Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-06-16
EDUCATING THE HEART.

Ofall the important duties which devolve up
on the teacher, none are of greater moment than
that of cultivating the moral faculties of those
placed under his charge--in other words, of Ed
ucating the heart. 1t matters little how much
of any particular science, or how great num-
Der of sciences may be taught child, if his NOR
al training is neglected, and evil influences and
habits are permitted to take root and spread an
checked in his heart The benefits derived from
an increase of intellectual attainments will be
far overbalanced by the evils arising from loss
of virtue. The teacher who neglects the moral
culture of those entrusted to his care, but illy
discharges the responsibilities which he takes
upon himself, and however apt he may be to
teach--howevere extensive his requirements, he
is deficient in this point he is unfit for the station
which he fills.
Associations are powerful either for good or
i'll, and none exert greater force than those of
the school room. Let a child be placed amid
companions whose morals are depraved and hab-
its bad, however guiltless he may be before ex-
posure to their influence, he will soon become
contaminated A few vicious children will cor
rupt whole school. For instance introduce
a few boys addicted to profanity into school
free of that vice. and if no eXertions are made to
counteract the evil effects of their example, it
will be but short time ere swearing will be rife
among the scholars.
1t is well know that the training of the child
moulds the man-habts formed in youth are
lasting principles-these imbibed are deeply
rooted, and upon their character depends the
prosperity or otherwise of maturity. If these
statements are true (and few will deny that they
are), the position of teachers is one of vast re-
sponsibility, and should be filled by men and
women who are strong minded upright and vr-
tuous
In view Of the foregoing considerations the
following inquiry becomes one of great impor-
lance. BY what means, and in what manner can
the moral faculties of school be best develop
ed, and its evil habits suppressed. To this
would answer, that the first step to be taken by
teacher in educating the hearts of his pupils is
to gain their confidence and affection. To do
this he has simply to act with kindness toward
them, and make them conscious that he seeks
their welfare. This done he may lead them at
his pleasure. Uniting example with precept-
pointing out the wrong which need correction,
and the evil influences and habits which need to
be broken mp, and showing the injurious effects
will cause an abandonment Of them.
The human heart is a garden in which, if the
seeds of goodness are not early sown, and the
plants which spring therefrom are not nourish-
ed with careful culture, the weeds of vice will
shoot up with rank and noxious growth. There
is probably no method by which the introduce
ton and spread of corrupt and vicious principles
in the heart can be more efficiently prevented
than by early and constant installation of sound
and virtuous sentiments. The mind which is
filled with the principles of virtue and rectitude
has but little room for corrupt propensties, and
is well guarded against their intrusion.
In conclusion, would say that the response |
bility rests not upon teachers alone; it is the
duty of parents to cooperate with them, and as
the result of their united labors, great, good,
and prosperous posterity will rise up and call
them blessed Rural New Yorker.