Practical Training
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a spirit of self-reliance encouraged, while the youth will be shielded
from many evil and degrading practices that are so often the result
of idleness. And this is all in keeping with the primary object of
education; for in encouraging activity, diligence, and purity, we are
coming into harmony with the Creator.
Benefit of Useful Work
The greatest benefit is not gained from exercise that is taken as
play or exercise merely. There is some benefit in being in the fresh air,
and also from the exercise of the muscles; but let the same amount of
energy be given to the performance of useful work, and the benefit will
be greater. A feeling of satisfaction will be realized; for such exercise
carries with it the sense of helpfulness and the approval of conscience
for duty well done.
Students should go forth from our schools with educated efficiency,
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so that when thrown upon their own resources they will have knowl-
edge which they can use, and which is needful to success in life.
Diligent study is essential, so also is diligent hard work. Play is not
essential. Devotion of the physical powers to amusement is not most
favorable to a well-balanced mind. If the time employed in physical
exercise which, step by step leads on to excess, were used in working
in Christ’s lines, the blessing of God would rest upon the worker.
The discipline for practical life that is gained by physical labor
combined with mental taxation is sweetened by the reflection that it is
qualifying mind and body better to perform the work that God designs
men to do. The more perfectly the youth understand how to perform
the duties of practical life, the greater will be their enjoyment day
by day in being of use to others. The mind educated to enjoy useful
labor becomes enlarged; through training and discipline it is fitted for
usefulness; for it has acquired the knowledge essential to make its
possessor a blessing to others.
I cannot find an instance in the life of Christ where He devoted time
to play and amusement. He was the great educator for the present and
the future life; yet I have not been able to find one instance where He
taught the disciples to engage in amusement in order to gain physical
exercise....