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Education
to be, to answer the question, “How shall we order the child, and
how shall we do unto him?” (
Judges 13:12
), and to instruct a father
concerning the education of a promised son.
Never will education accomplish all that it might and should ac-
complish until the importance of the parents’ work is fully recognized,
and they receive a training for its sacred responsibilities.
The necessity of preparatory training for the teacher is universally
admitted; but few recognize the character of the preparation most
essential. He who appreciates the responsibility involved in the training
of the youth, will realize that instruction in scientific and literary lines
alone cannot suffice. The teacher should have a more comprehensive
education than can be gained by the study of books. He should possess
not only strength but breadth of mind; should be not only whole-souled
but large-hearted.
He only who created the mind and ordained its laws can perfectly
understand its needs or direct its development. The principles of ed-
[277]
ucation that He has given are the only safe guide. A qualification
essential for every teacher is a knowledge of these principles and such
an acceptance of them as will make them a controlling power in his
own life.
Experience in practical life is indispensable. Order, thoroughness,
punctuality, self-control, a sunny temper, evenness of disposition,
self-sacrifice, integrity, and courtesy are essential qualifications.
Because there is so much cheapness of character, so much of
the counterfeit all around the youth, there is the more need that the
teacher’s words, attitude, and deportment should represent the elevated
and the true. Children are quick to detect affectation or any other
weakness or defect. The teacher can gain the respect of his pupils in no
other way than by revealing in his own character the principles which
he seeks to teach them. Only as he does this in his daily association
with them can he have a permanent influence over them for good.
For almost every other qualification that contributes to his success,
the teacher is in great degree dependent upon physical vigor. The
better his health, the better will be his work.
So wearing are his responsibilities that special effort on his part
is required to preserve vigor and freshness. Often he becomes heart-
weary and brain-weary, with the almost irresistible tendency to depres-
sion, coldness, or irritability. It is his duty not merely to resist such