Chapter 23—Manual Training
605. If all our workers were so situated that they could spend a few
hours each day in outdoor labor, and feel free to do this, it would be a
blessing to them; they would be able to discharge more successfully
the duties of their calling.—
Gospel Workers, 173
.
606. Manual occupation for the youth is essential.... The proper
exercise of mind and body will develop and strengthen all the powers.
Both mind and body will be preserved, and will be capable of doing
a variety of work. Ministers and teachers need to learn in regard to
these things, and they need to practise as well.—
Special Instruction
on Educational Work 14
.
607. The people of this country have so little appreciation of the
importance of industrious habits that the children are not educated to
do real, earnest work. This must be a part of the education given to the
youth.... We need schools to educate children and youth that they may
be masters of labor, and not slaves of labor. Ignorance and idleness
will not elevate one member of the human family. Ignorance will not
lighten the lot of the hard toiler. Let the worker see what advantage
he may gain in the humblest occupation, by using the ability God
has given him as an endowment. Thus he can become an educator,
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teaching others the art of doing work intelligently.... The Lord wants
the physical strength; and you can reveal your love for him by the
right use of your physical powers, doing the very work which needs
to be done.... There is science in the humblest kind of work, and if
all would thus regard it, they would see nobility in labor.... Let the
educated ability be employed in devising improved methods of work.
This is just what the Lord wants. There is honor in any class of work
that is essential to be done. Let the law of God be made the standard
of action, and it ennobles and sanctifies all labor.... We are not to be
dwarfed in any kind of service for God. Whatever he has lent us is
to be used intelligently for him. The man who exercises his faculties
will surely strengthen them; but he must seek to do his best. There is
need of intelligence and educated ability to devise the best methods in
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