Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students - Ellen G. White

activity, diligence, and purity, we are coming into
harmony with the Creator.
The greatest benefit is not gained from exercise
that is taken as play or exercise merely. There is
some benefit in being in the fresh air, and also from
the exercise of the muscles; but let the same
amount of energy be given to the performance of
useful work, and the benefit will be greater. A
feeling of satisfaction will be realized, for such
exercise carries with it a sense of helpfulness and
the approval of conscience for duty well done.
Students should go forth from our schools with
educated efficiency, so that when thrown upon
their own resources they will have knowledge
which they can use and which is needful to success
in life. Diligent study is essential, so also is diligent
hard work. Play is not essential. Devotion of the
physical powers to amusement is not most
favorable to a well-balanced mind. If the time
employed in physical exercise which step by step
leads on to excess were used in working in Christ’s
lines, the blessing of God would rest upon the
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