He has then learned to join to pity those activities which constitute
mercy. It will then be an easy matter for him to care for the sick and
infirm, to see for the blind, to hear for the deaf and to walk for the
lame. Let them lift the burden from the shoulders of the aged who have
“blazed the trail” and made possible our present benefits. To them all
love, honor and reverence is due. It is said, “old men for counsel,
young men for action.” Necessarily, the old engineer who has been going
over the road for many years knows more of the dangerous grades and
uncertain curves than the strong young man who is to take the throttle
from the trembling hand, and who will be assured of success if he has
learned the lesson of wisdom in respecting the counsel of the aged.
It is a mistaken idea to shield children from all knowledge of misery
and suffering. It is not those who are blinded to suffering who
experience the greatest amount of joy in life, but the acme of joy comes
to those who have relieved some suffering. It is not always possible to
do great acts of charity, but it is an easy matter to give the kind word
or smile that may turn the tide which will convince some one that life
is worth while. It has been our experience that children may be taught
the elementary principles of nursing to a very great advantage. The
knowledge of diet and hygiene enables them not only to care for others,
but is applicable to their own bodily needs. The quiet step, the gentle
voice, the self-control necessary to the care of the sick, and the
respect due the physician and patient, are all good lessons in his early
moral and mental training.