Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

ook of nature. These lessons, given amid such surroundings, will not soon
be forgotten.
Not only has the physical and mental health of children been endangered
by being sent to school at too early a period, but they have been the losers in
a moral point of view. They have had opportunities to become acquainted
with children who were uncultivated in their manners. They were thrown
into the society of the coarse and rough, who lie, swear, steal and deceive,
and who delight to impart their knowledge of vice to those younger than
themselves. Young children, if left to themselves, learn the bad more readily
than the good. Bad habits agree best with the natural heart, and the things
which they see and hear in infancy and childhood are deeply imprinted upon
their minds; and the bad seed sown in their young hearts will take root and
will become sharp thorns to wound the hearts of their parents.
Importance of Training in Duties of Practical Life
Now, as in the days of Israel, every youth should be instructed in the
duties of practical life. Each should acquire a knowledge of some branch of
manual labor by which, if need be, he may obtain a livelihood. This is
essential, not only as a safeguard against the vicissitudes of life, but from its
bearing upon physical, mental, and moral development.
Various industries should be carried on in our schools. The industrial
instruction given should include the keeping of accounts, carpentry, and all
that is comprehended in farming. Preparation should be made for the
teaching of blacksmithing, painting, shoemaking, and for cooking, baking,
washing, mending, typewriting, and printing. Every power at our command
is to be brought into this training work, that students may go forth well
equipped for the duties of practical life.
For the lady students there are many employments which should be
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