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Special Testimonies On Education
“first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” Jesus,
who gave this parable, created the tiny seed, gave it its vital properties,
and ordained the laws that govern its growth; and he has made it a
living illustration of truth in both the natural and the spiritual world.
The truths which this parable teaches were made a living reality in
his own life. In both his physical and his spiritual nature, he followed
the divine order of growth, illustrated by the plant, as he wishes all
youth to do. Although he was the Majesty of heaven, the King of
glory, he became a babe in Bethlehem, and for a time represented the
helpless infant in its mother’s care. In childhood he did the works of
an obedient child. He spoke and acted with the wisdom of a child, and
not of a man, honoring his parents, and carrying out their wishes in
helpful ways, according to the ability of a child. But at each stage of
his development he was perfect, with the simple, natural grace of a
sinless life. The sacred record says of his childhood, “The child grew,
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and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God
was upon him.” And of his youth it is recorded, “Jesus increased in
wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Luke 2:40, 52
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The work of parents and teachers is here suggested. They should
seek most earnestly for that wisdom that Jesus is ever ready to give;
for they are dealing with human minds at the most interesting and
impressible period of their development. They should aim so to cul-
tivate the tendencies of the youth, that at each stage of their life they
may represent the natural beauty appropriate to that period, unfolding
gradually, as do the plants and flowers in the garden.
Those children are most attractive who are natural, unaffected.
It, is not wise to give them special notice, and repeat their clever
sayings before them. Vanity should not be encouraged by praising
their looks, their words, or their actions. Nor should they be dressed
in an expensive or showy manner. This encourages pride in them, and
awakens envy in the hearts of their companions. Teach the children
that the true adorning is not outward. “Whose adorning let it not be
that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or
of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in
that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet
spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
1 Peter 3:3, 4
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If children are permitted to have their own way, they will soon
become selfish, loving pleasure, loving to be praised, and Satan has