Pattern Life

Fenceposts
Workers do not rule over others. In other words, Pattern Life workers do not make rules for others to follow. This restricts PL workers from telling others how to dress, what to eat, what music to listen to, and other lifestyle characteristics. This also precludes setting up theological tests (e.g., the nature of Christ, etc.) by which to judge others commitment. Finally, this understanding causes PL workers to allow others freedom in the planning of the work they are doing. He has never placed man as a ruler over His heritage. True Bible religion will lead to self-control, not to control of one another. 9T 275 It is time now for men to humble their hearts before God and to learn to work in His ways. Let those who have sought to rule their fellow workers study to know what manner of spirit they are of. They should seek the Lord by fasting and prayer, and in humility of soul. 9T 275 Sometimes a man who has been placed in responsibility as a leader gains the idea that he is in a position of supreme authority, and that all his brethren, before making advance moves, must first come to him for permission to do that which they feel should be done. Such a man is in a dangerous position. He has lost sight of the work of a true leader among Gods people. Instead of acting as a wise counselor, he assumes the prerogatives of an exacting ruler. God is dishonored by every such display of authority and self-exaltation. No man standing in his own strength is ever to be mind and judgment for another man whom the Lord is using in His work. No one is to lay down man-made rules and regulations to govern arbitrarily his fellow laborers who have a living experience in the truth. TM 495 Those who accept a position of responsibility in the cause of God should always remember that with the call to this work God has also called them to walk circumspectly before Him and before their fellow men. Instead of considering it their duty to order and dictate and command, they should realize that they are to be learners themselves. When a responsible worker fails to learn this lesson, the sooner he is released from his responsibilities the better it will be for him and for the work of God. 9T 282 This does not authorize any one man to undertake the work of ordering his brethren arbitrarily to do as he thinks advisable, irrespective of their own personal convictions of duty. Nor are Gods chosen laborers to feel that at every step they must wait to ask some officer in authority whether they may do this or that. While cooperating heartily with their brethren in carrying out general plans that have been laid for the prosecution of the work, they are constantly to look to the God of Israel for personal guidance. TM 491 The Lord has not placed any one of His human agencies under the dictation and control of those who are themselves but erring mortals.

He has not placed upon men the power to say, You shall do this, and you shall not do that. TM 366 Has not our past experience in these things been sufficient? Will we ever learn the lessons which God designs that we shall learn? Will we ever realize that the consciences of men are not given into our command? TM 295 These men who presume to judge others should take a little broader view and say, Suppose the statements of others do not agree with our ideas; shall we for this pronounce them heresy? Shall we, uninspired men, take the responsibility of placing our stakes, and saying, This shall not appear in print? TM 294 It does not please God to have His servants censure, criticize, and condemn one another. He has given them a special work, that of standing in defense of the truth. They are His workmen; all should respect them, and they should respect one another. In the army, officers are required to respect their fellow officers, and the privates soon learn the lesson. When the leaders of the people in Christian warfare are kind and forbearing, and manifest a special love and regard for their colaborers, they teach others to do the same. Lift Him Up 225 Workers bear their own expenses. In other words, Pattern Life workers are volunteers for now. Some time in the future they may receive a small salary, but never generous wages, because there is too much work to do to afford enriching the workers. Many fields ripe for the harvest have not yet been entered because of our lack of self-sacrificing helpers. These fields must be entered, and many laborers should go to them with the expectation of bearing their own expenses. 7T 254:1 When Christ called His disciples to follow Him, He offered them no flattering prospects in this life. He gave them no promise of gain or worldly honor, nor did they make any stipulation as to what they should receive. MH 479,80 In the early days of the third angel's message those who established our institutions, and those who labored in them, were actuated by high motives of unselfishness. For their arduous labors they received no more than a mere pittance - - barely enough for a meager support. But their hearts were baptized with the ministry of love. The reward of whole-souled liberality was apparent in their close fellowship with the Spirit of the Master Worker. They practiced the closest economy, in order that as many other laborers as possible might be planting the standard of truth in new places. . . . With the increase of wages came a steady increase of covetousness, which is idolatry, and a steady decline of spirituality. 2SM177 There is just as much self-denial required now as when we first started in the work, when we were only a little handful of people, when we knew what self-denial meant, what self-sacrifice meant, when we tried to get out the little papers, little leaflets, that should go to those who were in darkness. . . . We were glad to wear secondhand clothes, and sometimes we had hardly food enough to sustain our strength. Everything else was put into the work. . .

