# Lehre und Wehre_St. Louis Missouri_Januar 1863_S9
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

On the evangelical conduct of a Christian-minded parish schoolteacher, etc. 9

it happens that the parents draw the schoolteacher into their social circles for the children's sake as well. The great mass of parents is content that a school exists, pays its contribution toward its upkeep regularly or irregularly, but attends little or not at all the annual school examinations, keeps its children from attending school on the flimsiest pretext, and takes little notice of the written half-yearly reports issued here and there.

Under such, for the most part quite troubled, circumstances it is doubly in keeping with the serving love of the Christian-minded schoolteacher, so far as is possible and feasible, to place himself in fellowship with the parents of his schoolchildren — partly with those to whom the domestic rearing of their children is, on the whole, a serious matter, but chiefly with those to whom it has not yet become a serious matter, and who live on carelessly and indifferently in this respect too. For it is precisely among the children of these latter that it more often happens that they, even in school, sin grossly against God's commandments and thereby draw upon themselves a sharper chastisement; and then the need frequently arises that the teacher inform the parents concerned of this, which through God's grace can turn out very salutary to them for a deeper knowledge of their sin and themselves. Although the children of more earnest Christians generally have a different and better manner and bearing in school than those of the more indifferent members of the congregation, it can nevertheless happen even here at times that even such children commit a graver fall into sin, or that in this or that child — especially where there is outstanding talent — a considerable conceit and pride reveals itself. How important it is then for the parents, and how it accords with the serving love of the teacher, when he informs them of this, perhaps also, where it seems salutary, admonishing both parties, parents and teacher, together with the child. No less is it in keeping with this love that the schoolteacher reprove such parents as habitually send their children to school poorly, and in doubtful cases seek to ascertain whether the frequent absence is the parents' fault or perhaps the children's deception.

Secondly, the schoolteacher's serving love toward the congregation will show itself in this, that in the congregational meetings — especially if he is an older Christian — he gladly and willingly serves the common good with his riper knowledge and experience in matters of doctrine or discipline, or in external affairs; for just as ill as it becomes a younger schoolteacher of still lesser knowledge and experience to speak into the transaction of church affairs immaturely and presumptuously, just as little does it befit a more mature teacher, out of false regard and modesty, to withhold the good treasure of his riper knowledge from the common good. Likewise, in the keeping of the minutes, the schoolteacher will, where needful, gladly and dutifully show himself compliant toward the congregation at its request.