Chapter 73—The True Ideal for Our Youth
By a misconception of the true nature and object of education
many have been led into serious and even fatal errors. Such a mistake
is made when the regulation of the heart or the establishment of right
principles is neglected in an effort to secure intellectual culture, or
when eternal interests are overlooked in the eager desire for temporal
advantage.
It is right for the youth to feel that they must reach the highest
development of their natural powers. We would not restrict the edu-
cation to which God has set no limit. But our attainments will avail
nothing if not put to use for the honor of God and the good of humanity.
Unless our knowledge is a stepping-stone to the accomplishment of
the highest purposes, it is worthless.
The necessity of establishing Christian schools is urged upon me
very strongly. In the schools of today many things are taught that
are a hindrance rather than a blessing. Schools are needed where
the word of God is made the basis of education. Satan is the great
enemy of God, and it is his constant aim to lead souls away from their
allegiance to the King of heaven. He would have minds so trained
that men and women will exert their influence on the side of error and
moral corruption, instead of using their talents in the service of God.
His object is effectually gained, when, by perverting their ideas of
education, he succeeds in enlisting parents and teachers on his side;
for a wrong education often starts the mind on the road to infidelity.
In many of the schools and colleges of today, the conclusions
which learned men have reached as the result of their scientific investi-
gations are carefully taught and fully explained; while the impression
is distinctly made that if these learned men are correct, the Bible can-
not be. The thorns of skepticism are disguised; they are concealed
by the bloom and verdure of science and philosophy. Skepticism is
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attractive to the human mind. The young see in it an independence
that captivates the imagination, and they are deceived. Satan triumphs;
it is as he meant it should be. He nourishes every seed of doubt that
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