The Story of Patriarchs and Prophets
by Ellen G. White
Chapter 58: The Schools of the Prophets
The Lord Himself directed the education of Israel. His care
was not restricted to their religious interests; whatever
affected their mental or physical well-being was also the subject
of divine providence, and came within the sphere of divine law.
God had commanded the Hebrews to teach their children
His requirements and to make them acquainted with all His
dealings with their fathers. This was one of the special duties of
every parent—one that was not to be delegated to another. In
the place of stranger lips the loving hearts of the father and
mother were to give instruction to their children. Thoughts of
God were to be associated with all the events of daily life. The
mighty works of God in the deliverance of His people and the
promises of the Redeemer to come were to be often recounted
in the homes of Israel; and the use of figures and symbols caused
the lessons given to be more firmly fixed in the memory. 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 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. The solemn service
of sacrifice and worship at the sanctuary and the utterances
of the prophets were a revelation of God.
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. Such, too, was
the early life of Christ at Nazareth; such the training by which
the child Timothy learned from the lips of his grandmother Lois,
and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15), the truths of Holy
Writ. [p. 593]
Further provision was made for the instruction of the young,
by the establishment of the schools of the prophets. If a youth
desired to search deeper into the truths of the word of God and
to seek wisdom from above, that he might become a teacher in
Israel, these schools were open to him. The schools of the prophets
were founded by Samuel to serve as a barrier against the
widespread corruption, to provide for the moral and spiritual
welfare of the youth, and to promote the future prosperity of the
nation by furnishing it with men qualified to act in the fear of
God as leaders and counselors. In the accomplishment of this
object Samuel gathered companies of young men who were pious,
intelligent, and studious. These were called the sons of the
prophets. As they communed with God and studied His word and
His works, wisdom from above was added to their natural
endowments. The instructors were men not only well versed in
divine truth, but those who had themselves enjoyed communion
with God and had received the special endowment of His Spirit.
They enjoyed the respect and confidence of the people, both for
learning and piety.
In Samuel's day there were two of these schools—one at
Ramah, the home of the prophet, and the other at Kirjath-jearim,
where the ark then was. Others were established in later times.
The pupils of these schools sustained themselves by their own
labor in tilling the soil or in some mechanical employment. In
Israel this was not thought strange or degrading; indeed, it was
regarded a crime to allow children to grow up in ignorance of
useful labor. By the command of God every child was taught
some trade, even though he was to be educated for holy office.
Many of the religious teachers supported themselves by manual
labor. Even so late as the time of the apostles, Paul and Aquila
were no less honored because they earned a livelihood by their
trade of tentmaking.
The chief subjects of study in these schools were the law of
God, with the instructions given to Moses, sacred history, sacred
music, and poetry. The manner of instruction was far different
from that in the theological schools of the present day, from
which many students graduate with less real knowledge of God
and religious truth than when they entered. In those schools of
the olden time it was the grand object of all study to learn the [p. 594] will of God and man's duty toward Him. In the records of sacred
history were traced the footsteps of Jehovah. The great truths
set forth by the types were brought to view, and faith grasped
the central object of all that system—the Lamb of God that was
to take away the sin of the world.
A spirit of devotion was cherished. Not only were students
taught the duty of prayer, but they were taught how to pray, how
to approach their Creator, how to exercise faith in Him, and how
to understand and obey the teachings of His Spirit. Sanctified
intellects brought forth from the treasure house of God things
new and old, and the Spirit of God was manifested in prophecy
and sacred song.
Music was made to serve a holy purpose, to lift the thoughts
to that which is pure, noble, and elevating, and to awaken in the
soul devotion and gratitude to God. What a contrast between
the ancient custom and the uses to which music is now too often
devoted! How many employ this gift to exalt self, instead of
using it to Glorify God! A love for music leads the unwary to
unite with world lovers in pleasure gatherings where God has
forbidden His children to go. Thus that which is a great blessing
when rightly used, becomes one of the most successful agencies
by which Satan allures the mind from duty and from the contemplation
of eternal things.
Music forms a part of God's worship in the courts above, and
we should endeavor, in our songs of praise, to approach as nearly
as possible to the harmony of the heavenly choirs. The proper
training of the voice is an important feature in education and
should not be neglected. Singing, as a part of religious service,
is as much an act of worship as is prayer. The heart must feel
the spirit of the song to give it right expression.
How wide the difference between those schools taught by
the prophets of God and our modern institutions of learning!
How few schools are to be found that are not governed by the
maxims and customs of the world! There is a deplorable lack
of proper restraint and judicious discipline. The existing
ignorance of God's word among a people professedly Christian
is alarming. Superficial talk, mere sentimentalism, passes for
instruction in morals and religion. The justice and mercy of God,
the beauty of holiness and the sure reward of rightdoing, the
heinous character of sin and the certainty of its terrible results, [p. 595] are not impressed upon the minds of the young. Evil associates
are instructing the youth in the ways of crime, dissipation, and
licentiousness.