. God means that the institutions here shall be carried on by self-sacrifice, just as the foundation was laid. 2SM 188,9 House-to-house work. In other words, Pattern Life workers should spend time with people in their homes in order to bless them spiritually. The purest unselfishness is to be shown by our workers as, with the knowledge and experience gained by practical work, they go out to give treatments to the sick. As they go from house to house they will find access to many hearts. Many will be reached who otherwise never would have heard the gospel message. CH 497:1 Some should labor from house to house, giving instruction in the art of cooking wholesome foods. Many, many will be rescued from physical, mental, and moral degeneracy through the influence of health reform. EvS27 Many will be called into the field to labor from house to house, giving Bible readings, and praying with those who are interested. CH 3972

Set up a medical work. It is essential that there shall be a sanitarium connected with the Madison school. The educational work at the school and sanitarium can go forward hand in hand. The Instruction given at the school will benefit the patients, and the instruction given to the sanitarium patients will be a blessing to the school. The Madison School 34 Agriculture. In other words, PL facilities will train students in agriculture. Every institution of learning should make provision for the study and practice of agriculture....The tiller of the soil finds in his labor all the movements that were ever practiced in the gymnasium. His movement-room is in the open fields. The canopy of heaven is its roof, the solid earth its floor. Here he plows and hoes, sows and reaps. Watch him, as in haying time" he mows and rakes, pitches and tumbles, lifts and loads, throws off, treads down, and stows away. These various movements call Into action the bones, joints, muscles, sinews, and nerves of the body. His vigorous exercise causes full, deep, strong inspirations and exhalations, which expand the lungs and purify the blood, sending the warm current of life bounding through arteries and veins. A farmer who is temperate in all his habits usually enjoys health. His work is pleasant to him. He has a good appetite. He sleeps well, and may be happy. FCE 74 Christian farmers can do real missionary work in helping the poor to find homes on the land and in teaching them how to till the soil and make it productive. Teach them how to use the implements of agriculture, how to cultivate various crops, how to plant and care for orchards. MH 193:2 No work will be more effectual than that done by those who, having obtained an education in practical life go forth to mission fields with the message of truth, prepared to instruct as they have been instructed. The knowledge they have obtained in the tilling of the soil and other lines of manual work, and which they carry with them to their fields of labor, will make them a blessing in heathen lands. The Madison School 29,30

Schools are to be established away from the cities, where the youth can learn to cultivate the soil, and thus help to make themselves and the school self-supporting. 7T 232 If the land is cultivated, it will, with the blessing of God. supply our necessities... .With proper, intelligent cultivation the earth will yield its treasures for the benefit of man. The mountains and hills are changing; the earth is waxing old like a garment; but the blessing of God, which spreads a table for His people in the wilderness, will never cease.6T 178 Had all our schools encouraged work in agricultural lines, they would now have an altogether different showing. There would not be so great discouragements. Opposing influences would have been overcome; financial conditions would have changed. 6T177 Finances. In other words, PL operations may never operate at a loss. This doesn't mean PL cant borrow money for worthwhile causes when the money will be paid back, but operations must never run at a loss. If they do, remedy the problem immediately. If not remediable, close the function or organization until it supports itself financially again. All our restaurants are to be so conducted that there will not be an accumulation of debt. If debts accumulate, even though the patronage is large, there needs to be a careful, thorough investigation of the business, and such changes should be made as will put it on a paying basis. A restaurant should not be maintained at a continual financial loss. HFM 67,8Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house. Proverbs 24:27 The Bible should be the first subject. The Bible should be the child's first textbook. From this book, parents are to give wise instruction. CG41 And these words, which I command thee this day. shall be in thine heart: And thou shall teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deuteronomy 6:6 Parents, if you would educate your children to serve God and do good in the world, make the Bible your textbook.... Whatever else is taught in the home or at school, the Bible, as the great educator, should stand first. If it is given this place, God is honored, and He will work for you in the conversion of your children. There is a rich mine of truth and beauty in this holy book, and parents have themselves to blame if they do not make it intensely interesting to their children. CG510 The home training should be supplemented by the work of the school. MH 401 the study of the Scriptures should have the first place in our system of education. 5T 21 Let the youth be taught to love the study of the Bible. Let the first place in our thoughts and affections by given to the Book of books, for it contains knowledge which we need above all other. CG513

