True Principles in Education
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positions. The converting power of God is needed before they will
understand the word of God, and before they will be willing to humble
themselves before God as learners.
Prophecy tells us that we are near the close of time. Intellectual
power, natural abilities, supposed excellent judgment, will not prepare
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the youth to become missionaries for God. No one who is seeking
an education for the work and service of God, will be made more
complete in Jesus Christ by receiving the supposed finishing touch
at Ann Arbor, either in literary or medical lines. Many have been
unfitted to do missionary work by attending such schools. They have
dishonored God by leaving him on one side, and accepting man as
their helper. “Them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise
me shall be lightly esteemed.”
The burden of the dishonor given to God all through our religious
experience, presses upon my mind very heavily. His word should be
received as the foundation and the finisher of our faith. It is to be
received with the understanding and the whole heart; it is life, and is
to be incorporated into our very existence. Thus received, the word
of God will humble man at the footstool of mercy, and separate him
from every corrupting influence.
“In the year that king Uzziah died,” says Isaiah, “I saw also the
Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the
temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with
twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with
twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy,
is the Lord of Hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts
of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was
filled with smoke.” Beholding this grand and glorious representation,
the prophet discerned his own imperfections and those of the people
with whom he dwelt. “Woe is me!” he said, “for I am undone; because
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I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of
unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts.”
O, how many who are engaged in this work of responsibility need to
behold God as did Isaiah; for in the presence of his glory and majesty
self will sink into nothingness.
Melbourne,