Based on her writings, Ellen White believed that education was more critical, not less, in view of Jesus' soon return. However, she emphasized that this education should be for the specific purpose of preparing workers for God's service. Here are some key points from her writings: * **Education is More Imperative Now:** She stated that the need for a high and holy order of education is more urgent because the end is near. > "Have we the truth? Are we living in the closing period of this earth's history? Is Christ at the door? These are questions for us all to settle. Education ought always to be of a high, holy order, and the need is more imperative now than ever before." (5T 587.5) * **The Goal is Speedy Preparation for Service:** The focus of education should be to quickly prepare for the essential work needed before Christ's return. > "The thought to be kept before students is that time is short and that they must make speedy preparation for doing the work that is essential for this time.... I am bidden to say to you that you know not how soon the crisis will come." (CT 413) * **Warning Against Long, Protracted Study:** While advocating for education, she cautioned against unnecessarily long courses of study that would delay missionary work. > "They are encouraged to take a long, protracted course of study; but God's way is not in it. It does not have a heavenly endorsement. Precious probationary time will not permit of long protracted years of drill. God calls; hear his voice as he says, 'Go work today in my vineyard.' Now, just now, is the time to work." (SpTEd 132.1) * **Caution About Worldly Schools:** She also warned that attending worldly schools for a "finishing touch" could unfit students for God's service. > "No one who is seeking an education for the work and service of God will be made more complete in Jesus Christ by receiving the supposed finishing touch at—in either literary or medical lines. Many have been unfitted to do missionary work by attending such schools." (CT 374) In summary, Ellen White did not suggest that young people should avoid college because Jesus is coming soon. Instead, she urged that their education be efficient, practical, and focused on preparing them for the urgent work of spreading the gospel.

While the specific phrase "plant a tree" is often used to illustrate her practical counsel, Ellen White's writings strongly support the principle behind it. She taught that believers should continue their daily duties and responsibilities, including agriculture, rather than giving up work in anticipation of the Second Coming. She advised against becoming discouraged with "temporal things" and encouraged cheerfully working the land, trusting in God's provision. > "If the land is cultivated, it will, with the blessing of God, supply our necessities. We are not to be discouraged about temporal things because of apparent failures, nor should we be disheartened by delay. We should work the soil cheerfully, hopefully, gratefully, believing that the earth holds in her bosom rich stores for the faithful worker to garner, stores richer than gold or silver... The mountains and hills are changing; the earth is waxing old like a garment; but the blessing of God, which spreads a table for His people in the wilderness, will never cease." (6T 178.2) This passage shows that even while acknowledging the signs of the end ("the earth is waxing old like a garment"), our duty is to continue cultivating the soil, trusting that God will provide. This principle applies to all practical aspects of life, demonstrating a faith that is active and grounded, not idle or fanatical.