THE POWER OF EDUCATION.
By G.
THERE is no greater medium of power in this world than education. It may be a power for good or a power for evil. Education from the standpoint of truth—of which God's Word is the central expression—inclines men to righteousness. Education in adverse lines opens the way for an inflood of error, and a consequent increase of corruption in the world. The adversary of truth finds his greatest success in imitation of truth, starting here and there a slight deviation from the main line, and diverging farther and farther until absolute contradiction is reached. This principle of divergence from the Word has so far permeated the world's educational systems and institutions that the wisdom of man is fast superseding true wisdom in the realm of popular education. Educated corruption may have a more glittering exterior than the more uncouth corruption of the aboriginal classes, but it has a greater influence for evil because of its greater fascination. The great city of Babylon won and maintained distinction because it was not only rich, but was the world's recognized educational center. But its scientific teaching was so impregnated with the errors of idolatry and lasciviousness that its very name became the synonym of all that is vile and corrupt. So the false ideals permeating popular education to-day—evolution, self-salvation, state religion, inherent immortality, higher criticism of the Word, etc.—are building up a spiritual Babylon that is fast corrupting all nations. It is not crude barbarism that is to corrupt the whole world, but that which purports to be "the church" of God. Through "science falsely so called," through political religion, through her mercantile spirit, through substitution of human tradition for the Word of God, this universal "Babylon" gains sufficient influence to become "the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." The true education is that which gives one a knowledge of God, and a knowledge of His works as portrayed by Himself in His own Word. Christ, our Redeemer, says, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me." And another inspired counsel is, "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." Such education does not prepare men for expert villainy; it does not imbue them with a desire to dominate their fellow men; it leads them to follow Christ in the spirit of humility and self-denial. "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."