Counsels on Health - Ellen G. White

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
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