We cannot impress too early on the child’s mind the love and reverence
he owes to his country. The superior merits of her institutions should
always be present in such teachings so that the child always would
recognize the best under the flag which stands for his welfare and
protection. Regardless of the respective merits of different
governments, let none be greater than his own so that the child will
learn always to defend and maintain the honor and dignity of his
country.
The essential condition to be aimed at in home life should be that as
the child grows up there be no question of fear, and that if the parents
are to do the most for their children and are going to get the greatest
amount of pleasure and comfort for themselves from them, there must be a
spirit of perfect respect and kindly comradeship. Parents and children,
to use the common but most expressive phrase, should in the best sense
of the term be companions.
The laws of this and every civilized land teach respect for the property
of others, the justice, not the penalty which commands due respect. But
respect for the opinions and views of others—this is a virtue that needs
be inoculated in your children’s minds early. It is closely connected
with charity. In teaching this form of respect impress upon them the
great difference in people. No two persons see or think exactly alike.
The world would be monotonous were all of its people the same in thought
and expression. It is always well to remember that, “it takes all kinds
of people to make a world.” Respect for parents, for strangers, for the
aged, should be instilled in the mind of every child. Explain to them
that, “respect for others’ views is the surest way of winning them to
your own.” Reverence for things sacred always helps to brighten the way.
The reverence with which a little child kneels at his mother’s side is a
beautiful sight. Respect for the mother’s teachings and reverence in the
worship of God through her implicit faith in a higher power. Reverence
and respect go hand in hand. “As ye measure to others, so in like manner
shall it be measured to you again.”