Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 February 1890 — Give Them Time. [ARTICLE]

Give Them Time.

/■Old Forbes,” as the neighbors called him, was a Pennsylvania farmer of the old type, corroct in his morals, bigoted in his religion, shrewd in business, and stubborn as iron in his prejudices. He had three ol different character from himself, each of whom, as he passed out of childhood, became vicious, deceitful or ungovernable. Their father at last brought his troubles to the minister. “I have done my .duty,” he said. “I have never neglected to punish them when they did not walk in the right way.” “But, did it ever occur to you,” said old Dr. D , “that the right way for a sheep is not the right way for a lamb? You expect from boys of 14 the wisdom of 30, and punish them when they fall short. Why are not these peaches in bearing, Brother Forbes?” he usked, abrubtly. “They were only planted last year,” said the farmer, nettled at the question. “You must give them time.” “Yes, and give your human plants time,” said the old clergyman as he left him without another word. Farmer Forbes, after much thought, determined to “hand the boys over to their mother awhile.”

The experiment was successful. The mother had patience, as well »s high aims. Her sons in the end fulfilled both her hopes and her prayers. There are few families now to be found, even in the Puritan New England or Presbyterian Pennsylvania, in which the iron rod holds sway as it did fifty years ago. Children are suffered to grow up without the savage pruning and wrenching of character once too common, but they are often subjected to an unnatural mental strain almost as hurtful. A b6y of average ability is put into a class ol lads who have nimbler brains than ho, and—what he lacks—the eash of' habit in study. He is urged to take the prize from John or to equal William in marks, as though he would be ruined for life if these boys pass into a higher class while he is left behind. In the best schools of the country the mind of each pupil is developed or stimulated to a healthy growth, as a plant is nourished in the garden, without reference to other plants. The wise father knows, too, that il is not necessary to use the pruningknife continually. There are faults ol childhood which disappear with that age, as the vigorous tree easily throws off the false shoots that clogged ite growth as a sapling.