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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.
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 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, 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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