The Relation of Education to Redemption
By Maude G. Henry
MAN'S greatest need has ever been, is to-day, and will ever be, true education. And never before was this need so great as it is to-day. Never in the history of this world has there been a generation called to meet issues so momentous; nor were young men and young women confronted by perils so great as confront them to-day; nor have they ever had so grand opportunities spread out before them as lie in their pathway at the present time. True education appreciates the value of scientific knowledge and literary acquirements; but above intellectual requisites, it values goodness; it values character. The world is in greater need of men of noble character than of great intellect. It needs young men and young women of pure, sweet, clean, upright lives, in whom ability is controlled by integrity of principle. What are some of the perils of to-day that confront young men and young women? As they launch out into the world to fulfil life's duties, they must meet the world's allurements to sin,—the passion for money getting, for pleasure seeking and indulgence, display and extravagance, outwitting fraud and robbery. They must meet intellectual minds filled with such thoughts as, “Men are unfallen demigods;” “each mind will judge itself;” “true knowledge places man above all law;” “all sins committed are innocent;” “whatever is, is right;” “God doth not condemn;” “it matters not what you do; live as you please, heaven is your home.” Many are thus led to believe (and act accordingly) that whatever they desire is their highest law, and that they are accountable only to themselves. With such teaching mingled with education, from the kindergarten to the university, when the impulsive nature of youth is strongest, and the necessity of self-restraint and purity is most essential, what is the greatest need of the youth to-day, not alone the youth of the world, but the lambs of our own flock, among whom Satan is working with quiet and peaceful efforts, through treacherous and deceptive devices, to draw just as many away from God and his precious truth and out into the world and its pleasures of sin as possible? I ask again, What is the children's and youth's greatest need to-day?—Their greatest need is true education. Upon whom rests the responsibility of imparting this instruction? Upon whom is laid the most important work, character-building, ever entrusted to human beings? I answer, Upon parents and teachers. What class of teachers?—Those who have accepted the name Christian teachers, you and me. Since we can not give to the children and youth that which we do not possess ourselves, we must daily receive Christian training that we may impart it to them; daily receive the greatest of all wisdom that we may have quickness of insight, and sympathy of heart, which will keep us in close touch with our pupils, and enable us to arouse their better nature, and inspire them to a higher life. To build characters in children and youth that will make of them those who in their inmost souls and heart of hearts will be true and honest; those who will not fear to call sin by its right name; those whose conscience will be as “true to duty as the needle to the pole,” those who will “stand for the right though the heavens fall,” we as teachers must be attaining to such characters. “But such a character is not the result of accident; it is not due to special favors or endowments of Providence. A noble character is the result of self-discipline, of the subjection of the lower to the higher nature,—the surrender of self for the service of love to God and man.” The true foundation and pattern for such a character has always been the same. The divine law, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart . . . and thy neighbor as thyself,” is the great principle that actuated every thought, word, and act of our Saviour, the great principle that was ever made manifest in his character; and it is our only secure foundation, our only sure guide. Just as truly as the beautiful rays of the glowing sun give life and growth to the tender plant, the flower, the grass, the tree, and all nature upon which the sun's rays fall, so the life filled with the indwelling presence of the Sun of Righteousness gives forth his radiant beams of life to every one. Some of the most radiant beams may be only a kind word, a pleasant thought, a smile, but they give vigor and life and courage to the one upon whom they fall. A radiant glow of love falling upon some poor soul's darkened, sinful life may touch a broken chord that “will vibrate once more.” As we seek to develop the spiritual nature of the children and youth God has entrusted to our care, let us dwell much upon the beautiful in life,—the fruit of the Spirit, which is “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.” This will inspire the student with “principles of truth, obedience, honor, integrity, and purity,”—principles that will make him a power for the stability and uplifting of society in this world, and a joy in the companionship of angels27and his Saviour by and by. Just think of the grand opportunity of lifting a soul from the depths of sin and sorrow, the association of the evil one, and eternal ruin, to the glorious height of purity and joy, and the companionship of heaven throughout eternity. “In the highest sense, the work of education and the work of redemption are one.” As we notice the slightest desire in the student to begin the building of a noble character, let us keep in close touch with him. There are few gifts a true teacher can give to his pupils so valuable as the gift of his own companionship. Pray often for and with them, remembering that prayer is the life of the soul, and is the key that unlocks the treasure-house of heaven. Prayer is to the character-builder what mortar is to the mason. It cements and holds in place the characteristics that form a noble character. If we so train the children and youth God entrusts to us, that they acquaint themselves with Christ, accept of his wisdom for the guide, his power for the strength, of their hearts and lives, they have within their reach “the power to realize their noblest ideals,” and the opportunities of the highest education in this life. Let us be of good courage, pressing ever onward and upward, till we, with those whom we have taught, continue the course here begun, in the university above, under the Master Teacher.