Spirit of Prophecy Counsels Relating To Church-State Relationships

Aspirations To Fill Responsible Positions

[From an address delivered by Ellen G. White before the teachers and students of Battle Creek College at the time of the General Conference in Battle Creek, Mich, Nov. 15, 1883.] SPCCSR 117.3

Dear youth, what is the aim and purpose of your life? Are you ambitious for education that you may have a name and position in the world? Have you thoughts that you dare not express, that you may one day stand upon the summit of intellectual greatness; that you may sit in deliberative and legislative councils, and help to enact laws for the nation? There is nothing wrong in these aspirations. You may every one of you make your mark. You should be content with no mean attainments. Aim high, and spare no pains to reach the standard.... SPCCSR 117.4

The important question with you now is, how to so choose and perfect your studies that you will maintain the solidity and purity of an untarnished Christian character, holding all temporal claims and interests in subjection to the higher claims of the gospel of Christ. You want now to build as you will be able to furnish, to so relate yourself to society and to life that you may answer the purpose of God in your creation. As disciples of Christ, you are not debarred from engaging in temporal pursuits; but you should carry your religion with you. Whatever the business you may qualify yourself to engage in, never entertain the idea that you cannot make a success of it without sacrificing principle. Balanced by religious principle, you may climb to any height you please.—Fundamentals of Christian Education, 82, 83. SPCCSR 117.5