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The Ministry of Healing
David, and Elisha. Study the lives of men of later times who have
most worthily filled positions of trust and responsibility, the men
whose influence has been most effective for the world’s uplifting.
How many of these were reared in country homes. They knew
little of luxury. They did not spend their youth in amusement. Many
were forced to struggle with poverty and hardship. They early
learned to work, and their active life in the open air gave vigor
and elasticity to all their faculties. Forced to depend upon their own
resources, they learned to combat difficulties and to surmount obsta-
cles, and they gained courage and perseverance. They learned the
lessons of self-reliance and self-control. Sheltered in a great degree
from evil associations, they were satisfied with natural pleasures and
wholesome companionships. They were simple in their tastes and
temperate in their habits. They were governed by principle, and they
grew up pure and strong and true. When called to their lifework,
they brought to it physical and mental power, buoyancy of spirit,
ability to plan and execute, and steadfastness in resisting evil, that
made them a positive power for good in the world.
Better than any other inheritance of wealth you can give to your
children will be the gift of a healthy body, a sound mind, and a noble
character. Those who understand what constitutes life’s true success
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will be wise betimes. They will keep in view life’s best things in
their choice of a home.
Instead of dwelling where only the works of men can be seen,
where the sights and sounds frequently suggest thoughts of evil,
where turmoil and confusion bring weariness and disquietude, go
where you can look upon the works of God. Find rest of spirit in the
beauty and quietude and peace of nature. Let the eye rest on the green
fields, the groves, and the hills. Look up to the blue sky, unobscured
by the city’s dust and smoke, and breathe the invigorating air of
heaven. Go where, apart from the distractions and dissipations of
city life, you can give your children your companionship, where you
can teach them to learn of God through His works, and train them
for lives of integrity and usefulness.