Results of Physical Inaction
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independence, knowing how to use their hands. If they have a capital
of strength, they cannot be poor, even if they have not a dollar. Many
who in youth were in affluent circumstances may be robbed of all their
riches and be left with parents and brothers and sisters dependent upon
them for sustenance. Then how important that every youth be educated
to labor, that they may be prepared for any emergency! Riches are
indeed a curse when their possessors let them stand in the way of their
sons and daughters’ obtaining a knowledge of useful labor, that they
may be qualified for practical life.
Those who are not compelled to labor, frequently do not have
sufficient active exercise for physical health. Young men, for want
of having their minds and hands employed in active labor, acquire
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habits of indolence and frequently obtain what is most to be dreaded, a
street education, lounging about stores, smoking, drinking, and playing
cards....
Poverty, in many cases, is a blessing; for it prevents youth and
children from being ruined by inaction. The physical as well as the
mental powers should be cultivated and properly developed. The first
and constant care of parents should be to see that their children have
firm constitutions, that they may be sound men and women. It is
impossible to attain this object without physical exercise. For their
own physical health and moral good, children should be taught to
work, even if there is no necessity so far as want is concerned. If they
would have pure and virtuous characters, they must have the discipline
of well-regulated labor, which will bring into exercise all the muscles.
The satisfaction that children will have in being useful, and in denying
themselves to help others, will be the most healthful pleasure they
ever enjoyed. Why should the wealthy rob themselves and their dear
children of this great blessing?
Indolence Accursed
Parents, inaction is the greatest curse that ever came upon youth.
Your daughters should not be allowed to lie in bed late in the morning,
sleeping away the precious hours lent them of God to be used for the
best purpose, and for which they will have to give an account to Him.
The mother does her daughters great injury by bearing the burdens
that they should share with her for their own present and future good.