Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Train--initiate, or early instruct. the way--literally, "his way," that selected for him in which he should go; for early training secures habitual walking in it.
Instruction must fit the child's capacity, little by little as his mouth can receive it, from infancy onward, teaching him duty to God and man, setting him a holy example. Where there is good education, those impressions do not easily wear away; and when grace seasons his heart, he practices in adulthood what he learned in theory, and continues in truth and holiness.
AI summary
The instruction of youth must conform to the nature of youth itself, suited to each stage of mental and bodily development. Like the pot seasoned fresh that keeps its savor long, the child affected early by sound teaching carries that taste with him; this is the fundamental principle of all right education.
AI summary