Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

life to eat at some tables the heavy, sour bread and
the other food prepared in keeping with it.
Mothers, instead of seeking to give your daughters
a musical education, instruct them in these useful
branches which have the closest connection with
life and health. Teach them all the mysteries of
cooking. Show them that this is a part of their
education and essential for them in order to
become Christians. Unless the food is prepared in a
wholesome, palatable manner, it cannot be
converted into good blood to build up the wasting
tissues. Your daughters may love music, and this
may be all right; it may add to the happiness of the
family; but the knowledge of music without the
knowledge of cookery is not worth much. When
your daughters have families of their own, an
understanding of music and fancy work will not
provide for the table a well-cooked dinner,
prepared with nicety, so that they will not blush to
place it before their most-esteemed friends.
Mothers, yours is a sacred work. May God help
you to take it up with His glory in view and work
earnestly, patiently, and lovingly for the present
and future good of your children, having an eye
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