Schools of the Prophets
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opens a never-failing fountain of happiness. No real joy can be found
in the path forbidden by Him who knows what is best.
The physical as well as the religious training in the schools of
the Hebrews may be profitably studied. There is an intimate relation
between the mind and the body. In order to reach a high standard of
moral and intellectual attainment, the laws that control our physical
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being must be heeded.
And now, as in the days of Israel, every youth should acquire a
knowledge of some branch of manual labor. Even if it were certain
that one would never need to resort to manual labor for support, still he
should be taught to work. Without physical exercise, no man can have
vigorous health. The discipline of well-regulated labor is essential to a
strong and active mind and a noble character.
Every student should devote a portion of each day to active labor.
Thus the youth would be shielded from many evil and degrading
practices that are often the result of idleness. This is all in keeping
with the primary object of education.
Let the youth see the tender love the Father in heaven has man-
ifested toward them, and the dignity and honor to which they are
called—even to become the sons of God—and thousands would turn
with contempt from selfish aims and pleasures that have hitherto en-
grossed them. They would learn to hate sin, not merely from hope of
reward or fear of punishment, but from a sense of its inherent baseness.
God does not bid the youth to be less aspiring. By the grace of
God they are to be directed to objects as much higher than mere selfish
and temporal interests as the heavens are higher than the earth.
And the education begun in this life will be continued in the life
to come. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into
the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that
love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9
. The fullness of joy and blessing will be
reached in the hereafter. Eternity alone can reveal the glorious destiny
to which man, restored to God’s image, may attain.
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