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Counsels on Health
sent their children from them, to be exposed to temptations and come
back to them physical, mental, and moral wrecks. With disappointed
hopes and almost broken hearts, they see their children, of whom they
had high hopes, follow in a course of vice and drag out a miserable
existence....
Inordinate Study
Some students put their whole being into their studies and concen-
trate their mind upon the object of obtaining an education. They work
the brain, but allow the physical powers to remain inactive. The brain
is overworked, and the muscles become weak because they are not
exercised. When these students graduate it is evident that they have
obtained their education at the expense of life. They have studied day
and night, year after year, keeping their minds continually upon the
stretch, while they have failed to sufficiently exercise their muscles.
They sacrifice all for a knowledge of the sciences, and pass to their
graves.
Young ladies frequently give themselves up to study, to the neglect
of other branches of education even more essential for practical life
than the study of books. And after having obtained their education, they
are often invalids for life. They neglected their health by remaining too
much indoors, deprived of the pure air of heaven and of the God-given
sunlight. These young ladies might have come from their schools
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in health had they combined with their studies household labor and
exercise in the open air.
Health is a great treasure. It is the richest possession mortals can
have. Wealth, honor, or learning is dearly purchased if it be at the loss
of the vigor of health. None of these attainments can secure happiness,
if health is wanting. It is a terrible sin to abuse the health that God has
given us; for every abuse of health enfeebles us for life and makes us
losers, even if we gain any amount of education.
In many cases parents who are wealthy do not feel the importance
of giving their children an education in the practical duties of life as
well as in the sciences. They do not see the necessity, for the good of
their children’s minds and morals, and for their future usefulness, of
giving them a thorough understanding of useful labor. This is due their
children, that, should misfortune come, they could stand forth in noble