Youth are ignorant and inexperienced, and the love of the Bible and its sacred truths will not come naturally. CGS08 __ continuous study is one of the best means of cultivating a love for the Scriptures. CT 463 Do not think that the Bible win become a tiresome book to the children. Under a wise instructor the Word will become more and more desirable. CG 514 The use of object lessons, blackboards, maps, and pictures will be an aid in explaining these lessons and fixing them in the memory. Parents and teachers should constantly seek for improved methods. The teaching of the Bible should have our freshest thought, our best methods, and our most earnest effort. CG 515 The Bible contains all that is needful for the saving of the soul, and at the same time it is adapted to strengthen and discipline the mind. Used as a textbook in our schools, it will be found far more effective than any other book in guiding wisely in the affairs of this life, as well as in aiding the soul to climb the ladder that reaches to heaven. CT 448 There is nothing more calculated to energize the mind and strengthen the intellect than the study of the word of God. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose that are rarely seen in these times. CT 460 It is the law of the mind that it will narrow or expand to the dimensions of the things with which it becomes familiar. CT460 It is a law of the mind that it gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is trained to dwell. If occupied with commonplace matters only, it will become dwarfed and enfeebled. If never required to grapple with difficult problems, it will after a time almost lose the power of growth. As an educating power the Bible is without a rival. In the word of God the mind finds subject for the deepest thought, the loftiest aspiration. The Bible is the most instructive history that men possess. PP 596 As the miner digs for the golden treasure in the earth, so earnestly, persistently, must we seek for the treasure of God's word. In daily study the verse-by-verse method is often most helpful. Let the student take one verse and concentrate his mind on ascertaining the thought that God has put into that verse for him, and then dwell upon the thought until it becomes his own. One passage thus studied until its significance becomes clear is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. CT 461 When a real love for the Bible is awakened, and the student begins to realize how vast is the field and how precious its treasure, he will desire to seize upon every opportunity for acquainting himself with God's word. the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. CT 461

Subjects. In other words, subjects taught in the school should include Bible study, physiology, the history of the SDA message, and agriculture. No fiction under any moral pretense. Thorough instruction will be given in Bible study, physiology, and the history of our message; special instruction in agriculture will be given. The Madison School 9 Works of romance, frivolous, exciting tales, are, in hardly less degree, a curse to the reader. The author may profess to teach a moral lesson, throughout his work he may interweave religious sentiments, but often these serve only to veil the folly and worthlessness beneath. MH 455 There are works of fiction that were written for the purpose of teaching truth or exposing some great evil. Some of these works have accomplished good. Yet they have also wrought untold harm. They contain statements and highly wrought pen pictures that excite the imagination and give rise to a train of thoughts which is full of danger, especially to the youth. The scenes described are lived over and over again in their thoughts. MH 445 Even fiction which contains no suggestion of impurity, and which may be intended to teach excellent principles, is harmful. It encourages the habit of hasty and superficial reading merely for the story. Thus it tends to destroy the power of connected and vigorous thought; it unfits the soul to contemplate the great problems of duty and destiny. MH445 In the education of children and youth, fairy tales, myths, and fictitious stories are now given a large place. Books of this character are used in the schools, and they are to be found in many homes. How can Christian parents permit their children to use books so filled with falsehood? When the children ask the meaning of stories so contrary to the teaching of their parents, the answer is that the stories are not true; but this does not do away with the evil results of their use. The ideas presented in these books mislead the children. They impart false views of life and beget and foster a desire for the unreal. Drama/Skits. In other words, no drama or skits. Satan's ruling passion is to pervert the intellect and cause men to long for shows and theatrical performances. The experience and character of all who engage in this work will be in accordance with the food given to the mind. The Lord has given evidence of His love for the world. There was no falsity, no acting, in what He did. Ev 266 I have a message for those in charge of our work. Do not encourage the men who are to engage in this work to think that they must proclaim the solemn, sacred message in a theatrical style. Not one jot or tittle of anything theatrical is to be brought into our work. God's cause is to have a sacred, heavenly mold. Let everything connected with the giving of the message for this time bear the divine impress. Ev137 Various entertainments are introduced to make the meetings interesting and attractive for the worldlings, and thus the exercises degenerate into demoralizing theatrical performances and cheap nonsense. CT541 At times you do that which is represented to me as the shredding of wild

