Counsels on Health - Ellen G. White

different trades, which would bring into exercise
their muscles as well as their mental powers. If the
youth can have but a one-sided education, which is
of the greater consequence—a knowledge of the
sciences, with all the disadvantages to health and
life, or a knowledge of labor for practical life? We
unhesitatingly answer, The latter. If one must be
neglected, let it be the study of books.
There are very many girls who have married
and have families, who have but little practical
knowledge of the duties devolving upon a wife and
mother. They can read and play upon an instrument
of music, but they cannot cook. They cannot make
good bread, which is very essential to the health of
the family. They cannot cut and make garments,
for they never learned how. They considered these
things unessential, and in their married life they are
as dependent upon someone to do these things for
them as are their own little children. It is this
inexcusable ignorance in regard to the most needful
duties of life which makes very many unhappy
families.
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