The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1869-10-09
For The Cecil Wing.
Educational.

lnefe Is 4 widely prevailing sentiment
in some communities, that book knowledge,
is the first, sole and total object of school
instruction; and that the building up of a
moral character, if a lawful part of school
life at all, should hold at an inferior
place. What sane person would not
desire to have this order reversed -
What fond mother; if the choice of book
instruction, without formation of moral
character; or the latter without the first,
would not unhesitatingly choose the latter
alternative! For says she 81 know how
my son will be esteemed in our community,
whereas with head crammed full of books
and no restraining influences or principles,
he might become nuisance, strewing des-
olation in his pathway of life." Let it be
granted that the two methods should go
hand in hand-but ever claim that moral
instruction should take precedence. Pic
ture if you can, a boy illytrained at home,
devoid of moral influence or susceptibilities
with book knowledge sufficient for his
years; imagine, l say, such one placed in
a Sunday school-and what avails tho
Preachers instructions? Heretofore I'M
awakened by the ardent preceptor;-the
man of God talks to leaden ears, and once
outside the sanctuary, the profanity and
obscurity, the usual concomtants of his
weekday speech, resume their predomi-
nance.
We infer from this, that if the teacher,
who, .fre days, in seven, does his work
properly, morally first, then intellectually,
he accomplishes an invaluable object and
that his labors are more important than
those of the preachers, for he renders the
labor of the one or taoo hours-more easy of
accomplishment. Both work to the same
end-the one forty hours, in the week more
than the other. We are afraid this sub
ject is not sufficiently considered in the
selection of teachers for our public schools,
some being chosen, from feelings of human
ity, others on account of family connections,
and some because they love fashionable
dress, and bring their earnings to patrons
store, and in some instances to foster an
unmanly judge, while few, very few are
selected because of ability to instruct NOR
ally and intellectually. The writer does
not remember the propounding of ques-
ton of ethics, and has been present at
several examinations, some of which were
conducted by well known, highly educated
ministers of the gospel. l believe the
right formation of character, should be the
H.. 80 -. g. Ill l.
not say the only end. do not believe that
instruction from books will be any less in
quality or quantity than now. 1t would be
simply passionate ardor, without knowl-
edge, to undertake to build up child's
character without giving him something to
do. A good instructor will easily arouse
the sluggish into action, and keep them
diligently employed. This becomes a par
amount necessity, it would keep his pupils
from being led "into temptation" A
scholar should be taught an abiding, deep,
reverence for the Almighty, a profound
respect for his parents, teachers, and
guardians, as well as the most implicit and
ready obedience. If he undertakes to
rebel, or show obstinancy i'll the wrong,
his will should be broken, by suitable pun
ishment. Let him be made to bow, morn
and eve at the family altar, and let the
Bible and Testament be almost his con-
slant reading book in the school room,
until fourteen, and this without sect arian-
ism. Let him be taught, along with his
book knowledge, that time is talent to be
improved; that industry is virtue, that
lazincss is sin. Honesty must be inculca-
ted. Not as religious duty only but ne
cessary to his after life; and at all times,
come what may, teach him to manfully own
the truth. Truth is beautiful, divinely so,
when the wrong doer, amidst his school
fellows, rises in his place and honestly
exclams GO did it." In such instances,
they are not uncommon, or should not be;)
nine times in ten, the rod falls powerless
from the teachers hand. The incubation
of moral principles dsarms punishment
of its hybrid terrors, for then and only then
is it properly viewed and weighed.
ITO BE CoNTINUED.)
INQUIsITOR.
Port Deposit, Oct. 1869.