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Special Testimonies On Education
with his wisdom and deep penetration. His answers to their queries
opened up fields of thought on subjects in reference to the mission of
Christ, which had never before entered their minds.
The stores of wisdom and the scientific knowledge Christ displayed
in the presence of the wise men, were a subject of surprise to his
parents and brothers; for they knew he had never received from the
great teachers instruction in human science. His brothers were annoyed
at his questions and answers; for they could discern that he was an
instructor to the learned teachers. They could not comprehend him;
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for they knew not that he had access to the tree of life, a source of
knowledge of which they knew nothing. He ever possessed a peculiar
dignity and individuality distinct from earthly pride or assumption; for
he did not strive after greatness.
After Christ had condescended to leave his high command, step
down from an infinite height and assume humanity, he could have taken
upon him any condition of humanity he might choose. But greatness
and rank were nothing to him, and he selected the lowest and most
humble walk of life. The place of his birth was Bethlehem, and on one
side his parentage was poor, but God, the owner of the world, was his
Father. No trace of luxury, ease, selfish gratification, or indulgence was
brought into his life, which was a continual round of self-denial and
self-sacrifice. In accordance with his humble birth, he had apparently
no greatness or riches, in order that the humblest believer need not
say that Christ never knew the stress of pinching poverty. Had he
possessed the semblance of outward show, of riches, of grandeur, the
poorest class of humanity would have shunned his society; therefore
he chose the lowly condition of the far greater number of the people.
The truth of heavenly origin was to be his theme: he was to sow the
earth with truth; and he came in such a way as to be accessible to all,
that the truth alone might make an impression upon human hearts.
Christ’s contentment in any position provoked his brethren. They
could not explain the reason of his peace and serenity; and no persua-
sion of theirs could lead him to enter into any plans or arrangements
which bore the impression of commonness or of guilt. On every occa-
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sion he would turn from them, plainly stating that they would mislead
others, and were unworthy of the sons of Abraham. He must set such
an example that little children, the younger members of the Lord’s
family, would see nothing in his life or character to justify any evil