gourds into the pot. This display makes the truth taste too strongly of the dish. The truth is not advanced, but hindered. Sensible men and women can see that the theatrical performances are not in harmony with the solemn messages that you bear. Ev 127 Music. Music should be uplifting, not loud or exciting. As a practical outworking of this principle, do not allow music with drums (not required by inspiration, but assists in implementing this principle). Music, when not abused, is a great blessing; but when put to a wrong use, it is a terrible curse. It excites, but does not impart that strength and courage which the Christian can find only at the throne of grace. 1T 497 The history of the songs of the Bible is full of suggestion as to the uses and benefits of music and song. Music is often perverted to serve purposes of evil, and it thus becomes one of the most alluring agencies of temptation. But, rightly employed, it is a precious gift of God, designed to uplift the thoughts to high and noble themes, to inspire and elevate the soul. Ed 167 Song is a weapon that we can always use against discouragement. MH 254 (Description of an event by S. N. Haskell in 1900: We have a big drum, two tambourines, a big bass fiddle, two small fiddles, a flute, and two cornets, and an organ, and a few voices. They have "Garden of Spices as the songbook and party dance tunes to sacred words. The following quotation is in reference to this event] The things you have described as taking place in Indiana, the Lord has shown me would take place just before the close of probation. Every uncouth thing will be demonstrated. There will be shouting, with drums, music, and dancing. The sense of rational beings will become so confused that they cannot be trusted to make right decisions. And this is called the moving of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit never reveals itself in such methods, in such a bedlam of noise. This is an invention of Satan to cover up his ingenious methods for making of none effect the pure, sincere, elevating, ennobling, sanctifying truth for this time. The truth for this time needs nothing of this kind in its work of converting souls. A bedlam of noise shocks the senses and perverts that which if conducted aright might be a blessing. 2SM 36 Those who make singing a part of divine worship should select hymns with music appropriate to the occasion, not funeral notes, but cheerful, yet solemn melodies. Ev 508 The long-drawn-out notes and the peculiar sounds common in operatic singing are not pleasing to the angels. They delight to hear the simple songs of praise sung in a natural tone. Ev 510 In some instances much time was devoted to singing. There was a long hymn before prayer, a long hymn after prayer, and much singing interspersed all through the meeting. Thus golden moments were used unwisely, and not one-half the good was done that might have been realized. Ev511

