The Schools of the Prophets
By M. E. Cady
The Word of God—the Bible
IN the previous article, we found that the youth in the schools of the prophets learned to read “the parchment rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures.” We also learned that one of the chief subjects of study was “the law of God, with the instruction given to Moses.” Undoubtedly the Word of God held the first place in all the instruction given in each of these schools established by the prophets, according to the plan God had given to Samuel. In those schools the students did not have the complete Bible, but only that portion which had been written up to their time. In the two schools established by Samuel at Ramah and Kirjath-jearim, only the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch, were then written; and these were not in book form, but on parchment rolls. The following from the spirit of prophecy will give us some idea of how the Word of God was studied and taught in the schools of the prophets:— “The manner of instruction was far different from that in the theological schools of the present day, from which many students graduate with less real knowledge of God and religious truth than when they entered. In those schools of olden time it was the grand object of all study to learn the will of God, and man’s duty toward him.”—“Patriarchs and Prophets,” page 593. “The great truths set forth by the types in the service of the sanctuary were brought to view, and faith grasped the central object of all that system,—the Lamb of God, that was to take away the sin of the world.”—“Education,” page 47. “As they studied the word and works of God, his life-giving power quickened the energies of mind and soul, and the students received wisdom from above. The instructors were not only versed in divine truth, but had themselves enjoyed communion with God, and had received the special endowment of his Spirit.”—Id., page 46. “A spirit of devotion was cherished. Not only were the students taught the duty of prayer, but they were taught how to pray, how to approach their Creator, how to exercise faith in him, and how to understand and obey the teachings of his Spirit. Sanctified intellect brought forth from the treasure house of God things new and old, and the Spirit of God was manifested in prophecy and sacred song.”—Id., page 47. “True knowledge gives us the ability to apply to ourselves the great, grand truths of the Bible. To know how to apply and communicate truth is a great science. Let it be plainly understood that the teacher makes a great mistake who thinks that he has no more to learn. The teacher who thinks that because of age and acquisition of knowledge he has no more to learn, should understand that he needs to know how to communicate the truths of the Word of God in a pleasing, simple style that will bring out their attractive beauty. Some place the crib so high that those whom they teach cannot reach the food. They forget that the students have not had one-hundredth part of the opportunities that they have had to gain a knowledge of God. They are too high up on the ladder to reach down a helping hand, warm with tenderness and love, and deep, earnest interest. Let them step down from their exalted position, and say to the students: ‘I will no longer stand so far above you. Come up with me. We will see what we together can gain from a study of the Scriptures. As Christ has said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me,” so I say to you, Let us step together. Let each one say, “Nothing that I am is credited to me.” Christ is the One who imparts all knowledge. You and I will find our power in learning from God how to understand the truths of his Word, and how to place these truths before others in their beauty and simplicity. As I try to teach you, I receive ideas from the Great Teacher. Thus I multiply my resources. I am learning how to advance to greater knowledge of the precious Book that brings to you and to me sanctification through the truth. I desire to consecrate to God all that I have and am. I give myself to him. I ask him to fill my heart with his love and meekness. “‘Let us draw together. I have nothing that you cannot receive if you will open your mind to Christ’s teaching. The Lord has given his life for you and for me. The Bible is your guidebook and my guidebook. Let us study it together. By asking questions you may suggest to me ideas that I had not seen before. It may be that your way of expressing the truth that we are studying will bring great light into our class. If my explanation of the Word of God differs from your previous understanding, do not hesitate to state your belief. Precious light will shine upon us as in the meekness and lowliness of Christ we study together.’ “This is the way in which the schools of the prophets were conducted. Time was given in the class for a study of the ideas presented. Hearts were warmed, and the voice of thanksgiving was heard. The sacred gospel was humanized, as in the teachings of Christ. Much was accomplished for both teachers and students. Time was given for each one to partake of the heavenly repast,—to study the truths presented, and then to add the ideas that he had received from God.”—“Testimonies,” MS., July 27, 1902. See also “Counsels to Teachers,” pages 435, 436. “The Holy Spirit was eagerly sought for in the schools of the prophets; its transforming influence was to bring even the thoughts into harmony with the will of God, and establish a living connection between earth and heaven.”—Id., June 19, 1908. The Spirit of God was so manifestly6present in the schools of the prophets that when Saul, the son of Kish, just after his anointing, came into the presence of a company of the sons of the prophets; he began to prophesy with them. The Spirit of God was present in such power that when, later in life, Saul turned away from God and sent a company of men to capture David at Ramah, these men were not able to resist the influence of the Spirit of God, and began to prophesy. They returned to Saul, and acknowledged that a spirit was there which they could not resist. A second and a third company were sent, and had the same experience and gave the same testimony. Finally Saul determined to go and take David. But he and his company were overpowered by the Spirit, and prophesied also, as the others had. 1 Sam. 10:9-13; 19:18-24. Not only were the Scriptures studied diligently and the exalted principles of truth applied to the daily life, but the Word of God was made the basis and foundation of all the education given in all lines of study. “The Holy Scriptures were the essential study in the schools of the prophets, and they should hold the first place in every educational system, for the foundation of all right education is a knowledge of God.”—“Counsels to Teachers,” page 422. “Let the school be conducted along the lines of the ancient schools of the prophets, the Word of God lying at the foundation of all the education given.”—Id., page 208.