Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene - Ellen G. White

that she may live a life of idleness, and then hires
other servants to exercise the muscles enfeebled by
disuse. What consummate folly! How much wiser
and better for women, young or old, to brave the
sneers of fashion’s votaries, and obey the dictates
of common sense and the laws of life! By the
cheerful performance of domestic duties, the idle
daughters of our land might become useful and
happy members of society. For many, such labor is
a more effective and profitable “movement cure”
than the best inventions of the physicians.
Young men, as well as young women, often
manifest a sad lack of earnest purpose and moral
independence. To dress, to smoke, to talk
nonsense, and to indulge their passion for
amusement, is the ideal of happiness, even with
many who profess to be Christians. It is painful to
think of the time thus misspent. Hours that should
be given to the study of the Scriptures or to active
labor of Christ, are worse than wasted. Life was
given for a true and holy purpose. It is too precious
to be thus squandered. I entreat you who have
taken the name of Christ, Examine your hearts, and
176