In the meetings held, let a number be chosen to take part in the song service. And let the singing be accompanied with musical instruments skillfully handled. We are not opposed to the use of instrumental music in our work. Ev 507 Cooperate. In other words, trust others and listen to them. Include them. Don't exclude others. It is a mistake to withdraw from those who do not agree with our ideas. This will not inspire our brethren with confidence in our judgment. It is our duty to counsel with our brethren, and to heed their advice. We are to seek their counsel, and when they give it, we are not to cast it away, as if they were our enemies. Unless we humble our hearts before God, we shall not know His will. Let us be determined to be in unity with our brethren. This duty God has placed upon us. We shall make their hearts glad by following Iheir counsel, and make ourselves strong through the influence that this will give us. Moreover, if we feel that we do not need the counsel of our brethren, we close the door of our usefulness as counselors to them. TM 500 They are to see that the work of God is not committed to men who feel it their privilege to move out on their own independent judgment, to preach whatever they please, and to be responsible to no one for their instructions or work. Let this spirit of self-sufficiency once rule in our midst, and there will be no harmony of action, no unity of spirit, no safety for the work, and no healthful growth in the cause. Amusements. In other words, don't have amusements. Question to Ellen White from Isaac Sanborn, H. C. Blanchard, and R. F. Andrews on the Conference Committee: Shall we understand by what you have said in your testimonies in favor of recreation, that you approbate such vain amusements as chess, checkers, charades, backgammon, hunt-the-whistle, and blind-man's bluff? It is generally reported in this Conference that you have taken an interest in the amusements which have been practiced at the Health Institute at Battle Creek, that you play checkers, and carry a checker-board with you as you visit brethren from place to place. EGWs response: Since I professed to be a follower of Christ at the age of twelve years, I have never engaged in any such simple plays and amusements as named above. Neither have I at any time given my influence in their favor. I do not know how to play checkers, chess, backgammon, fox-and-geese, or any other thing of the kind. I have spoken in favor of recreation, but have ever stood in great doubt of the amusements introduced at the Institute at Battle Creek, and have stated my objections to the physicians and directors and others, in conversation with them, and by numerous letters. RH 10-8-67 I cannot find an instance in the life of Christ where He devoted time to play and amusement. He was the great Educator for the present and the future life. I have not been able to find one instance where He educated His

disciples to engage in amusement of football or pugilistic games, to obtain physical exercise, or in theatrical performances; and yet Christ was our pattern in all things. FE 229 The amusements are doing more to counteract the working of the Holy Spirit than anything else, and the Lord is grieved. FE221 Have not the playing of games, and rewards, and the using of the boxing glove been educating and training after Satan's direction to lead to the possession of his attributes? ISM 132 NOT EGW: To spend money, which is so hard to obtain, on materials with which to play tennis and cricket, is not in harmony with the Testimonies which have been given to our school in Battle Creek. It has been understood all through our ranks that these games are not the proper education to be given in any of our schools. Taylor's Outline Studies, p. 138 NOT EGW: The School of Avondale is to be a pattern for other schools which shall be established among our people. Games and amusements are the curse of the Colonies, and they must not be allowed in our school here. If those attending this school are not willing to come into line, if they refuse to act as it is their duty to act, let them return to their homes. Taylor's Outline Studies, p. 138 The time is altogether too full of tokens of the coming conflict to be educating the youth in fun and games. It pains my heart to read letters where these exercises are spoken about, and where they write such expressions as 'O, we had so much fun' and such expressions. EGW Letter P 46-93 I do not condemn the simple exercise of playing ball; but this, even in its simplicity, may be overdone. I shrink from the almost sure result which follows in the wake of these amusements. AH 499 NOT EGW: ... there is another kind of thing the world calls play, namely, the game. Though often used loosely, a game proper is a contest. The spirit of it is the spirit of competition, of beating the other fellow-either by surprising him in exploit, or by attaining the ultimate of putting him out of action. It exalts the victor, and humiliates the loser. While natural play is an imitation of work, this artificial play represented in the game is an imitation of fight, an imitation of war. The spirit of natural play is the spirit of work. The spirit of the game is the spirit of war. W.E. Howell in Review, March 25, 1926. In the place of providing diversions that merely amuse, arrangements should be made for exercises that will be productive of good. Satan would lead them to believe that amusements are necessary to physical health; but the Lord has declared that the better way is for them to get physical exercise through manual training and by letting useful employment take the place of selfish pleasure. Counsels to Teachers, Parents and Students (around page 350) In the children and youth an ambition should be awakened to take their exercise in doing something that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to others No recreation helpful only to themselves will prove so great a blessing to the children and youth as that which makes them helpful to others. AH 508 Proper Deportment and Communication. In other words, teach

