Page:The Life and Works of Christopher Dock.djvu/135

Rh A stubborn child that does not fear to do wrong needs to be sharply punished with the rod, and also earnestly reminded of God's word, in the hope of reaching the heart. But the timid and stupid must be reached by other means that make them more free in spirit and more desirous to learn. When the children are brought thus far it is no longer difficult for teacher or pupil, and my colleagues will agree with me that the souls put in our keeping are very precious. We will be called to account for them by our God, and though we have the power to punish they would, I think, agree with me in saying that it is preferable to bring the children to do things from a love of doing than to force them by the rod. The words “Thou shalt and must” and the words “I obey gladly” are very different in sound. For the latter the master needs no rod, and it sounds sweeter and is easier to account for. In Psalm cx, 3, it is written: “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness.” Now what is done willingly in body or soul is not in need of a rod. Again in Psalm xxxii, 8, 9, we read: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse or as the mule, which have no understanding; whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.” Here again we see that they who allow themselves to be taught and led with the eye have no need of a bit and a bridle. We can see this difference in senseless animals. One driver does not employ half the shouting, spurring and whipping with his horses as