What Is Worth While in Education?
By B. E. Crawford
The subject of education is receiving much attention from us as a people at the present time, and justly so, since it is education that makes us what we are, physically, mentally, morally, and socially. Educated men and women are generally the ones who occupy the most responsible positions, who rule the world in literature, sciences, and the arts, set the standard for the social world, and do the most for the uplifting of fallen humanity. Without an education the human being is crippled and handicapped in any walk of life. He is unable to become as useful a member of society as he might become if properly educated. The child who is so unfortunate as to be deprived of the opportunity for obtaining an education, at least in the common branches, finds it a continual drawback, a burden grievous to be borne. But I do not consider lack of opportunity the most serious thing that we have to deal with. In these days when good books are so plentiful and so cheap, there is but little excuse for ignorance if one really has a thirst for knowledge. There are very few who may not have an education if they are willing to work for it. But the sad thing about it is that so many seem content to leave the mind uncultivated and uncontrolled, to wander where it will. They have not educated the mind to think, and seem to have no mental power. They depend on some one else to do their thinking for them, and to solve all their difficulties. Just as long as they continue this practise, they will be as unstable as water, blown about by every wind of doctrine. A sound mind is the best natural gift that has been given to man, and those who neglect to cultivate it in such a way as to make the very best possible use of the talents that God has given them, are lacking in their duty to their Creator and to their fellow men. Every individual is under solemn obligations to develop his latent faculties, and to train the mind to deep and concentrated thought. Not one of the Master's talents is to be hid away in the earth as if it were of no value. It is generally conceded that one must have proper education and training in order to be successful in worldly enterprises; but there are those who convey the impression, by acts if not by words, that they do not consider education an essential part of the Christian's equipment. All who regard the matter in this light are greatly mistaken, and do not comprehend the high calling of the child of God. The Christian's education should be as much higher and more perfect than that of the worldling as heavenly things are of more value than the fleeting things of earth. I refer not merely to the subjects that are taught in the common schools, and in colleges and universities, but to all that is worth striving for in the development of character for eternity. I have been deeply impressed with the thought that the only thing we can take with us from this world to the next is character. The apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy says: “We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” 1 Tim. 6: 7. By reading the context it will be seen that the apostle was speaking of worldly gain. No man can carry his money or property over into the next world; but there is one thing that we can take with us, and that is character. “It is a solemn thing to die, but a far more solemn thing to live. Every thought and word and deed of our lives will meet us again. What we make of ourselves in probationary time, that we must remain to all eternity. Death brings dissolution to the body, but makes no change in the character. The coming of Christ does not change our characters; it only fixes them forever beyond all change.” At birth we come into the world with plastic, undeveloped characters, which are like clay in the hands of the potter, and our work on earth is, in co-operation with God, so to mold and fashion them that the Creator may see in us his own glorious image, a character upon which he will be pleased to place the seal of immortality. This world is the workshop of God, in which we are to be fitted up21for association with the sinless inhabitants of heaven. Education, to be of the highest value, should serve three purposes. The first and most important of these is to give a knowledge of God and his works. Second, to develop a symmetrical character, of which every attribute shall be in harmony with God. Third, to prepare the individual for the successful accomplishment of the duties of this present life. I have purposely placed the knowledge of God and his works first, because I believe this to be the most important. Without it the second and third objects can not be attained in all their richness and grandeur. I would not have it understood, however, that education during any period of life should be directed to the accomplishment of any one of these three purposes to the exclusion of the others. All should be united in one perfect whole, and carried forward together from the cradle to the grave. An education that shall accomplish these objects means a great deal. Every faculty of mind and body must be developed, every talent must be improved. The children of God are to be the light of the world. They are to carry the knowledge of the Saviour and the triumphs of the cross to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Workers must be prepared to answer the calls for help that are coming from every land. Our denominational schools have been established for the purpose of doing this very work. “One great object of our schools is the training of youth to engage in service in our institutions and in different lines of gospel work. The people everywhere are to have the Bible opened to them.” “There is an urgent demand for laborers in the gospel field. Young men are needed for this work; God calls for them. Their education is of primary importance in our colleges, and in no case should it be ignored or regarded as a secondary matter.” “In our schools missionary nurses should receive lessons from well-qualified physicians, and as a part of their education should learn how to battle with disease, and to show the value of nature's remedies.” “It is also the Lord's design that our schools shall give young people a training which will prepare them to teach in any department of the Sabbath-school, or to discharge the duties in any of its offices.” “Teachers should be educated for missionary work. Everywhere there are openings for the missionary.” “I saw that there was great inefficiency in the bookkeeping in many departments of the cause. Bookkeeping is, and ever will be, an important part of the work; and those who have become expert in it are greatly needed in our institutions, and in all branches of the missionary work.” In the preceding quotations a number of different lines of work are mentioned, all of which are important, and must not be neglected. There are many other kinds of work that might be mentioned, but these are sufficient to show that the Lord desires workers fitted for every part of his work. Now, what kind of education should those receive who are to enter these different departments of work? “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Prov. 9: 10. The Bible, the everlasting word of God, must be the basis, and Christ the center of attraction. A thorough acquaintance with the Scriptures is of the first importance, and any teachings of men that conflict with the plain statements of the Bible, are to be rejected as error. B. E. CRAWFORD.
(To be concluded).