He only who created the mind and ordained its laws can perfectly understand its needs or direct its development. The principles of education 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. 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 vigour. 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 vigour and freshness.