Christian, mature communications. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving ofthanks. Ephesians5:4 A man's character may be quite accurately estimated by the nature of his conversation. . . . Those who jest and joke and indulge in cheap conversation place themselves upon a level where Satan can gain access to them. . . . When you associate together, you may be a help and a blessing one to another if you surround yourselves with an influence that is divine. . . . Jesting and joking may please a class of cheap minds, and yet the influence of this kind of conduct is destructive to spirituality. I speak to you as a class also as Individuals: Guard your words. Let sobriety and sound common sense characterize your conversation. Do not trifle with the purity and nobility of your souls by condescending to indulgence in stale jokes, and in cultivating habits of trifling conversation. The requirement of God is explicit on these points, and presents before you the obligations that rest upon you as children of God. The Word of God says, "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Col. 3:17. O that every one of our youth would realize the evil of foolish conversation, and correct the habit of speaking idle words! Let every one who has indulged in this sin repent of it. Confess it before God, and put it far from him. In speaking foolish words, you have dishonored the name of Christ; for you have misrepresented Him in character. No word of guile was found in His lips, no word of prevarication or falsehood. The people that are described as making up the one hundred and forty-four thousand, have the Father's name written in their foreheads, and of them it is said: 'In their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.' Rev. 14:5." But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." II Timothy 2:16 The special, deceptive work of Satan has been to provoke controversies, that there might be strivings to no profit. He well knows that this will occupy the mind and the time. It raises the combativeness, and quenches the spirit of conviction, in the minds of many, drawing them into diversity of opinions, accusation, and prejudice, which closes the door to the truth. RH 9-11-88 Let your speech [be] always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6 When we utter meaningless and silly words we encourage others to indulge in the same kind of conversation. The only words that should come from our lips should be pure, dean words. No one can tell how much sin is created by careless, foolish, unmeaning words... Every word you speak is as a seed that will germinate and produce either good or bad fruit. When in the company of those who indulge in foolish talk, it is our duty to change the subject of conversation if possible. By the help of the grace of God we should quietly drop words or introduce a subject that will turn the conversation into a profitable channel. Faith I Live By 236 He desires us to be cheerful, but not trifling. He says to each one of us, 'But

as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation." I Peter 1:15. God wants us to be happy. He desires to put a new song on our lips, even praise to our God. Faith I Live By 236 The things that God has prepared for those that love Him will be the theme of conversation. The love of Christ is in the soul as a well of water, springing up into everlasting life, sending forth living streams, that bring life and gladness wherever they flow. We lose much by not talking more of Jesus and of heaven, the saints' inheritance. The more we contemplate heavenly things, the more new delights we shall see. and the more will our hearts be brimful of thanks to our beneficent Creator. Faith I Live By 236 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. Proverbs 17:7 Dress. In other words, teach modest, cultivated habits in dress. A modest, godly woman will dress modestly. A refined taste, a cultivated mind, will be revealed in the choice of a simple, appropriate attire. The one who is simple and unpretending in her dress and in her manners shows that she understands that a true woman is characterized by moral worth. CG413 A person's character is judged by his style of dress. A refined taste, a cultivated mind, will be revealed in the choice of simple and appropriate attire. Chaste simplicity in dress, when united with modesty of demeanor, will go far toward surrounding a young woman with that atmosphere of sacred reserve which will be to her a shield from a thousand perils. Education 248 Modest colors should be sought for. When figured material is used, figures that are large and fiery, showing vanity and shallow pride in those who choose them, should be avoided. And a fantastic taste in putting on different colors is bad. CG 420 Showy, extravagant dress too often encourages lust in the heart of the wearer and awakens base passions in the heart of the beholder. God sees that the ruin of the character is frequently preceded by the indulgence of pride and vanity in dress. He sees that the costly apparel stifles the desire to do good. Dear youth, a disposition in you to dress according to the fashion, and to wear lace and gold and artificials for display, will not recommend to others your religion or the truth that you profess. People of discernment will look upon your attempts to beautify the external as proof of weak minds and proud hearts. Simple, plain, unpretending dress will be a recommendation to my youthful sisters. In no better way can you let your light shine to others than in your simplicity of dress and deportment. You may show to all that, in comparison with eternal things, you place a proper estimate upon the things of this life. 3T 376 . . . .true beauty will be secured, not in marring God's work, but in coming into harmony with the laws of Him who created all things, and who finds pleasure in their beauty and perfection. Ed 198

