The San Francisco call., 1904-06-19

.a It rs 1''5s:5' 55 5::5 That R j: ;':is sl:. child %
Y portant that they develop a love
for reading. II is Of far greater i'm
portance that they develop a love for
the right kind Of reading. The best
schools are not only teaching how to
read but also what 10 read. However,
the parents cannot throw off their re-
sponsibility. That reading which weak
ems the intellect and debases the NOR
ais must be guarded against That
which strengthens the mind, forms the
basis Of knowledge and tends to raise
the moral tone must be furnished. The
desire for the right kind Of reading is
acquired. II does not come by in
stinct. II is therefore our duty TO give
careful consideration TO the matter.
Children viii like TO read those books
which We teach them to like. II we
pay no attention TO the matter they
viii almost certainly learn TO love those
books which they find others reading
II such is the case, it is our fault not
theirs. In selecting books we should
have particular end in view. They
should either be selected for the moral
benefit. 10 add 10 their knowledge, or
70 give pleasure. The best books COM
bine these three ends. The book Of
fairy tales has its place. So also the
book Of fiction, such as may be found
in the Sunday school Libraries. More
important than these for older chill
dren are books OF travel. history and
biography.
II is not sufficient to keep bad books
away from children. The right kind OF
books must be provided. Any librarian
viii gladly give suggestions upon this
subject. In selecting books IL is i'm
portant that We do not fail 70 con-
slider not merely the age, sex and
temperament Of the child, but also the
time OF year and the part OF the coun-
try in which the child lives and many
other similar matters. It is also i'm
portant that the parent should read
some books with the child.
What has been said OF the impor-
taDce OF selecting the right kind of
companions applies with equal force TO
the selection Of the right kind OF books
Too often parents have favorites
among their children. Sometimes 10 is
quite noticeable to others OF the fam
fly. as well as 10 strangers. Under
such circumstances. there is almost
certain 10 be oiscord and continual far
ring. Who has not known cases
where the evil effects OF such favor
itism has borne bitter fruit during the
whole lives OF parents and children?
Too much care cannot be taken by
parents 10 see that their decisions are
impartial No matter IL one child is OF
q more loving disposition and more
Iovable than another. each must feel
that there is an equally warm place In
the hearts and an equally prominent
position in the affection OF the parents
As they grow older they VIII ever prize
and aim 10 retain that loving regard
Should occasion come they will rejoice
to turn once more 10 the parents for
that advice and sympathy which they
know awaits each one without favor,
but with affection.
What parent las not been troubled.
or even driven 70 despair 20 know what
to DO with children on Sunday? Even II
II has been possible to get them TO do
Just as the parent would have them do,
II is hard 10 know what they should be
requiped TO do. Any parent who has
sufficient brute force determination can
make children conform to certain def
mite rules but is that the right thing
20 do? Certainly not or all days. this
is the day that we should strive TO get
along BIZ loving kindness.
Some parents make Sundays so un-
pleasant that the children dread its
approach. No child should be ex-
pected to act as parents do on Sum
day. Yet, do not many parents think
that children should be amused on
Sunday with the same things that
amuse themselves? This day should