responsible moral agents. The talents of wealth,
station, and intellect are given of God in trust to man for his wise
improvement. These varied trusts He has distributed proportionately
to the known powers and capacities of His servants, to every one his
work.
The Giver expects returns corresponding to the gifts. The humblest
gift is not to be despised or left inactive. The little rivulet does not say,
I will not flow along my narrow channel because I am not a mighty
river. The spires of grass do not refuse to grow because they are not
forest trees. The lamp does not refuse to give its little light because it is
not a star. The moon and stars do not refuse to shine because they have
not the brilliant light of the sun. Every person has his own peculiar
sphere and vocation. Those who make the most of their God-given
opportunities will return to the Giver, in their improvement, an interest
proportionate to the intrusted capital.
The Lord does not reward the great amount of labor. He does not
regard the greatness of the work so much as the fidelity with which it
is done. The good and faithful servants are rewarded. As we cultivate
the powers God has given us here, we shall increase in knowledge and
perception, and be enabled to comprehend and value the immortal life.
Those who have abused their God-given privileges in this life, and
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have been content with their ignorance, having their minds completely
occupied with subjects of trivial value to themselves or others, will
not comprehend personal responsibility, subdue evil tendencies, and
strengthen high resolves for a purer, higher, holier life.
The youth should be learners for the next world. Perseverance in
the acquisition of knowledge, controlled by the fear and love of God,
will give them an increased power for good in this life, and those who
have made the most of their privileges to reach the highest attainments
here, will take these valuable acquisitions with them into the future life.
They have sought and obtained that which is imperishable. The capa-
bility to appreciate the glories that “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,”