Chapter 20—A Knowledge of Practical Duties of Life
Children are God’s precious heritage, to be disciplined, educated, and
trained to lift burdens in their early years. These should be light at
first; but children should be carefully educated to do their part, that
they may understand how to do their work with willing aptitude.—
The
Review and Herald, May 17, 1898
Useful Employment Essential
Example of Jesus as the Perfect Worker—In His earth-life,
Christ was an example to all the human family, and He was obe-
dient and helpful in the home. He learned the carpenter’s trade, and
worked with His own hands in the little shop at Nazareth.... The Bible
says of Jesus, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled
with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” As He worked in
childhood and youth, mind and body were developed. He did not use
His physical powers recklessly, but gave them such exercise as would
keep them in health, that He might do the best work in every line. He
was not willing to be defective, even in the handling of tools. He was
perfect as a workman, as He was perfect in character.—
Fundamentals
of Christian Education, 417, 418 (1896)
.
Young Women to Have Knowledge of Household Duties—
Many ladies, accounted well-educated, having graduated with honors
[212]
at some institution of learning, are shamefully ignorant of the practical
duties of life. They are destitute of the qualifications necessary for the
proper regulation of the family, and hence essential to its happiness.
They may talk of woman’s elevated sphere, and of her rights, yet they
themselves fall far below the true sphere of woman.
It is the right of every daughter of Eve to have a thorough knowl-
edge of household duties, to receive training in every department of
domestic labor. Every young lady should be so educated that if called
to fill the position of wife and mother, she may preside as a queen in
her own domain. She should be fully competent to guide and instruct
198