Why study History?

"The study of history is the most fitting nourishment to promote the growth and strength of the expanding intellect of youth...Time is precious, and better will be our regret, should the days of our youth have been spent without enriching our minds with something of the knowledge of God and of the human race, which is hoarded in the lap of history. But having acquired this treasure...we shall feel amply rewarded for our labor... as we discern the hand of our Heavenly Father and recognize, with grateful hearts, the wisdom and goodness of the plan He has prexcribed for the advancement of mankind towards civilization and perfection...Thus, the study of history, while enriching us with an inestimable knowledge of past generations, is also leading us to a better acquaintance ith God. Clearly are we taught that He extends His protecting hand over all His children, and that all are called into being to fulfill some wise purpose. You who think that chance has brought forth all that exists, and that chance decides the fate of nations and of individual, read history with becoming attention, and you will soon acknowledge your error, and joyfully testify to the great truth, that an Intelligent, all-Wise and Benevolent Being, is the Creator and Ruler of the world." G. G. Hebbe, Universal History, Vol 1.