Chapter 51—A Practical Training
Useful manual labor is a part of the gospel plan. The great Teacher,
enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, gave directions to Israel that every
youth should be taught some line of useful employment. Therefore it
was the custom of the Jews, the wealthy as well as the poorer classes,
to teach their sons and daughters some useful trade, so that, should
adverse circumstances arise, they would not be dependent upon others,
but would be able to provide for their own necessities. They might be
instructed in literary lines, but they must also be trained to some craft.
This was deemed an indispensable part of their education.
Symmetrical Education
Now, as in the days of Israel, every youth should be instructed
in the duties of practical life. Each should acquire a knowledge of
some branch of manual labor by which, if need be, he may obtain
a livelihood. This is essential, not only as a safeguard against the
vicissitudes of life, but from its bearing upon physical, mental, and
moral development. Even if it were certain that one would never need
to resort to manual labor for support, still he should be taught to work.
Without physical exercise no one can have a sound constitution and
vigorous health; and the discipline of well-regulated labor is no less
essential to the securing of a strong, active mind and a noble character.
[178]
Students who have gained book knowledge without gaining a
knowledge of practical work cannot lay claim to a symmetrical ed-
ucation. The energies that should have been devoted to business of
various lines have been neglected. Education does not consist in using
the brain alone. Physical employment is a part of the training essential
for every youth. An important phase of education is lacking if the
student is not taught how to engage in useful labor.
The healthful exercise of the whole being will give an education
that is broad and comprehensive. Every student should devote a portion
of each day to active labor. Thus habits of industry will be formed and
156