“Nicest Work” Ever Given to Humans

Great Care to Be Taken to Call Forth Highest Mental Powers—It is the nicest work [Ellen White here uses “nicest work” in the context of being the most important, the finest, most noble work that God calls people to do for him.] ever assumed by men and women to deal with youthful minds. The greatest care should be taken in the education of youth to vary the manner of instruction so as to call forth the high and noble powers of the mind. Parents, and teachers of schools, are certainly disqualified to educate children properly, if they have not first learned the lessons of self-control, patience, forbearance, gentleness, and love. What an important position for parents, guardians, and teachers! There are very few who realize the most essential wants of the mind, and how to direct the developing intellect, the growing thoughts and feelings of youth.—The Health Reformer, September 1, 1872.DG 89.1

Teaching Most Important Work—This work [teaching] is the nicest, the most difficult, ever committed to human beings. It requires the most delicate tact, the finest susceptibility, a knowledge of human nature, and a heaven-born faith and patience, willing to work and watch and wait. It is a work than which nothing can be more important.—Education, 292 (1903).DG 89.2