Are there not some lessons which the educators of our day
might learn with profit from the ancient schools of the Hebrews?
He who created man has provided for his development
in body and mind and soul. Hence, real success in education
depends upon the fidelity with which men carry out the Creator's
plan.
The true object of education is to restore the image of God
in the soul. In the beginning God created man in His own likeness.
He endowed him with noble qualities. His mind was well
balanced, and all the powers of his being were harmonious. But
the Fall and its effects have perverted these gifts. Sin has marred
and well-nigh obliterated the image of God in man. It was to
restore this that the plan of salvation was devised, and a life of
probation was granted to man. To bring him back to the perfection
in which he was first created is the great object of life—the
object that underlies every other. It is the work of parents and
teachers, in the education of the youth, to co-operate with the
divine purpose; and is so doing they are "laborers together with
God." 1 Corinthians 3:9.
All the varied capabilities that men possess—of mind and soul
and body—are given them by God, to be so employed as to reach
the highest possible degree of excellence. But this cannot be a
selfish and exclusive culture; for the character of God, whose
likeness we are to receive, is benevolence and love. Every faculty,
every attribute, with which the Creator has endowed us is to be
employed for His glory and for the uplifting of our fellow
men. And in this employment is found its purest, noblest, and
happiest exercise.
Were this principle given the attention which its importance
demands, there would be a radical change in some of the current
methods of education. Instead of appealing to pride and selfish
ambition, kindling a spirit of emulation, teachers would endeavor
to awaken the love for goodness and truth and beauty—to arouse
the desire for excellence. The student would seek the development
of God's gifts in himself, not to excel others, but to fulfill
the purpose of the Creator and to receive His likeness. Instead
of being directed to mere earthly standards, or being actuated [p. 596] by the desire for self-exaltation, which in itself dwarfs and
belittles, the mind would be directed to the Creator, to know Him
and to become like Him.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the
knowledge of the Holy is understanding." Proverbs 9:10. The
great work of life is character building, and a knowledge of
God is the foundation of all true education. To impart this
knowledge and to mold the character in harmony with it should
be the object of the teacher's work. The law of God is a reflection
of His character. Hence the psalmist says, "All Thy
commandments are righteousness;" and "through Thy precepts I
get understanding." Psalm 119:172, 104. God has revealed Himself
to us in His word and in the works of creation. Through the
volume of inspiration and the book of nature we are to obtain a
knowledge of God.
It is a law of the mind that it gradually adapts itself to the
subjects upon which it is trained to dwell. If occupied with
commonplace matters only, it will become dwarfed and enfeebled.
If never required to grapple with difficult problems, it will after
a time almost lose the power of growth. As an educating power
the Bible is without a rival. In the word of God the mind finds
subject for the deepest thought, the loftiest aspiration. The Bible
is the most instructive history that men possess. It came fresh
from the fountain of eternal truth, and a divine hand has
preserved its purity through all the ages. It lights up the far-distant
past, where human research seeks vainly to penetrate. In God's
word we behold the power that laid the foundation of the earth
and that stretched out the heavens. Here only can we find a
history of our race unsullied by human prejudice or human
pride. Here are recorded the struggles, the defeats, and the
victories of the greatest men this world has ever known. Here the
great problems of duty and destiny are unfolded. The curtain
that separates the visible from the invisible world is lifted, and
we behold the conflict of the opposing forces of good and evil,
from the first entrance of sin to the final triumph of righteousness
and truth; and all is but a revelation of the character of God.
In the reverent contemplation of the truths presented in His
word the mind of the student is brought into communion with
the infinite mind. Such a study will not only refine and ennoble [p. 599] the character, but it cannot fail to expand and invigorate the
mental powers.
The teaching of the Bible has a vital bearing upon man's
prosperity in all the relations of this life. It unfolds the principles
that are the cornerstone of a nation's prosperity—principles
with which is bound up the well-being of society, and which are
the safeguard of the family—principles without which no man
can attain usefulness, happiness, and honor in this life, or can
hope to secure the future, immortal life. There is no position
in life, no phase of human experience, for which the teaching
of the Bible is not an essential preparation. Studied and obeyed,
the word of God would give to the world men of stronger and
more active intellect than will the closest application to all the
subjects that human philosophy embraces. It would give men of
strength and solidity of character, of keen perception and sound
judgment—men who would be an honor to God and a blessing to
the world.
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 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 [p. 600] love. He has linked us to Himself by unnumbered tokens in
heaven and in earth. This world is not all sorrow and misery.
