Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Chapter 101—Work and Amusements[568]Dear Brother F,My mind has been considerably exercised upon one or two points.When I get where I am writing letters to you night after night in mysleep, I then think it time to carry out my convictions of duty. When Iwas shown that Dr. E erred in some things in regard to the instructionshe gave his patients, I saw that you had received the same ideas in manythings and that the time would come when you would see correctlyin regard to the matter. These are concerning work and amusements.I was shown that it would prove more beneficial to most patients toallow light work, and even to urge it upon them, than to urge themto remain inactive and idle. If the power of the will be kept active toarouse the dormant faculties, it will be the greatest help to recoverhealth. Remove all labor from those who have been overtaxed alltheir lives and in nine cases out of ten the change will be an injury.This has proved true in the case of my husband. I was shown thatphysical, outdoor exercise is far preferable to indoor; but if this cannotbe secured, light indoor employment would occupy and divert themind, and prevent it from dwelling upon symptoms and little ailments,and would also prevent homesickness.This do-nothing system, I saw, had been the greatest curse to yourwife and my husband. God gave employment to the first pair in Edenbecause He knew they would be happier when employed. From whathas been shown me, this do-nothing system is a curse to soul and body.Light employment will not excite or tax the mind or strength any morethan amusements. The sick often get where they look at their poorfeelings and think themselves utterly unable to do anything, when, ifthey would arouse the will and compel themselves to do an amount ofphysical labor every day, they would be far happier and improve muchfaster. I shall write more fully upon this point hereafter.* * * * *524