270
Counsels for the Church
other hands. Parents ought to be the best teachers of their children
until they have reached eight or ten years of age. Their schoolroom
should be the open air, amid the flowers and birds, and their textbook
the treasure of nature. As fast as their minds can comprehend it, the
parents should open before them God’s great book of nature. These
lessons, given amid such surroundings, will not soon be forgotten
Not only has the physical and mental health of children been en-
dangered by being sent to school at too early a period, but they have
been the losers in a moral point of view. They have had opportunities
to become acquainted with children who were uncultivated in their
manners. They were thrown into the society of the coarse and rough,
who lie, swear, steal and deceive, and who delight to impart their
knowledge of vice to those younger than themselves. Young children,
if left to themselves, learn the bad more readily than the good. Bad
habits agree best with the natural heart, and the things which they see
and hear in infancy and childhood are deeply imprinted upon their
minds; and the bad seed sown in their young hearts will take root and
will become sharp thorns to wound the hearts of their parents
Importance of Training in Duties of Practical Life
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.
Various industries should be carried on in our schools. The indus-
trial instruction given should include the keeping of accounts, carpen-
try, and all that is comprehended in farming. Preparation should be
made for the teaching of blacksmithing, painting, shoemaking, and for
cooking, baking, washing, mending, typewriting, and printing. Every
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power at our command is to be brought into this training work, that
students may go forth well equipped for the duties of practical life.
For the lady students there are many employments which should be
provided, that they may have a comprehensive and practical education.
346
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 156, 157
347
Child Guidance, 302