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Practical Training
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will be shielded from many evil and degrading practices that are
so often the result of idleness. And this is all in keeping with the
primary object of education; for in encouraging activity, diligence,
and purity, we are coming into harmony with the Creator.
The greatest benefit is not gained from exercise that is taken
as play or exercise merely. There is some benefit in being in the
fresh air, and also from the exercise of the muscles; but let the
same amount of energy be given to the performance of useful work,
and the benefit will be greater. A feeling of satisfaction will be
realized, for such exercise carries with it a sense of helpfulness and
the approval of conscience for duty well done.
Students should go forth from our schools with educated effi-
ciency, so that when thrown upon their own resources they will have
knowledge which they can use and which is needful to success in
life. Diligent study is essential, so also is diligent hard work. Play
is not essential. Devotion of the physical powers to amusement is
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not most favorable to a well-balanced mind. If the time employed in
physical exercise which step by step leads on to excess were used in
working in Christ’s lines, the blessing of God would rest upon the
worker. The discipline for practical life that is gained by physical
labor combined with mental taxation is sweetened by the reflection
that it is qualifying mind and body better to perform the work that
God designs men to do. The more perfectly the youth understand
how to perform the duties of practical life, the greater will be their
enjoyment day by day in being of use to others. The mind educated
to enjoy useful labor becomes enlarged; through training and dis-
cipline it is fitted for usefulness, for it has acquired the knowledge
essential to make its possessor a blessing to others.
I cannot find an instance in the life of Christ where He devoted
time to play and amusement. He was the great educator for the
present and the future life, yet I have not been able to find one
instance where He taught the disciples to engage in amusement in
order to gain physical exercise. The world’s Redeemer gives to every
man his work and bids him, “Occupy till I come.”
Luke 19:13
. In
doing this the heart warms to the enterprise. All the powers of the
being are enlisted in the effort to obey. We have a high and holy
calling. Teachers and students are to be stewards of the grace of
Christ, and they are always to be earnest.