Proper Education
25
They sacrifice all for a knowledge of the sciences, and pass to their
graves.
Young ladies frequently give themselves up to study, to the neglect
of other branches of education even more essential for practical life
than the study of books. And after having obtained their education, they
are often invalids for life. They neglected their health by remaining too
much indoors, deprived of the pure air of heaven, and of the God-given
sunlight. These young ladies might have come from their schools
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in health, had they combined with their studies household labor and
exercise in the open air.
Health is a great treasure. It is the richest possession mortals can
have. Wealth, honor, or learning is dearly purchased, if it be at the loss
of the vigor of health. None of these attainments can secure happiness,
if health is wanting. It is a terrible sin to abuse the health that God has
given us; for every abuse of health enfeebles us for life, and makes us
losers, even if we gain any amount of education.
In many cases parents who are wealthy do not feel the importance
of giving their children an education in the practical duties of life as
well as in the sciences. They do not see the necessity, for the good
of their children’s minds and morals, and for their future usefulness,
of giving them a thorough understanding of useful labor. This is due
their children, that, should misfortune come, they could stand forth
in noble independence, knowing how to use their hands. If they have
a capital of strength, they cannot be poor, even if they have not a
dollar. Many who in youth were in affluent circumstances, may be
robbed of all their riches, and be left with parents and brothers and
sisters dependent upon them for sustenance. Then how important that
every youth be educated to labor, that they may be prepared for any
emergency! Riches are indeed a curse when their possessors let them
stand in the way of their sons and daughters obtaining a knowledge of
useful labor, that they may be qualified for practical life.
Those who are not compelled to labor, frequently do not have
sufficient active exercise for physical health. Young men, for want of
having their minds and hands employed in active labor, acquire habits
of indolence, and frequently obtain what is most to be dreaded, a street
education, lounging about stores, smoking, drinking, and playing
cards.