Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1894-08-25

themselves but unless in the first We
learn the value of time as related TO the
years beyond the grave, ia
the second. something of the lessons
taught by the fall of nations when they
had ignored God and morality and
chung TO vice; and in the third some-
thing OF Him who made the mountains
aud seas, then something is missed;
something is lost, the teaching is incom-
plete. We must have moral training.
That is not a true education, which
does not reach the heart as well as the
head. Says Cardinal Gibbons, "God has
given us heart to be formed to virtue;
as well as head to be enlightened" BY
secular education we improve the mind;
by moral training we improve the
beart.
A combination of these two is very
possible and practicable and highly essen
tial il we would give our youths the best
education, the education that will de-
velop true manhood for the country.
Mere intelligence or secular education
does not tend TO make a nation better
Greece with all of her art and learning
persisted. Rome when apparently at
her best proved weakeet-because her
moral life had declined. Crime is not les
sened by mere book learning, for the
prison statistics of the United States in
1891 show, that at least 10 per cent of
all its criminals had some learning,
while at least 60 per cent of this number
had been in high and grammar schools
Education unless it be the true kind is
as dangerous in the hands of individuals
as the much dreaded and much used
bomb OF to-day.
A system Of education that does not
Hovalnn inf rr1nrnl Golf -
manhood Is detective and is not bless
ing to the nation. But | must remind
you that do not forget the basis OF
morality to be religion. The question
may arise are we to teach religion in
our public schools? l would answer
yes. The doctrines of the existence \ Z.
| God; the immortality of the soul, and
mans accountability are believed alike
| by jew and Gentle. Catholic and Protes
| tant and we boast that this is a chris.
tian nation. These grounds are suffi
Gent on which to teach all morality
creed aud denomination need play no
part at all in this teaching. But ex-
ample here, as in all teaching is what il
is most needed The teacher is not call
/ ed upon to spend great deal of time in
religious instructions or religious exer
cses. But the whole atmosphere, the
spirit and the character of the teach
or, should speak truth and purity above
reproach.
Such an atmosphere, such an influence
daily thrown about the youth of tn,
land will give a healthy tone to so
ciety, will purify the nation, for pure all
strengthens as impure air enervates
Again, pardon me If l quote from the
Cardinal who says. "Piety is not to bs
put on as holiday attire; to be worn OF
state occasions, but is to be exhibited in
our conduct at all times" Our you'll
must put into practice every day th,
commandments of God as well as tn,
rules OF grammar and arithmetic. How
can they familiarize themselves witt
these sacred duties il they are not daily
incuIcated. / would that every teache
} and school officer in the land woul,
sound the alarm for the necessity O
greater thought and attention to thi
subject in the scbool-room, until al
! shall see and properly appreciate il
value. The true teacher has saved soul
in great number, and all over this broa.
J land are men and women who ascrib
the praise for what they are, to the in
fiuence that held them in the school
J room. And now / leave the subie t wit
you; who have had great experience il
dealing with the young mind and leav
il too with those who are Just crossin
2 the threshold of q new life and who fO
the most part will enter the teacher
r profession. / shall be satisfied il hav
said one word that shall be inspiratio
, OF higher aims TO any of you. Remen
Der that Honor and shame from n
condition rise. Act well your part thel
T all the honor lies"