272
Child Guidance
agriculture and know what its results are,” and yet these very ones
need to know how to cultivate the soil and to bring science into their
work. Their plowshares should cut deeper, broader furrows, and they
need to learn that in tilling the soil they need not become common
and coarse in their natures.... Let them learn to put in the seed in its
season, to give attention to vegetation, and to follow the plan that God
has devised
Training of Outstanding Value—No line of manual training is
of more value than agriculture. A greater effort should be made to
create and to encourage an interest in agricultural pursuits. Let the
teacher call attention to what the Bible says about agriculture; that it
was God’s plan for man to till the earth; that the first man, the ruler
of the whole world, was given a garden to cultivate; and that many of
the world’s greatest men, its real nobility, have been tillers of the soil.
Show the opportunities in such a life....
He who earns his livelihood by agriculture escapes many tempta-
tions and enjoys unnumbered privileges and blessings denied to those
whose work lies in the great cities. And in these days of mammoth
trusts and business competition, there are few who enjoy so real an
independence and so great certainty of fair return for their labor as
does the tiller of the soil
[357]
Fresh Produce Is of Special Value—Families and institutions
should learn to do more in the cultivation and improvement of land. If
people only knew the value of the products of the ground, which the
earth brings forth in their season, more diligent efforts would be made
to cultivate the soil. All should be acquainted with the special value of
fruits and vegetables fresh from the orchard and garden
Schools to Give Instruction in Useful Trades—Manual train-
ing is deserving of far more attention than it has received. Schools
should be established that, in addition to the highest mental and moral
culture, shall provide the best possible facilities for physical devel-
opment and industrial training. Instruction should be given in agri-
culture, manufactures—covering as many as possible of the most
useful trades—also in household economy, healthful cookery, sewing,
hygienic dressmaking, the treatment of the sick, and kindred lines.
5
The Signs of the Times, August 13, 1896
.
6
Education, 219
.
7
Counsels on Diet and Foods, 312
.