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Special Testimonies On Education
their own kindling. The minds of the young have been occupied with
books of science and philosophy, where the thorns of skepticism have
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been only partially concealed; with vague, fanciful fairy stories; or
with the works of authors, who, although they may write on Scripture
subjects, weave in their own fanciful interpretations. The teaching of
such books is as seed sown in the heart. It grows and bears fruit, and
a plentiful harvest of infidelity is reaped; and the result is seen in the
depravity of the human family.
A return to simpler methods will be appreciated by the children and
youth. Work in the garden and field will be an agreeable change from
the wearisome routine of abstract lessons, to which their young minds
should never be confined. To the nervous child, who finds lessons
from books exhausting and hard to remember, it will be especially
valuable. There is health and happiness for him in the study of nature;
and the impressions made will not fade out of his mind, for they will
be associated with objects that are continually before his eyes.
God has, in the natural world, placed in the hands of the children
of men the key to unlock the treasure-house of his word. The unseen
is illustrated by the seen; divine wisdom, eternal truth, infinite grace,
are understood by the things that God has made. Then let the children
and youth become acquainted with nature and nature’s laws. Let the
mind be developed to the utmost capacity, and the physical powers
trained for the practical duties of life; but teach them also that God has
made this world fair because he delights in our happiness; and that a
more beautiful home is preparing for us in that world where there will
be no more sin. The word of God declares, “Eye hath not seen, nor
ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which
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God hath prepared for them that love him.”
The little children should come especially close to nature. Instead
of putting fashion’s shackles upon them, let them be free like the
lambs, to play in the sweet, fresh sunlight. Point them to shrubs
and flowers, the lowly grass and the lofty trees, and let them become
familiar with their beautiful, varied, and delicate forms. Teach them
to see the wisdom and love of God in his created works; and as their
hearts swell with joy and grateful love, let them join the birds in their
songs of praise.
Educate the children and youth to consider the works of the great
Master Artist, and to imitate the attractive graces of nature in their