The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1903-03-20
EPWORTH LEAGUE.
Topic For fhe Wee; Beginning
March ~, "Christian Educa-
tion''-Text, L Tim. vi, SO;
IL Tim. il, is, %.

- @~~AA' AAf 80 -
"Holding a straight course in the
word of truth
There are two theories at least of ed
ucation One holds that examining an
amount of information is the proper
mode, and knowing a mass of things is
the end to be sought. This fairly well
represents the Chinese theory To
considerable extent it prevailed in our
own land not so long time since.
Another view places emphasis on the
developing and training of the mental
powers with little or no reference to
things taught.
A combination of the two comes very
near the ideal position. We need to
acquire accurate information on null
titude of matters. The worlds around
and within us are full of facts which
we must learn. Reasons for things
must be investigated; actions must be
determined We begin with world of
things and capacity to know. All else
must be acquired. Every faculty of
mind must do its part. Observation, re-
Election, recollection, imagination, judg-
ment and every other power in its own
sphere must aid us in the task of learn
ing the world in order that we may
come to our own.
The first ten years of life we learn
more words and memorize more things
than in any other period of life. Later
we develop powers of imagination, then
faculties of logical reasoning.
But any education which fails to rec
ognize a Divine Power in the world of
nature and the world of men has been
fatally defective in observation and
utterly lacking in its training of the
spiritual faculties The ultimate aim
of all effort must be the proper devel-
opment of the personal life. This can
be accomplished only as the spiritual
nature is given its proper position and
its relation to God clearly and fully
recognized knowledge of Gods works
and God is essential.
So Christian education means more
than culture of intellectual powers and
mastery of sciences and PHILOSOPHERS
alone. 1t does not of necessity mean a
course in speculative theology, but it
does include cultivation of all moral
powers alongside the aptitudes of mind.
What one truly is himself is more
important by far than what he knows.
How to become the best we may be is
the object sought in Christian educa-
ton, not to know all we can nor to de-
yelop power to know. Life is far more
than knowledge or capacity to acquire
knowledge. 1t is being and power to
become right and good and perfect
men.
1t is here that the schools of the
church find their proper sphere--not in
teaching about religion the theories cur
rent, but by training the young, under
Christian influences, in an atmosphere
of reverence and piety, fitting them for
their place in the world and among
men with eyes wide open and all ca
pacities of soul as well as mind alert
and in activity.
No secular school, however good, can
fully substitute the work of the acad-
envy under real religious, leadership.
Here is found cultured, Christian soci-
ETY., and the familiar friendly associa-
tons often exert an influence at crit
ical period which is of permanent ben
eft.
Bishop Il. o. Haven used to remark
/ that Christianity is piety and educa-
ton. We need the two to be conjoined.
We cannot afford either without the
other Christian education let all our
young people persistently seek.