Two Notable Examples of the Result of Proper Education by J. W. Lair

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 9, 1908

Two Notable Examples of the Result of Proper Education

By J. W. Lair

THE following selections show most clearly the necessity and value of using the greatest care in the education of our children if we would have them fitted for the service of God.

First, let us study our pattern, Christ: “In the days of Christ the Jews gave much care to the education of their children. . . . Jesus did not go to these schools, for they taught many things that were not true. Instead of God's Word, the sayings of men were studied, and often these were contrary to that which God had taught through his prophets. . . . Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did. We should spend our time in learning only that which is true. Falsehood and fables will do us no good. Only the truth is of any value, and this we may learn from God's Word and from his works. As we study these things, the angels will help us to understand. We shall see the wisdom and goodness of our Heavenly Father. Our minds will be strengthened, our hearts will be made pure, and we shall be more like Christ.”

Second, let us notice some things in the life of John the Baptist. “The prophet John separated himself from his friends and kindred, and made his home in the wilderness. He denied himself the ordinary comforts of life. . . . It was his choice to be secluded from the luxuries of life, and from depraved society. Pride, envy, jealousy, corrupt passions, seemed to control the hearts of men. But John was separated from the influence of these things. . . . He lived in the quiet retreat of the wilderness, and occasionally he mingled in society; but would not remain long where the moral atmosphere seemed to be polluted. . . . John did not feel strong enough to stand the great pressure of temptation he would meet in society. He feared his character would be molded according to the prevailing customs of the people, and he chose the wilderness as his school. . . . In the wilderness, John could the more readily deny himself and bring his appetite under control, and dress in accordance with natural simplicity. And there was nothing in the wilderness that would take his mind from meditation and prayer. Satan had access to John, even after he had closed every avenue in his power through which he would enter. . . . He sought the favor of God, and the Holy Spirit rested upon him, and kindled in his heart a glowing zeal to do the great work of calling the people to repentance, and to a higher and holier life. John was fitting himself, by the privations and hardships of his secluded life, to so control all his physical and mental powers that he could stand among the people unmoved by surrounding circumstances.”

It was necessary for Christ and John to separate themselves from the false system of education in their day, that they might be fitted for the work of their Heavenly Father. These examples are for our benefit. Our children need an education in the Bible and the sciences. We should place them under the best influences to obtain this education.

Parents, dedicate your children to the work of giving the last message of warning to the world. Our young people, like John and Christ, should choose a school for their education which will fit them to be strong in the truth of his Word, men and women of faith and prayer. The Master has need of such.

J. W. LAIR.