Proper Education
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shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou
hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not
rich toward God.” Here we have an illustration of how the infinite God
estimates man. An extensive fortune, or any degree of wealth, will not
secure the favor of God. All these bounties and blessings come from
Him, to prove, test, and develop the character of man.
Men may have boundless wealth; yet if they are not rich toward
God, if they have no interest to secure to themselves the heavenly
treasure and divine wisdom, they are counted fools by their Creator,
and we leave them just where God leaves them. Labor is a blessing.
[40]
It is impossible for us to enjoy health without labor. All the faculties
should be called into use that they may be properly developed, and
that men and women may have well-balanced minds. If the young had
been given a thorough education in the different branches of labor,
if they had been taught labor as well as the sciences, their education
would have been of greater advantage to them.
A constant strain upon the brain while the muscles are inactive,
enfeebles the nerves, and students have an almost uncontrollable desire
for change and exciting amusements. And when they are released,
after being confined to study several hours each day, they are nearly
wild. Many have never been controlled at home. They have been
left to follow inclination, and they think that the restraint of the hours
of study is a severe tax upon them; and not having anything to do
after study hours, Satan suggests sport and mischief for a change.
Their influence over other students is demoralizing. Those students
who have had the benefits of religious teaching at home, and who are
ignorant of the vices of society, frequently become the best acquainted
with those whose minds have been cast in an inferior mold, and whose
advantages for mental culture and religious training have been very
limited. And they are in danger, by mingling in the society of this
class, and by breathing an atmosphere that is not elevating, but that
tends to lower and degrade the morals, of sinking to the same low level
as their companions. It is the delight of a large class of students, in
their unemployed hours, to have a high time. And very many of those
who leave their homes innocent and pure, become corrupted by their
associations at school.
I have been led to inquire, Must all that is valuable in our youth be
sacrificed in order that they may obtain a school education? Had there