“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.”
Patriarchs and Prophets (PP 593.1)
“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.”
Patriarchs and Prophets (PP 593.1)
“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.”
Patriarchs and Prophets (PP 593.1)
“Ministry comprehends far more than preaching the Word. It means training young men as Elijah trained Elisha, taking them from their ordinary duties, and giving them responsibilities to bear in God’s work – small responsibilities at first, and larger ones as they gain strength and experience.... Young, inexperienced workers should be trained by actual labor in connection with these experienced servants of God. Thus they will learn how to bear burdens.”
Prophets and Kings (PK 222–223)
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much...”
Luke 16:10
“Our schools are to be as the schools of the prophets.”
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students (CT 353.2)
“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.”
Patriarchs and Prophets (PP 592.1)
“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. Such was the training of Moses… Samuel… David… Daniel… early life of Christ… Timothy.”
Patriarchs and Prophets (PP 592.2-3)
“He who created man takes care of his growth in body, soul and spirit. Therefore, true success in education depends on the faithfulness with which people carry out the Creator's plan.”
Patriarchs and Prophets (PP 595.1)
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.(PP 593.3)
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. (PP 594.1)
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. (PP 594.2)
Good voice training is an important part of education and should not be neglected. Singing, as part of divine service, is as much an act of worship as prayer. The heart must feel the spirit of the song to give it the proper intonation. (PP 594.3)
It teaches self-control, peace of mind and temperance. (PP 600.2)
All this is in accordance with the first purpose of education because, by encouraging activity, diligence and cleanliness, we come to be in harmony with the Creator. (PP 601.3)
Patriarchs and Prophets - Chapter 58
Agriculture
Mechanical
Practical Skills
Useful Labor
Encouraging Activity
Will of God
Great Controversy
Plan of Redemption
Righteousness by Faith
Sacred History
How to Pray
Sacred Music
Poetry
Obedience
Other-centered
“Greater Good”
Self-Supporting
Self-Control
Confidence
Perseverance
Peace of Mind
Temperance
“The beginning of wisdom is the fear of God, and the knowledge of the saints is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10
“The great work of life is the formation of character, and the knowledge of God is the foundation of all true education. let the aim of the teacher's work be to impart this knowledge and to bring the character into harmony with it. God's law is a reflection of His character. That is why the psalmist says: "All Your commandments are right; and Thy commandments make me wise." (Psalms 119,172,104) God revealed Himself to us and reveals Himself to us in His Word and in the works of His creation. Through the Book inspired by the Holy Spirit and through the book of nature we must come to know the Lord.” (PP 596.1)
“The Bible has no equal in educational power. In the Word of God the spirit finds material for the deepest thought and noblest aspirations. The Bible is the richest history of teachings that people have. It came directly from the Fountain of eternal truths, and a divine hand has preserved its purity through all the ages. It throws light upon the distant past, where human researches vainly seek to penetrate. In the Word of God, we glimpse the power that laid the foundations of the earth and stretched out the heavens. Only here can we find a history of our race, untainted by human prejudice or human pride. Here are reported to us the struggles, defeats, and victories of the greatest men the world has ever known. Here unfold before us the great problems of our duty and destiny. The curtain that separates the visible from the invisible world is lifted and we watch the battle of the opposing powers, the powers of good and evil. From the first penetration of sin to the final triumph of righteousness and truth, all is but a revelation of God's character. Through godly investigation of the truths set forth in His Word, the spirit of the investigator comes into contact with the boundless Spirit. Such a study will not only ennoble and purify character, but will not be slow to grow and increase the powers of the mind.” Patriarchs and Prophets (PP 596.2)