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that they appreciate His gift in the physical powers, and the mental
faculties as well. Let the educated ability be employed in devising
improved methods of work. This is just what the Lord wants. There
is honor in any class of work that is essential to be done. Let the law
of God be made the standard of action, and it ennobles and sanctifies
all labor. Faithfulness in the discharge of every duty makes the work
noble, and reveals a character that God can approve....
“Schools should be established where there is as much as possi-
ble to be found in nature to delight the senses and give variety to the
scenery. While we shun the false and artificial, discarding horse-racing,
card-playing, lotteries, prize fights, liquor-drinking, and tobacco-using,
we must supply sources of pleasure that are pure and noble and elevat-
ing. We should choose a location for our school apart from the cities,
where the eye will not rest continually upon the dwellings of men, but
upon the works of God; where there shall be places of interest for them
to visit, other than what the city affords. Let our students be placed
where nature can speak to the senses, and in her voice they may hear
the voice of God. Let them be where they can look upon His wondrous
works, and through nature behold her Creator....
“Manual occupation for the youth is essential. The mind is not to be
constantly taxed to the neglect of the physical powers. The ignorance
of physiology, and a neglect to observe the laws of health, have brought
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many to the grave who might have lived to labor and study intelligently.
The proper exercise of mind and body will develop and strengthen
all the powers. Both mind and body will be preserved, and will be
capable of doing a variety of work. Ministers and teachers need to
learn in regard to these things, and they need to practise as well. The
proper use of their physical strength, as well as of the mental powers,
will equalize the circulation of the blood, and keep every organ of the
living machinery in running order. Minds are often abused; they are
goaded on to madness by pursuing one line of thought; the excessive
employment of the brain power and the neglect of the physical organs
create a diseased condition of things in the system. Every faculty of
the mind may be exercised with comparative safety if the physical
powers are equally taxed, and the subject of thought varied. We need
a change of employment, and nature is a living, healthful teacher....
“Habits of industry will be found an important aid to the youth
in resisting temptation. Here is opened a field to give vent to their