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Pastoral Ministry
from the so-called “higher education,” which is mingled with infidel
sentiments, he cannot truly know God. Only those who co-operate
with heaven in the plan of salvation can know what true education in
its simplicity means.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students,
15
.
[238]
Christian education should both fill the mind and teach to
share—It is not enough to fill the minds of the youth with lessons of
deep importance; they must learn to impart what they have received.
Whatever may be the position or possession of any individual who has
a knowledge of the truth, the Word of God teaches him that all he has
is held by him in trust. It is lent him to test his character. His worldly
business, his talents, his means, his opportunities for service, are all
to be accounted for to Him to whom by creation and redemption he
belongs. God bestows His gifts upon us that we may minister to others
and thus become like Him. He who strives to obtain knowledge in
order that he may labor for the ignorant and perishing is acting his
part in fulfilling God’s great purpose for mankind. In unselfish service
for the blessing of others he is meeting the high ideal of Christian
education.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 545
.
Ministers have shown their want of wisdom, by introducing
worldly elements into our schools—The object of God in bringing
the college into existence has been lost sight of. Ministers of the
gospel have so far shown their want of wisdom from above as to unite
a worldly element with the college; they have joined with the enemies
of God and the truth in providing entertainments for the students. In
thus misleading the youth they have done a work for Satan. That work,
with all its results, they must meet again at the bar of God. Those
who pursue such a course show that they cannot be trusted. After the
evil work has been done, they may confess their error; but can they as
easily gather up the influence they have exerted? Will the “well done”
be spoken to those who have been false to their trust? These unfaithful
men have not built upon the eternal Rock. Their foundation will prove
to be sliding sand. “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is
enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is
the enemy of God.”—
Testimonies for the Church 5:33
.