The Schools of the Prophets by M. E. Cady

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 1, 1915

The Schools of the Prophets

By M. E. Cady

—No. 4

The Works of God — Science

IN these schools not only did the pupils study the Word of God as revealed by inspiration in the books of Moses, but they also studied the works of God in the creation about them. In the home schools also the parents called the attention of their children to the wonderful works of God in nature.

"The great truths of God's providence and of the future life were impressed on the young mind. It was trained to see God alike in the scenes of nature and in the words of revelation. The stars of heaven, the trees and flowers of the field, the lofty mountains, the rippling brooks, —all spoke of the Creator."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 592.

Joseph, when a mere lad, was a student of nature and revelation:—

"In his early years he had consulted duty rather than inclination; and the integrity, the simple trust, the noble nature of the youth, bore fruit in the deeds of the man. A pure and simple life had favored the vigorous development of both physical and intellectual powers. Communion with God through his works, and the contemplation of the grand truths intrusted to the inheritors of faith, had elevated and ennobled his spiritual nature, broadening and strengthening the mind as no other study could do."—Id., page 222.

"Such was the training of Moses in the lowly cabin home in Goshen; of Samuel, by the faithful Hannah; of David, in the hill dwelling at Bethlehem; of Daniel, before the scenes of the captivity separated him from the home of his fathers."—Id., page 594.

Of the students in the schools of the prophets, we read:—

"As they communed with God and studied his Word and his works, wisdom from above was added to their natural endowments."—Id., page 593.

"As they studied the Word and the works of God, his life-giving power quickened the energies of mind and soul, and the students received wisdom from above."—Education, page 46.

The general plan and spirit of science study in these schools is indicated in the book Patriarchs and Prophets, under the chapter entitled "The Schools of the Prophets," a portion of which follows:—

"In the study of the sciences, also, we are to obtain a knowledge of the Creator. All true science is but an interpretation of the handwriting of God in the material world. Science brings from her research only fresh evidences of the wisdom and power of God. Rightly understood, both the book of nature and the written Word make us acquainted with God by teaching us something of the wise and beneficent laws through which he works.

"The student should be led to see God in all the works of creation. Teachers should copy the example of the Great Teacher, who, from the familiar scenes of nature, drew illustrations that simplified his teachings and impressed them more deeply upon the minds of his hearers. The birds caroling in the leafy branches, the flowers of the valley, the lofty trees, the fruitful lands, the springing grain, the barren soil, the setting sun gilding the heavens with its golden beams,—all served as a means of instruction. He connected the visible works of the Creator with the words of life which he spoke, that whenever these objects should be presented to the eyes of his hearers, their thoughts might revert to the lessons of truth he had linked with them.

"The impress of Deity, manifest in the pages of revelation, is seen upon the lofty mountains, the fruitful valleys, the broad, deep ocean. The things of nature speak to man of his Creator's love."

Probably none of the students who studied in the schools of the prophets were more deeply interested in the study of science than was David and his son Solomon. David, speaking of his study of God's works in creation, said, "I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands." The influence of his study and meditation is stated in the next breath: "I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land." Ps. 143:5, 6. Solomon probably had a greater knowledge of science than his father David. Of his study and research, he says, "I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven." Eccl. 1:13. Of the extent of his knowledge in scientific matters, the sacred historian records: "And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the East country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. . . . And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes." 1 Kings 4:30-33.

In the schools of the prophets the students looked upon the things in nature as God's workmanship, and saw therein revealed the glory, the power, the wisdom, and the love of God. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard." Ps. 19:1-3. "The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew." Prov. 3:19, 20. "O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches." Ps. 104:24.

These students not only learned the facts of science, but from these they drew lessons which helped develop and strengthen right habits of life. "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways [habits], and be wise." Prov. 6:6.

Thus we see that the word and works of God were given a large place in the curriculum of the schools of the prophets, and that the knowledge and skill acquired by the pupils were an astonishment to the nations round about. "And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom." 1 Kings 4:34.

These prophetic words of Moses were fulfilled during the reigns of David and Solomon: "Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." Deut. 4:5, 6. "And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments, which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth. . . . And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them." Deut. 28:1-13.

David says that the reason he had greater wisdom and knowledge than the scholars and teachers of other nations was due to his regard for the law of God. "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts." Ps. 119:97-100.