The Connecticut Observer, And New York Congregationalist

THE INFLUENCE OF EXAMPLE.

A Fragment by Zeller.

Young minds can at all times be acted upon without words,-simply by example. The further any person is from what he ought to be, the more does he experience this influence. The less his mind is developed, the more is he urged by a propensity to imitate, to direct and govern himself according to what he sees and hears in the society of other men, better, older, stronger, more skilful, and more experienced than himself. This is a truth that cannot be too often dwelt upon, especially in these days, when we attribute so many wonders to the power of words. Yes: example alone, a life of practice without display, exercises a most marked influence on the soul, the character, and the will: for the conduct of a man is the true expression of his being, and gives a tone to (or animates) every thing around him; consequently nothing can remain uninfluenced within the sphere of a living being. There emanates from the active noiseless life of a single individual, power which is to others, either "a savor of life unto life, or a savor of death unto death."

This explains to us why parents, simple, and without culture, especially mothers, who perhaps have never opened a book on education, and speak very little to their children, yet offer them every day the example of a lively affection, and a well employed though retired life, bestow an excellent education; while on the other hand, we see the children of well instructed parents, frequently turn out ill, who have been acted upon by words alone, rather than by example, and who contemplate around them a class of beings who exercise no good moral influence. Alas! that all parents and instructors know how much power there is in being virtuous, and how little in only appearing to be so!

It concerns all who are called to occupy themselves in education. to consider the holy lesson taught by a well beloved disciple of the Savior, in these words: "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Tim. iv. 12. "In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." Titus ii. 7, 8.

Here we address the following exhortations to all persons, parents or tutors, who are charged with the task of education, beseeching them to give serious attention thereto.

1. Be what the children ought to be.
2. Do what they ought to do.
3. Avoid what they should avoid.
4. Aim always that not only in the presence of the children, but also in their absence, your conduct may serve them for an example.
5. Are any among them defective? Examine what you are yourself, what you do, what you avoid,-in a word, your whole conduct.
6. Do you discover in yourself defects, sins, wanderings? Begin by improving yourself, and seek afterwards to improve your children.
7. Think well that those by whom you are surrounded, are often only the reflection of yourself.
8. If you lead a life of penitence, and seek daily to have grace given you, it will be imparted to you, and through you to your children.
9. If you always seek Divine guidance, your children will more willingly be directed by you.
10. The more obedient you are to God, the more obedient will your children be to you; thus in his childhood the wise Solomon asked of the Lord "an obedient heart," in order to be able to govern his people.
11. As soon as the master becomes lukewarm in communion with God, that lukewarmness will extend itself among his pupils.
12. That which forms a wall of separation between God and yourself, will be a source of evil to your children.
13. An example in which love does not form a chief feature, is but as the light of the moon; it is cold and feeble.
14. An example animated by an ardent and sincere love, shines like the sun; it warms and invigorates.