You who are sighing for the artificial splendor which wealth alone can purchase, for costly paintings, furniture, and dress, listen to the voice of the divine Teacher. He points you to the flower of the field, the simple design of which cannot be equaled by human skill. SD 75 Some have had a burden in regard to the wearing of a marriage ring, feeling that the wives of our ministers should conform to this custom. All this is unnecessary. Let the ministers' wives have the golden link which binds their souls to Jesus Christ, a pure and holy character, the true love and meekness and godliness that are the fruit borne upon the Christian tree, and their influence will be secure anywhere. We need not wear the sign, for we are not untrue to our marriage vow, and the wearing of the ring would be no evidence that we were true. I feel deeply over this leavening process which seems to be going on among us, in the conformity to custom and fashion. Not one penny should be spent for a circlet of gold to testify that we are married. In countries where the custom is imperative, we have no burden to condemn those who have their marriage ring; let them wear it if they can do so conscientiously; but let not our missionaries feel that the wearing of the ring will increase their influence one jot or tittle. TM180 That ring encircling your finger may be very plain, but it is useless, and the wearing of it has a wrong influence upon others. 4T630 Manual Training. In other words, useful service is the best form of exercise. When the child is old enough to be sent to school, the teacher should cooperate with the parents, and manual training should be continued as a part of his school duties. There are many students who object to this kind of work in the schools. They think useful employments, like learning a trade, degrading; but such persons have an incorrect idea of what constitutes true dignity. FCE417 If the youth can have but a one-sided education, which Is of the greatest importance, the study of the sciences, with all the disadvantages to health and morals, or a thorough training in practical duties, with sound morals and good physical development? We unhesitatingly say, the latter. FCE73 The greatest benefit is not gained from exercise that is taken as play or exercise merely. There is some benefit derived from 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 helpful duties, and the benefit will be greater, and a feeling of satisfaction will be realized; for such exercise carries with it the sense of helpfulness and the approval of conscience for duty well done. In the children and youth an ambition should be awakened to take their exercise in doing something that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to others. The exercise that develops mind and character, that teaches hands to be useful, and trains the young to bear their share of life's burdens, is that which gives physical strength, and quickens every faculty. And there is a reward in virtuous industry, in the cultivation of the habit of living to do good. FCE 418/419

There should be work for all students, whether they are able to pay their way or not; the physical and mental powers should receive proportionate attention. Students should learn to cultivate the land; for this will bring them into close contact with nature. FCE 423 Location of the School. In other words, choose a location that is in harmony with the Lord's principles. No pains should be spared to select places for our schools where the moral atmosphere will be as healthful as possible; for the influences that prevail will leave a deep impress on young and forming characters. For this reason, a retired locality is best. The great cities, the centers of business and learning, may seem to present some advantages; but these advantages are outweighed by other considerations. FCE 421 There is a refining, subduing influence in nature that should be taken into account in selecting the locality for a school. God has regarded this principle in training men for His work. Moses spent forty years in the wilds of Midian. John the Baptist was not fitted for his high calling as the forerunner of Christ by association with the great men of the nation in the schools of Jerusalem. He went out into the wilderness, where the customs and doctrines of men could not mold his mind, and where he could hold unobstructed communion with God. FCE 423 God would have us appreciate His blessings in His created works. How many children there are in the crowded cities that have not even a spot of green grass to set their feet upon. If they could be educated in the country, amid the beauty, peace, and purity of nature, it would seem to them the spot nearest heaven. In retired places, where we are farthest from the corrupting maxims, customs, and excitements of the world, and nearest to the heart of nature, Christ makes His presence real to us, and speaks to our souls of His peace and Love. FCE 424