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Physical Labor for Students
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burdens that, for their own present and future good, they should
share with her....
Advantages of Physical Labor
Exercise in household labor is of the greatest advantage to young
girls. Physical labor will not prevent the cultivation of the intellect:
far from it. The advantages gained by physical labor will balance
a person and prevent the mind from being overworked. The toil
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will come upon the muscles and relieve the wearied brain.... A
sound body is required for a sound intellect. Physical soundness
and a practical knowledge of all the necessary household duties will
never be a hindrance to a well-developed intellect; both are highly
important....
Provision should have been made in past generations for educa-
tion upon a larger scale. In connection with the schools should have
been agricultural and manufacturing establishments. There should
also have been teachers of household labor. And a portion of the
time each day should have been devoted to labor that the physical
and mental powers might be equally exercised. If schools had been
established on the plan we have mentioned, there would not now be
so many unbalanced minds....
A constant strain upon the brain while the muscles are inactive,
enfeebles the nerves and gives to students an almost uncontrollable
desire for change and exciting amusements. When they are released,
after being confined to study several hours each day, they are nearly
wild. Many have never been controlled at home. They have been left
to follow inclination, and they think that the restraint of the hours of
study is a severe tax upon them; and because they have nothing to
do after study hours, Satan suggests sport and mischief for a change.
Their influence over other students is demoralizing....
Had there been agricultural and manufacturing establishments
connected with our schools, and had competent teachers been em-
ployed to educate the youth in the different branches of study and
labor, devoting a portion of each day to mental improvement and
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a portion to physical labor, there would now be a more elevated
class of youth to come upon the stage of action, to have influence
in molding society. Many of the youth graduated from such insti-