Discipline, Order, and Punctuality in Sunday Schools

To say that I am surprised to be called upon to address this congregation would be a mild representation of my feelings; but I trust with the Spirit of the Lord I may be able to say something of interest to you and to me in connection with the subject of children. ¶

One phase of the remarks of President Smith struck me with force. He stated that the characters of our children are about as we make them. ¶

But we do not apply this fact as we should do. If we wish to become mechanics we find it necessary to be apprenticed to learn the trade. If we are to practice medicine, we must study the human body and how it responds to treatment. But we get married and begin to rear families without giving any. or but little, consideration to the nature of the children we bring into the world. We often rebuke them in the most bungling and hurtful manner. The time has come when more attention must be given to the training of the young. ¶

A little incident which occurred in my neighborhood recently will show how thoughtless we sometimes are in correcting our children. A good mother who had been toiling hard all day found herself somewhat behind in her work of getting supper in the evening. She was tired, nervous, and worried lest it should not be ready by the time her husband returned from work. Her little daughter, six years of age, was helping her by tending the baby as best she could, but the baby was fretful and would cry in spite of the best attentions the little sister could give. "Maybe baby is hungry," said the little girl, "I'll get him some milk." So saying, she laid him in the crib and hurried into the pantry and got him a glass of milk. In her hurry and anxiety— for the baby was crying — she stubbed her toe and fell, spilling the milk on the carpet. The mother, without inquiring into the motives of the child, flew into a passion, rushed up and gave the little girl a smart blow on the head and called her a naughty girl for making such a milk spot on the carpet. The little girl, who had been doing her best to help her mother, shrank into a corner broken-hearted at the treatment she had received. ¶

What a grave mistake this mother made! How little consideration she gave to the motives of the child, or the real effects of the punishment! Could that child continue long to love and respect that mother under such unwise treatment? Punishment may be necessary at times, but we should be careful and know that we are right in giving it. ¶

The same error often occurs in giving instructions. Sometimes we are clear upon a certain point ourselves, but cannot get out thoughts down to the capacity or condition, of the children. For instance, on a recent trip I visited a certain class of pupils who were from six to eight years of age. The teacher was trying to explain the passage from Isaiah which speaks of seven women taking hold of one man. What would little children know about such a subject? The subject as well as its treatment should be suited to the child. Other lessons from the Bible might have been given with profit, indeed, the greatest good may be derived by the use of the beautiful, simple stories which the Scriptures contain. Through them impressions may be made upon the young mind that will never be forgotten, and ever exert a good influence over their lives. But they must be chosen and presented wisely. ¶

Our children are the greatest blessing God can give us, and we should bestow more attention and study upon child nature. Inquire into their motives, and give our best thought to their training. ¶

The plans prepared are good ones for live teachers, but they are not good for lazy ones. Some people think it a sin to prepare a lesson beforehand. I remember a story told by Brother Maeser. This beloved teacher once visited a theological class, the teacher of which went — as Brother Maeser expressed it — from "Dan to Beersheba" and "from Genesis to Revelation" in his address to the class, without making clear any point or principle. Brother Maeser, at the proper time and place, asked him what preparations he had made for that recitation. The teacher in evident surprise answered, "I never make any. I don't propose to lariat the Spirit of God." "My dear brother," responded Brother Maeser, "let me assure you there was not a particle of the Spirit of God in all your teaching this morning." ¶

Read one of the lessons on the subject in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery were both blessed with the gift to translate. Oliver lost it and the revelation tells us why. He thought all he had to do was to ask God and he would get the translation without further effort. Because he did not exercise his own mind, to think it out, his gift was taken away. So with the teacher. The plan is given you from the Union Board. Take each lesson, think it out, ask God's blessing upon it, and give it your best effort; your gift will grow; you will succeed. ¶