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Fundamentals of Christian Education
is sown in young hearts, and soon a plentiful harvest of infidelity is
reaped.
We cannot afford to allow the minds of our youth to be thus leav-
ened; for it is on these youth we must depend to carry forward the work
of the future. We desire for them something more than the opportunity
for education in the sciences. The science of true education is the
truth, which is to be so deeply impressed on the soul that it cannot be
obliterated by the error that everywhere abounds.
The word of God should have a place—the first place—in every
system of education. As an educating power, it is of more value than
the writings of all the philosophers of all ages. In its wide range of style
and subjects there is something to interest and instruct every mind, to
ennoble every interest. The light of revelation shines undimmed into
the distant past where human annals cast not a ray of light. There is
poetry which has called forth the wonder and admiration of the world.
In glowing beauty, in sublime and solemn majesty, in touching pathos,
it is unequaled by the most brilliant productions of human genius.
There is sound logic and impassioned eloquence. There are portrayed
the noble deeds of noble men, examples of private virtue and public
honor, lessons of piety and purity.
There is no position in life, no phase of human experience, for
which the Bible does not contain valuable instruction. Ruler and
subject, master and servant, buyer and seller, borrower and lender,
parent and child, teacher and student,—all may here find lessons of
priceless worth.
But above all else, the word of God sets forth the plan of salvation:
shows how sinful man may be reconciled to God, lays down the
great principles of truth and duty which should govern our lives, and
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promises us divine aid in their observance. It reaches beyond this
fleeting life, beyond the brief and troubled history of our race. It opens
to our view the long vista of eternal ages,—ages undarkened by sin,
undimmed by sorrow. It teaches us how we may share the habitations
of the blessed, and bids us anchor our hopes and fix our affections
there.
The true motives of service are to be kept before old and young.
The students are to be taught in such a way that they will develop into
useful men and women. Every means that will elevate and ennoble
them is to be employed. They are to be taught to put their powers