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Manual Training

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 12, 1905

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 2.

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Manual Training

By NORMA COBB

WORK is one of the greatest blessings which the Creator has given to the human family, it being a means of development not only to the body, but also to the mind; for a sound body is necessary in order to have a sound mind. To a certain extent manual labor takes the place of exercise, and helps to accomplish something more for us than can be accomplished by mere exercise; and lessons can be learned from it which will greatly aid in mental and spiritual development.
To Adam and Eve was given as noble a work as any to which man in his present sphere can attain,—the cultivation of the soil and the training of vegetation, all phases of which could be done in the open air. Much of a child’s time should be spent out of doors, learning to look to Him who made all things, and in doing light work, remaining in the home school until eight or nine years of age. In this way a good foundation for future health is laid. Then when he goes to school, he will advance rapidly, and will make up for any time which may appear to have been lost.
It is an old Tuscan proverb: “Work as if thou hadst to live for aye; worship as if thou wert to die to-day.” God himself is not idle. When Christ came to this earth, he did a carpenter’s work. Every young person should follow his example, and learn to do some kind of manual work; it will be a help, even if the person does not intend to follow it. This is proved in the fact that nearly all successful business men have been helped to attain to and hold their present position by doing work with their hands.
By taking charge of some small things, and doing them well, one is enabled to bear greater responsibilities. Elisha was the son of a wealthy farmer who honored God, yet toiled. It was with the plow that Elisha gained the preparation which enabled him to minister to Elijah, and, when called, to take up his unfinished duties. The spirit of prophecy says that if either the physical or the mental have to be neglected, let it be the mental.
NORMA COBB.