Something Better by W. H. Thurston

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 2, 1908

Something Better

By W. H. Thurston

THE watchword of true education is, something better. Literary acquirements and scientific knowledge are a part of true education, but there is an attainment which is of more value and above all this, and that is character. From the kindergarten to the college, character building is the highest aim in true education. The world needs men and women of real character, who are true to principle, and who will stand for the right.

We want our children, our youth, our young men and our young women, taught in word, in deed, and in truth, as it is written in the prophets: “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” “If our children are to wax strong in spirit and be filled with wisdom, they must have the education that imparts this wisdom. The momentous issues and the great perils that are confronting our young people to-day should impress every father and mother, as well as every teacher, with the necessity of giving them an education, from the cradle up, that will make them men and women of principle, of character, and of real worth.

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, . . . and thy neighbor as thyself,” is the divine law. That law is the true foundation of character building. It is the only sure foundation and the only sure guide. Our children, youth, and young people should be taught that God is, and that he is what the Bible says he is, “The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” We do not want our rising generation to follow the lead of the superficial education of to-day, which appeals to selfish ambition, greed of power, disregard of the rights and needs of humanity, and is lacking in true Christian courtesy, integrity, and self-control. We want something better. “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding [a mind].” A mind has been given us, and this mind is to be developed to the glory of God. To know God and his will concerning us individually is the underlying principle of all knowledge. Divine wisdom and knowledge should be instilled into the minds of our children, youth, and young people, but this can be done only by those who know the Lord, those who are daily taught of him.

In our educational work there must be hearty co-operation of parents and teachers. Success can only attend order and harmonious action. The first instructing, disciplining, and training of children, begins in the home, and is supplemented by the teacher. If the children are taught in the home to love God, to be true to principle, and true to themselves; if they are taught self-government, purity, and Christian courtesy, they will not cause trouble and anxiety when they are sent to school, but will be an example to others. When children are placed in school under teachers who know the Lord and daily claim the promise, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him,” the parents will feel it their duty as far as possible to sustain, and honor, and pray for those who share their responsibilities. Prayer then takes the place of criticism, counsel the place of indifference, and together the parents and teachers labor for the education and salvation of the children, the youth, and the young people. Our children are an heritage of the Lord, for whose training we are held accountable, and we can not afford to neglect it. Both parents and teachers should pray for, and with, the pupils, remembering that the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. Also the students should be encouraged to pray for parents and teachers, claiming the promise, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you,” and then act accordingly.

The study of language, science, and literature needs the divine touch, and character building should be the highest aim in all our educational work. Parents as well as teachers should spend more time with the divine Teacher. We need more effectual prayer, more unwavering faith, to realize that the gift of God is in his promises.

The task of giving our children a Christian education is not a hopeless one. The promises of the Great Teacher are unequivocal when the conditions are met. Let all take courage, and we shall be able to say with the apostle Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

W. H. THURSTON.