West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1882-01-27
4 nINr no scnooL TEAcnERs.


The following article, being an ex-
tract from an address by John S.
Hart, l.. l.. D., and which appeared
in the January number OF the West
Virginia School Jounal should be
carefully perused by every teacher
throughout the county, and the mor-
al drawn from the article should be
taken 10 the schoo room and appli-
ed to advani age. The number Of
mieerably poor readers among grown
up boys aud girls in our common
schools is simply astonishing. And
the few who become'fsii readers do
20 by their own natural tact aud
not from the system Of teaching this
branch in our common schools.
Teachers, read the following, a9k
yourselves if your mode of teaching
will cu'tiVtae in the youths under
yonr care, Gods special gift and en-
dowmeut TO bis chosen creatures.
There is one accomplishment, in partic-
ular, which | would earnestly recon-
mend TO you. Cultivate assiduously the
ability to read we'll stop to particular
i've this, because II ia q thing 90 very much
neglected, and because II ls go elegant,
charming and lady-like an accomplish
ment. Where one person is really inter
ested by music, twenty arc pleased by
good reading Where one person is capa-
ble of becoming a skilful musician, TWEEN
~ may become good readers. Where
there is one occasion suitable for the ex-
ercise Of musical talent, there are twenty
for that of good reading.
The culture Of the voice necessary for
reading well, gives delightful charm 20
the same voice In conversation. Good
reading is the natural exponent and vehi-
Gle OF al good things II is the most ef-
fective OF all commentaries upon the
works of penious. II seems 10 bring dead
authors to life again, aud makes us sit
down familiarly with the great and good
Of all ages.
Did you ever notice what life and
power the Holy Scriptures have when
well read2 Have you ever beard OF the
wonderful effects produced by Elizabeth
Fry on the criminals Of Newgate, by sim.
ply readiEg to them the parable of the
PrOdigal Son2 Princes and Peers Of the
Realm, Il is said, counted II a privilege 20
stand ia the dismal corridors, among fel-
obs and murderers, merely to share with
them the privilege Of witnessing the mar
yelous pathos which genius, taste. apd
culture could infuse into that simple story.
What q fascination there is in really
good readingl What power 10 gives
onc In the hospital, 10 the chamber Of
the invalid, 10 tho nursery, 10 the domes-
tic and 10 the social circle, among chosen
friends and companions, how il enables
you TO minister 10 the amusement, the
comfort, the pleasure, OF dear ones, as no
other art or accomplishment can. No in
strumeut Of mans devising can reacn the
heart as does that most wonderful instru-
meut, the human voice. Il is Gods spe
cial gift and endowment 10 his chosen
creatures. Fold Il not away In a napkin.
II you would double the value Of all
your other acquisitions, II you would add
immeasurably 20 your own enjoyment
and to your power Of promoting the en-
| joyment Of others, cultivate, with inces.
SAINT care, this divine gift No music be-
low the skies is equal 70 that Of pure, Sill
very speech from the lips Of q man cr
woman Of high culture.