191 



of the community. We must reach the children, the young children 

 whose minds are receptive and plastic, and whose habits are being 

 formed. This important work can be commenced in every home, and 

 in every school, if parents and teachers feel their responsibilities in 

 directing aright the latent energies of those entrusted to their care. 



Children are busy observers of natural objects and have many 

 questions to ask. This is but indicative of a healthy natural state in 

 them. Are not their inquiries often repressed instead of being en- 

 couraged and guided 1 Why 1 one asks. And must it not be answered 

 that those in charge of the education of children, as well as parents, do 

 not possess the information necessary to answer simply and intelli- 

 gently the questions prompted by an awakening intellect. At school 

 and at the fireside how irrationally children have been treated. They 

 have been shut in from nature and compelled to read, write and learn 

 much in abstractions ; while Nature, the skilful teacher, awaited them 

 abroad in her domains to give lessons in the pleasantest, easiest form, 

 through the senses. But " a good time is coming, boys ;" it has dawned 

 upon us, and our little human buds open in and bloom in the " Kinder- 

 garten " — the child garden, where they hear and imitate the songs and 

 movements of birds; whereGodand love makeall things bright and happy; 

 where the flowers, the ants, the bees, the winds, the rain, " Jack Frost " 

 and the stars are the playmates of the children of men. But alas ! too 

 soon there comes " a biting, shilling frost " and nips or delays such an 

 all-round development as is desired for our blossoms. It will be only 

 when this natural, rational culture is -coji'-inued through our entire 

 school course that a right and rational method will be followed, and be 

 productive of good results. 



The moral, mental and physical are harmoniously developed under 

 skilful guidance, for in our rambles abroad, eyes, ears and brain are 

 busy in noting and wondering at God's greatness, His love, and His 

 myriad wonders of Creation. The activities of youth must be directed 

 aright, or soon a lazy, listltss humor will take possession of niiny, and if 

 indulged in will be productive of idle day dreams ; or, worse still, the 



same activities and latent energies may lead into wrong and dangerous 

 channels, where shipwreck and disaster may ruin the staunch craft 



