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Counsels on Health
Parties of Pleasure
As ordinarily conducted, parties of pleasure also are a hindrance
to real growth, either of mind or of character. Frivolous associations,
habits of extravagance, of pleasure seeking, and too often of dissipa-
tion, are formed, that shape the whole life for evil. In place of such
amusements, parents and teachers can do much to supply diversions
wholesome and life-giving.
In this, as in all things else that concern our well-being, Inspiration
has pointed the way. In early ages, with the people who were under
God’s direction, life was simple. They lived close to the heart of
nature. Their children shared in the labor of the parents and studied
the beauties and mysteries of nature’s treasure house. And in the quiet
of field and wood they pondered those mighty truths handed down as
a sacred trust from generation to generation. Such training produced
strong men.
Outdoor Occupations
In this age, life has become artificial and men have degenerated.
While we may not return fully to the simple habits of those early
times, we may learn from them lessons that will make our seasons
of recreation what the name implies—seasons of true upbuilding for
body and mind and soul.
With the question of recreation the surroundings of the home and
the school have much to do. In the choice of a home or the location of
a school these things should be considered. Those with whom mental
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and physical well-being is of greater moment than money or the claims
and customs of society should seek for their children the benefit of
nature’s teaching, and recreation amidst her surroundings. It would
be a great aid in educational work could every school be so situated
as to afford the pupils land for cultivation and access to the fields and
woods.
In lines of recreation for the student, the best results will be attained
through the personal co-operation of the teacher. The true teacher
can impart to his pupils few gifts so valuable as the gift of his own
companionship. It is true of men and women, and how much more of
youth and children, that only as we come in touch through sympathy