Basic HTML Version
120
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students
and muscle. Work is not a curse, but a blessing. God gave sinless
Adam and Eve a beautiful garden to tend. This was pleasant work,
and none but pleasant work would have entered our world had not
the first pair transgressed God’s commandments.... The wealthy are
not to be deprived of the privilege and blessing of a place among the
[148]
world’s workers. They should realize that they are responsible for
the use they make of their entrusted possessions; that their strength,
their time, and their money are to be used wisely, and not for selfish
purposes....
The approval of God rests with loving assurance upon the chil-
dren who cheerfully take their part in the duties of domestic life,
sharing the burdens of father and mother. They will be rewarded
with health of body and peace of mind; and they will enjoy the plea-
sure of seeing their parents take their share of social enjoyment and
healthful recreation, thus prolonging their lives. Children trained to
the practical duties of life will go out from the home to be useful
members of society, with an education far superior to that gained by
close confinement in the schoolroom at an early age, when neither
the mind nor the body is strong enough to endure the strain.
At home and in the school, by precept and example, the children
and youth should be taught to be truthful, unselfish, industrious.
They should not be allowed to spend their time in idleness; their
hands should not be folded in inaction. Parents and teachers should
work for the accomplishment of this object—the development of all
the powers, and the formation of right character. But when parents
realize their responsibilities, there will be far less left for the teachers
to do.
Heaven is interested in this work in behalf of the young. The
parents and teachers who by wise instruction, in a calm, decided
manner, accustom children to think of and care for others, will
help them to overcome their selfishness and will close the door
against many temptations. Angels of God will co-operate with these
[149]
faithful instructors. Angels are not commissioned to do this work
themselves; but they will give strength and efficiency to those who,
in the fear of God, seek to train the young to a life of usefulness.
* * * * *