"God is love," is written upon every opening bud, upon the
petals of every flower, and upon every spire of grass. Though
the curse of sin has caused the earth to bring forth thorns and
thistles, there are flowers upon the thistles and the thorns are
hidden by roses. All things in nature testify to the tender,
fatherly care of our God and to His desire to make His children
happy. His prohibitions and injunctions are not intended merely
to display His authority, but in all that He does He has the well-being
of His children in view. He does not require them to give
up anything that it would be for their best interest to retain.
The opinion which prevails in some classes of society, that
religion is not conductive to health or to happiness in this life, is
one of the most mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: "The
fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide
satisfied." Proverbs 19:23. "What man is he that desireth life,
and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue
from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil,
and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." Psalm 34:12-14. The
words of wisdom "are life unto those that find them, and health
to all their flesh." Proverbs 4:22.
True religion brings man into harmony with the laws of God,
physical, mental, and moral. It teaches self-control, serenity,
temperance. Religion ennobles the mind, refines the taste, and
sanctifies the judgment. It makes the soul a partaker of the purity of
heaven. Faith in God's love and overruling providence lightens
the burdens of anxiety and care. It fills the heart with joy and
contentment in the highest or the lowliest lot. Religion tends
directly to promote health, to lengthen life, and to heighten our
enjoyment of all its blessings. It opens to the soul a never-failing
fountain of happiness. Would that all who have not chosen
Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer
them that they are seeking for themselves. Man is doing the
greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and
acts contrary to the will of God. No real joy can be found in the
path forbidden by Him who knows what is best, and who plans
for the good of His creatures. The path of transgression leads to
misery and destruction; but wisdom's "ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace." Proverbs 3:17. [p. 601]
The physical as well as the religious training practiced in the
schools of the Hebrews may be profitably studied. The worth of
such training is not appreciated. There is an intimate relation
between the mind and the body, and in order to reach a high
standard of moral and intellectual attainment the laws that
control our physical being must be heeded. To secure a strong,
well-balanced character, both the mental and the physical powers
must be exercised and developed. What study can be more important
for the young than that which treats of this wonderful
organism that God has committed to us, and of the laws by which
it may be preserved in health?
And now, as in the days of Israel, every youth should be
instructed in the duties of practical life. Each should acquire a
knowledge of some branch of manual labor by which, if need
be, he may obtain a livelihood. This is essential, not only as a
safeguard against the vicissitudes of life, but from its bearing
upon physical, mental, and moral development. Even if it were
certain that one would never need to resort to manual labor
for his support, still he should be taught to work. Without physical
exercise, no one can have a sound constitution and vigorous
health; and the discipline of well-regulated labor is no less essential
to the securing of a strong and active mind and a noble
character.
Every student should devote a portion of each day to active
labor. Thus habits of industry would be formed and a spirit
of self-reliance encouraged, while the youth would be shielded
from many evil and degrading practices that are so often the result
of idleness. And this is all in keeping with the primary
object of education, for in encouraging activity, diligence, and
purity we are coming into harmony with the Creator.
Find out more today how to get a special discount when you purchase a
hardcover or
paperback
copy of Patriarchs and Prophets.
|
|
Let the youth be led to understand the object of their creation,
to honor God and bless their fellow men; let them see the tender
love which the Father in heaven has manifested toward them,
and the high destiny for which the discipline of this life is to
prepare them, the dignity and honor to which they are called,
even to become the sons of God, and thousands would turn with
contempt and loathing from the low and selfish aims and the
frivolous pleasures that have hitherto engrossed them. They
would learn to hate sin and to shun it, not merely from hope
of reward or fear of punishment, but from a sense of its inherent [p. 602] baseness, because it would be a degrading of their God-given
powers, a stain upon their Godlike manhood.
God does not bid the youth to be less aspiring. The elements
of character that make a man successful and honored among
men—the irrepressible desire for some greater good, the
indomitable will, the strenuous exertion, the untiring perseverance—are
not to be crushed out. By the grace of God they are to
be directed to objects as much higher than mere selfish and temporal
interests as the heavens are higher than the earth. And the
education begun in this life will be continued in the life to come.
Day by day the wonderful works of God, the evidences of His
wisdom and power in creating and sustaining the universe, the
infinite mystery of love and wisdom in the plan of redemption,
will open to the mind in new beauty. "Eye hath not seen, nor
ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things
which God hath prepared for them that love Him." 1 Corinthians
2:9. Even in this life we may catch glimpses of His presence and
may taste the joy of communion with Heaven, but the fullness
of its joy and blessing will be reached in the hereafter. Eternity
alone can reveal the glorious destiny to which man, restored to
God's image, may attain.
Click here to read the next chapter:
"The First King of Israel"
|
