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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
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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 prosperityprinciples with which is bound up the
well…being of society； and which are the safeguard of the familyprinciples
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 judgmentmen 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 beamsall 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
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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。
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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