696 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



race of warriors, but lack of moral fortitude defeated the benefits of physi- 

 cal strength. It is not enough to study the laws of hygiene and plan the 

 food, clothing and exercise for the little ones. 



If every farm child had the soul of a poet he might gain much spir- 

 itual truth from his surroundings. From the violet he might learn a les- 

 son of humility, and from the songs of birds one of thankfulness and good 

 cheer. But the truth is, we haven't many poets among our farm boys and 

 girls, and the sturdy lad who follows the plow sees little in the broad 

 fields save the posibility of grain. 



When should the religious training of a child begin? When the tiny 

 toddler approaches the fire you quickly warn him of his danger and sood 

 by sad experience he learns that you were wiser than he and spoke the 

 truth. In similar ways his confidence increases in you day by day until 

 he becomes a veritable interrogation point. Just now is your golden 

 opportunity, for he will accept that which in after years — when bitter 

 experiences have filled his mind with doubt and perplexity — he may reject. 



A little boy once told me of being sent on an errand, and while gone 

 he met a horse which frightened him very much. "But," said he, "I just 

 asked God to take care of me, and I got home all right." Though scarcely 

 more than a baby, this little boy is older in Christian experience than 

 many a man. If his mother succeeds in training him so he retains the faith 

 of his childhood his life will be crowned with success. 



Parents have reason to rejoice in the good morals taught in our pub- 

 lic schools, but this cannot take the place of home training. Nor can a 

 Sunday school teacher who is a comparative stranger do in half an hour 

 what the parents should perform in a week's time at home. 



On the farm home life may be what it cannot be in the city, with its 

 many interruptions and temptations. Country children may see few 

 shows and sometimes wince under the title of "back number," but I would 

 rather one of my brothers should blow out the gas than become hardened 

 in sin. 



Miss Mulock beautifully describes the direct teaching of Bible truth 

 when she pictures to us John Halifax with his wife and children gathered 

 around him on Sunday afternoon reading to them the Holy Book. This 

 may seem old-fashioned, but so is mother-love and many more of the best 

 things in life. Good books may be a power for good in any home, and they 

 are within the reach of all. Nowhere is good literature more appreciated 

 than on the farm. 



The moral value of good music can hardly be overestimated. Among 

 the first things boys are taught in reform schools is to sing. Happy the 

 family where all join together in singing at least once a week. The har- 

 mony of feeling will make up for any discord in sound. 



The best of home influences cannot supplant the work of the church. 

 Example in this, as in everything else, is all important. Only a few years 

 and you will be beyond your children's call, but by your example you are 

 preparing for them a legacy which will always remain with them. Do 

 not decide every Sunday morning whether or not you will go to church. 



