MH page 443

The Saviour came “to preach the gospel to the poor.” Luke 4:18 . In His teaching He used the simplest terms and the plainest symbols. And it is said that “the common people heard Him gladly.” Mark 12:37 . Those who are seeking to do His work for this time need a deeper insight into the lessons He has given.

Effective teaching uses simple terms and plain symbols to reach all people. Focuses on pedagogical method modeled after Jesus.

The words of the living God are the highest of all education. Those who minister to the people need to eat of the bread of life. This will give them spiritual strength; then they will be prepared to minister to all classes of people.

Spiritual nourishment from divine words equips ministers to serve others. Expresses a spiritual principle regarding scripture and pastoral preparation.

In the colleges and universities thousands of youth devote a large part of the best years of life to the study of Greek and Latin. And while they are engaged in these studies, mind and character are molded by the evil sentiments of pagan literature, the reading of which is generally regarded as an essential part of the study of these languages.

Extended study of pagan classics can mold mind and character through unwholesome sentiments. Warns against the moral influence of specific educational curricula.

Those who are conversant with the classics declare that “the Greek tragedies are full of incest, murder, and human sacrifices to lustful and revengeful gods.” Far better would it be for the world were the education gained from such sources to be dispensed with. “Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?” Proverbs 6:28 . “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” Job 14:4 . Can we then expect the youth to develop Christian character while their education is molded by the teaching of those who set at defiance the principles of the law of God?

Youth cannot easily develop righteous character while educated on foundations that defy moral law. Argues for the moral consistency of educational content.