f our existence. For in all these things we shall find there
exists a connection sufficiently obvious between the right education of
the spirit and the body; and that so strong is their mutual influence as
to render it of great importance to care for them both in harmony with
each other. Then shall we regard the perfection of the form and the
vigor of our bodily powers. Casting away whatever did not consist with
the health and finer developments of the physical system, we should
pursue that course of education which best prepared the body for its
grand work as the living agent of the spirit.

In considering physical training it is allowable for us to look both at
beauty and intellectual power. A noble form in man; a fine, beautiful,
healthful form in woman, are desirable for their outward influence.
Created susceptible of deep impressions from external appearances, it is
neither religion nor good sense to undervalue them. That men generally
have over-estimated their worth, is a reason why we should reduce them
to their true position, and not sink them below it. The palace of the
soul should befit its possessor. And as God has taken pleasure in
scattering images of beauty all over the earth, and made us susceptible
of pleasure therefrom, it is right that in the education of our
children we should seek for the unfolding of the noblest and most
beautiful forms. Shall we beautify our dwellings; adorn our grounds with
plants, flowers, and trees of various excellence; improve the breed of
our cattle, and yet care not for the constitutions and forms of those
who are on earth the master-pieces of divine wisdom and the possessors
of all this goodly heritage? Most of all, however, as the agent of the
spirit, should we seek to rear our children in all healthful customs and
invigorating pursuits. It is possible, indeed, that a mind of gigantic
powers may sometimes dwell in a feeble frame, swayed to and fro by every
breath of air. But we are sure that such a physical state is the source
of manifold vexations, pains and loss of power. It is a state which the
possessor never covets; which oppresses him with the consciousness of an
energy he is forbidden to put forth, and a force for moving the world
crippled by the impediment of a frail body. For the full discharge of
all the duties of life; for the affording to our mental powers a fair
field for their action; and especially for the education and advancement
of succeeding generations,