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of the evil influences that prevail in institutions of learning. Manly,
useful occupations, substituted for frivolous and corrupting diversions,
would give legitimate scope for the exuberance of youthful life, and
would promote sobriety and stability of character. All possible efforts
should be made to encourage a desire for moral and physical as well as
mental improvement. If girls were taught how to cook, especially how
to make good bread, their education would be of far greater value. A
knowledge of useful labor would prevent, to a great extent, that sickly
sentimentalism which has been and is still ruining thousands. The
exercise of the muscles as well as the brain will encourage taste for
the homely duties of practical life.—“Testimony,” No. 31.
Literary societies are quite frequently organized, but, in nine cases
out of ten, they have proved a damage to souls, rather than a blessing.
This is because an alliance is formed with the world, or with a class
whose influence and tendency is ever to lead away from the solid,
to the superficial, from the real, to the fictitious. Literary societies
would be of great advantage, if controlled by a religious element; but
sooner or later, the irreligious element is almost certain to gain the
ascendancy, and have a controlling influence.
Every physical and mental capability should be carefully preserved,
and put to the best and highest use, to advance the glory of God. Those
youth who permit their powers to be perverted, thus abusing God’s
gifts, will be called to strict account for the good they might have
done had they availed themselves of the provision made through Jesus
Christ. God claims the working of every faculty.—“Testimony,” No.
31.
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All who become learners in the school of Christ excel both in the
quality and the extent of their education. “The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom.” [
Proverbs 9:10
.] A knowledge of God and his
requirements will open the understanding of the student to realize his
responsibilities to God and to the world. To this end he will feel that
his talents must be developed in that way which will produce the very
best results. This cannot be done unless all the precepts and principles
of religion are connected with his school education. In no case should
he disconnect God from his studies. In the pursuit of knowledge,
he is searching for truth; and all truth comes from God, the source
of truth. Students who are virtuous, and are imbued with the Spirit
of Christ, will grasp knowledge with all their faculties. Education