Proper Education

by Ellen White

The Lord does not use words that are meaningless to the ordinary person. When
Hezekiah was sick, the prophet Isaiah said, "Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a
plaster upon the boil, and he shall recover." The Lord speaks in a language so plain that
everyone can understand Him. In order to become a competent nurse, it is not necessary
to learn so many technical terms that are understood by comparatively few. To acquire a
familiarity with these long words, students use much precious time that they could use
otherwise to better profit. These difficult names are a device to cover up the nature of
poisonous drugs. 19MR 48

Many do not feel that this is a matter of duty, hence they do not try to prepare food
properly. This can be done in a simple, healthful, and easy manner, without the use of
lard, butter, or flesh meats. Skill must be united with simplicity. To do this, women must
read, and then patiently reduce what they read to practice. Many are suffering because
they will not take the trouble to do this. I say to such: It is time for you to rouse your
dormant energies and read up. Learn how to cook with simplicity, and yet in a manner to
secure the most palatable and healthful food. 1T 681

The education that consists in the training of the memory, tending to discourage
independent thought, has a moral bearing which is too little appreciated. As the student
sacrifices the power to reason and judge for himself, he becomes incapable of
discriminating between truth and error and falls an easy prey to deception. He is easily
led to follow tradition and custom. 2MCP 446 (ED 230 [1903])

There is a study of history that is not to be condemned. Sacred history was one of the
studies in the schools of the prophets. In the record of His dealings with the nations were
traced the footsteps of Jehovah. So today we are to consider the dealings of God with the
nations of the earth. We are to see in history the fulfilment of prophecy, to study the
workings of Providence in the great reformatory movements, and to understand the
progress of events in the marshalling of the nations for the final conflict of the great
controversy. 8T 307

It is not the highest work of education to communicate knowledge merely, but to impart
that vitalising energy which is received through the contact of mind with mind, and soul
with soul. It is only life that can beget life. What privilege, then, was theirs who for three
years were in daily contact with that divine life from which flowed every life-giving
impulse that has blessed the world. Above all his companions, John the beloved disciple
yielded himself to the power of that wondrous life. He says, "The life was manifested,
and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was
with the Father, and was manifested unto us." "Of His fullness have all we received, and
grace for grace."[1 1 JOHN 1:2; JOHN 1:16.]

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 In the apostles of our Lord there was nothing to bring glory to themselves. It was evident
that the success of their labours was due only to God. The lives of these men, the
characters they developed, and the mighty work that God wrought through them, are a
testimony to what He will do for all who are teachable and obedient. DA 250

If parents could be aroused to a sense of the fearful responsibility which rests upon them
in the work of educating their children, more of their time would be devoted to prayer
and less to needless display. They would reflect and study and pray earnestly to God for
wisdom and divine aid to so train their children that they may develop characters that
God will approve. Their anxiety would not be to know how they can educate their
children so that they will be praised and honoured of the world, but how they can educate
them to form beautiful characters that God can approve. FE 30

It is discipline of spirit, cleanness of heart and thought, that is needed. This is of more
value than brilliant talent, tact, or knowledge. An ordinary mind, trained to obey a "Thus
saith the Lord," is better qualified for God's work than are those who have capabilities,
but do not employ them rightly. Christ is the truth, because he is the fulfilment of ancient
prophecies. Men may take pride in their knowledge of worldly things; but if they have
not a knowledge of the true God, of Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, they are
deplorably ignorant, and their knowledge will perish with them. Secular knowledge is
power; but the knowledge of the Word, which has a transforming influence upon the
human mind, is imperishable. It is knowledge sanctified. It is life and peace and joy
forever. The deeper knowledge men may have, sanctified wholly unto God, the more
they will appreciate the value of Jesus Christ. RH NOV.27,1900

It seems cruel to establish our schools in the cities, where the students are prevented from
learning the precious lessons taught by nature. It is a mistake to call families into the city,
where children and youth breathe an atmosphere of corruption and crime, sin and
violence, intemperance and ungodliness. Oh, it is a terrible mistake to allow children to
come in contact with that which makes such a fearful impression on their senses.
Children and youth can not be too fully guarded from familiarity with the pictures of
iniquity as common as in all large cities. SPM 186

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