Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-08-15
Consolation in Teaching.

! Amidst all the difficulties with which the
instructor has to contend, there is much to al
leviate his burdens, much to cheer him in bis
troubles and prepleXities, much to encourage
him in his exertions. True, he is subject 10
the contempt of the ignorant aristocrat, the
coHtumely OF the purse proHd millionaire, and
the neg ect of the ambitious politician. He
can rarely aspire TO the honOrs of Office, or to
the ease and luxurieS of wealth But, at such
apparently diSheartening circumstances, sound
philosophy and genuine philanthropy only
smile. There is luxury i'll doing good, which
abundantly colpensates for many deprivatons.
The principle enemies against which the in
Structor has to combat, are vice and ignorance.
He is, therefore, never called upon to battle
n any unjust cause. He never has to defend
the wrong in opposition to the right, and his
most efficient weapons are blOodless arrows
Aoof from the turmoils of political strife, be-
you'd the influence of that most bewitching and
most deceitful of syrens, ambition for political
distinction, and rarely jaundiced by inordinate
thirst for gold, he is comparatively removed
from temptations to which other classes of
meh are exposed The legitimate object of his
exertions, the end of his proper aspirations, is
to impart and develop the good aud the true,
to make mankind wiser, purer, holer. What
a glorious goal for ambition, purified from its
gross and poisonous elements
The materials, too, placed in the teachers
haDdS-what are they Immortal minds, in
their naScent and most plant state, ready to
be moulded into forms of undying beauty and
perfection, or distorted into shapes of hideous
and ever during ugliness The sculptor fash
ions out the inaLimate marble into the " cOun-
terfeit preSentment " of man, while he who
converts an ignorant and vicious child into a
wellinformed and vlrtuous citizen, creates, it
may be said, the real man himself. The in
structionS, admonition and cxhortationS ofthe
clergyman, too often fall inefectively upon the
indurated heart of the adult, and not unfre-
quently, are too general aud comprehensive TO
reach the feeble understanding of the young.
But the Intelligent kind-hearted teacher, can
adapt his instructions to the comprehension
and affections of bis tender and flexible charge.
Here, then, is field worthy of the highest
efforts of the wisest and most skillful husband
man.
Besides, how cheering to the teacher are the
subsequent success and respectability of his
pupils. To possess sensible evidence that We
have been instrumental in sending out into the
world, men and women who are an ornament
to their country and blessing to their race,
is surely to slight compensation for the ankle
ties we may have suffered, the tolls We may
have endured and the patience and persever-
ance we may have exercised. To feel that We
have rescued even one individual from an
ignominOus or premature death, is more true
and lasting glory than to have won crown.
And tEen the gratitude cherished by his pupils
throughout life, towards faithful instructor,
comes to his heart like refreshing dewdrops.
Finally, the teachers vocation is becoming
more and more appreciated and he himself,
as he improves in character and knowledge.
fulfls more faithfully aud efficiently the sacred
charge entrusted 10 him, altainS to increased
respect and higher remuneration for his
services.
With such motives to cheerfulness and en-
ergetic action, let no teacher despair; let noAe
despise or slight his calling for even the
humble and obscure guide o: the lowest grade
of children, may be accomplishing the true
purposes of life, far more perfectly than he
who rides victorious over conquered nations,
or he who sits in jeweled majesty, sovereign
over the richest and broadeSt domains.-Mas-
SachuSettS Teacher.