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.]
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