THE TEACHER'S WORK by Eliza H. Morton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 14, 1876

THE TEACHER'S WORK.

By Eliza H. Morton

The work of the teacher in the formation of character is second only to that of the parent. The impressions formed in childhood determine the course of the whole after-life. The teacher can influence the youthful mind as easily as the seal stamps upon the yielding wax its own figure. A little girl, when asked whom she wished to be like, replied, “I wish to be like my teacher.” Those words revealed the influence which that teacher had over one heart. The child looks upon its teacher as an oracle of wisdom, and no word, act, or look escapes its notice.

Parents, I appeal to you: If you value the eternal welfare of your children, secure for them teachers of high moral character. Remember that mental culture is but a small part of a true education, and that those teachers who seek to train the intellectual faculties merely, come far short of doing their duty.

You may bequeath to your children gold, silver, jewels, and all manner of earthly treasure; but remember that those things “perish with the using.” Better than temporal wealth is strength of character to resist evil; therefore, surround your children with the purest influences, secure for them the best instructors, and you will be giving them something of infinitely greater value than money or bank-stocks.

Teachers, I appeal to you: Consider the greatness of your calling, and imitate the example of Him “who taught as never man taught.” In every youthful heart there are elements of good and germs of beauty. Cultivate those higher qualities of the soul, those nobler traits of character. Elevate the standard of human excellence, and let not truth and virtue trail in the dust. Discountenance the profane and vulgar. Weave into the web of human life all that is pure, just, and magnanimous.

Teach your pupils to be honest, industrious, virtuous, and useful. Remember if you attend to the improvement of the intellect alone, your work will be like the house built upon the sand. Your pupils have a spiritual as well as a moral nature; therefore, endeavor to direct their young minds heavenward, and seek to educate them in reference to that higher, nobler life for which this present life is but a preparation. If you do this, great will be your reward, many the stars in your crown, and sweet the “well done” of the Master.

ELIZA H. MORTON.