The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-09-14
VOLUME vi.
Mernlng Star and Catholic Messenger.
INV ORLEANS. SUNDAY. SEPTEMBER u. 1873.
HOME EDUCATION.
WORD TO CATHOLIC PARENTS.

awoRp TO CATHOLIC PARENTS.
IT has often been q question of surprise TO
,,ore than one observer of the signs of the
times. that while so many utilitarian objects
are brought to our notice, 80 many topics
brought under discussion, no one should have
thus far thought of presenting us with course
If features to parents, on their dnties as re-
responsible agents to Him who has blessed
them with children.
Parents are frequently reminded of their OBJ
lieatien to instruct their children, to place
them in good schools, and to insist that they
avoid improper companions. Too little atten-
ton, however is paid to the details OF carry
ing out these general instructions and not Off,
en- enough are we told hoV to gire and 'chen 10.
impart home education.
II might be borne in mind that to many
characters the method of persuasion cons'Sts'
6ras. in An agreeable exterior, and afterwards
by the manifestations of such interior charac'
teristics az can alone secure lasting friendship
and esteem. With such only those who have
rsceiSed homo education will DO powerful tor
mod, while in every case, and, perhaps moro
for the learned than the illiterate. will this ed
ucation prove key to the affections, the re-
sSaat. end the appreciation of those whose
good estimate we covet.
Home education, as we understand 1t, con-
sists in the formation of the character as O
mental capacity, aud the body as physical
organization, to those general and sPeciai
rules of good behavior, and mutual torbear-
ance fitting Us for the duties, responsibilities
and occurrences of any condition of life II
which chance or opportunity may place u.s. Il
then embraces q wide range, and will neee
moro examination, development, and STUDY
than mi ght at first be imagined. To pursue
fully presuppose in parents that they havo nm
dergone o similar training themselves; tina
no experimental attempts will be neeoed' ou
that the result of matured experience will
the fayorite portion of their children. Da
this is not the case too many are aware, " MI
IL may be added, that did large porton
those thus unqualified know how they migt
attain even q theoretical knowledge OF the n
ture and character of home education the
would willingly give it their serious conside
alton, and spply themselves with landau
zeal to the carrying out of its requirements
The 8rst elementary principle upon whi'
VIC would insist is, that children learn more
the eve than by the car. They may often te
get what has merely been heard, while tn
rarely forget what they have seen. Let o.
one, as an experiment, listen to the conVers
ton of children; in nine cases out OF
they will talk, not of what they have heal
but of what they have seen. Ask a child
tell you what o lecturer may have salo' OF
clergyman announced, you will frequently
minus an answer; but ask the same Oh
about the appearance of the clergyman,
manner of action, his delivery, and at once
will be seen how much more busily engaG
were the eyes than the ears. Moreover
hearing, more stress or an effort OF the lnte
gence is required than in the reception OF
same idea through the eye. Hence II Is u
in the best systems of teaching, the OBJ
method so largely prevails. Show child
rare animal, and then ask description;
will receive it ut once, while mere word
ecription would in many cases not enable
child to point out the same animal if see
short time afterwards. These general rem:
will probably form fair introduction to "
we believe should be the principal means
ployed in carly home education.
Everything about the dwelling shoul'
kent scrupulousy neat and attractive
dwelling where filth prevails will neVe
considered homo by an intelligent c
This home need not be rich nor gaudy. (
idence has not so disposed in favor Of
greater number of US, but while he mas
favored US with wealth, he has not curse
with filth. This will explain whv SO
young men leave the paternal roof at so
date. In their schools, directed by men
understand character. and endeavor 70 81
its laudoble cravings, all is kept in o nes