p. 25 | Heart Education by J. Garfield Smalley

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 6, 1909

Heart Education

By J. Garfield Smalley

However valuable intellectual training may be in its place, heart education can alone fit men to do their duty in society, or prepare them for that eternity of which life is just the entering door. Great intellectual attainments will aid men in many walks in life, and will secure for them the prizes in this world, and most of the monuments erected are for the clever rather than the just, the good.

It is the training of the head and the lack of the training of the heart (and we may add the hand) that leads to the predicted apostasy of so many of the human family in these last days, when, as Paul said, “Men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, . . . having a form of godliness, but denying the power.” 2 Tim. 3: 1-5. This was also true among the antediluvians. Though great in intellect, they were more gigantic in their godlessness, until God in his just anger swept them away from the earth which they had desecrated by their sins.

Some ask what is meant by heart education. It is the Godward training of those moral sentiments which our Maker designed should have the supremacy. Solomon spoke wisely when he said, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” “True education is the preparation of the physical, mental, and moral powers for the performance of every duty. It is the training of body, mind, and soul for divine service.”

When rightly trained, intellect and

passion will be subordinate to moral feeling; and thus by the ordinance of God, the head so bows to the heart that the heart rules. Contrasting this, let us look at the life of Ahithophel (2 Sam. 15: 12), the false friend of David. Though devoid of moral feeling, he was so wise in mere head knowledge that his advice was regarded as an oracle of God. See 2 Sam. 16: 20-23. To-day God wants young men whose goodness is their greatness.

Time should be but a preparation for eternity. Those who fail of heaven, no matter what their earthly success, have really failed in this world. While time yet remains, let us seek to train the hearts of those God has given us.

J. GARFIELD SMALLEY.