The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-03-20
ADDRESS,.
To the Parents and the Public of Virginia

To the Parents and the Public of Virginia.
The undersigned have been appointed
by the Educational Association of Vir-
ginia," committee to address you on
their behalf, "urging you to more hearty
cooperation with teachers, in matters of
instruction, discipline, &C., &C."
The benefits which would be secured
to education, and the aid which would be
afforded teachers by such cooperation
would be very great; as all who have any
experience on the subject must be aware
of the obstacles at the very threshold of
education, arising from the want of pro-
per family management. If, therefore,
they can be removed much good will be
attained. Since the teacher is properly
to be regarded as the parents agent, to
assist in the training of his children, it
appears obvious that parents may be best
induced to this important concurrence,
by pointing them to the fundamental
principles to be observed in the education
of youth.
In its broad, comprehensive sense, ed
ucation embraces the physical, moral and
intellectual instruction of child, from
infancy to manhood. Any system, is
imperfect, which does not combine them
all, and that is best, which, while it thor
oughly developes them, aliases the coarse,
animal affections of human nature, and
exalts the higher faculties and feelings.
A child has everything to learn, and is
more readily taught by having before
it good examples to initiate, than by SIM
pie precepts. He should, therefore, as
circumstances will permit, be encouraged
to associate with his parents; for his
heart must be affected, his feelings moved,
as well as his mind expanded. He may
be taught that it is criminal to steal, and
sinful to lie, and yet be unable to apply
this knowledge to the government Of
himself; and it will therefore be of no
value to him, unless the principle is con-
frmed into habit.
Obedience is the first requisite in fami-
ly training. 1t should be made sincere
and perfect, and to proceed as much from
affection as q conviction of its necessity.
To accomplish this, great prudence, and
the exercise of much patience, are neces
sary. By frmness mixed with kindness,
the child will learn, by repeated expe-
rience, that he is not to follow his first
impulse, and that self-control, which even
an infant can understand, is necessary
to his comfort. Neither violence nor
harshness should ever be used; and the
parent must ar constantly in mind,
that to COVE child, he must show
him that he ntrol himself One of
the most col errors in the manage
ment of chi 4 is irregularity of be-
havior towara Them. They are as skill
full as pertina0ous in their attempts to
crafty their self-will; at one time trying
to evade authority, at another to oppose
it. If they once succeed, they are en-
couraged to persevere, and it is necessary
for the parent to meet the first attempt
with frmness, and not permit himself to
be bafied either by evasion or resistance.
child may notyield to threats,
and may defy punishment, he cannot re-
sist patient kindness and gentle admoni-
ton.
The love of truth is equal in impor-
lance to habitual obedience. Every en-
couragement, even to the pardoning of
should be given to its cultivation.
The first impulse of the mind in children
is always to speak the truth rather than
falsehood, unless some evil motive arise
to sway them to untruth. They should
be accustomed to hear the truth always
spoken. Confession of error, with de-
of falsehood, dishonesty and
equivocation, should be sedulously incul-
Gated. A strict adherence to promises
made to them is of the utmost impor-
,anee, as well as the removal of all temp
alton to misconduct.
The influence Of Christianity form the
essential element of moral character; as
is principles are the only sufficient basis
# virtue or happiness. Hence, the pa
ent's most sacred duty to his child is to
IMPRESS the sentiments of our holy reli-