But these consciously presented impressions form only a small part of the sources of suggestion to the child.  The countless sights and circumstances of his everyday life all have a voice for him, and a feeling follows their message.

Every mother who has suffered mortification over the unaccountable behavior of her child toward a guest, knows the sometimes untoward as well as helpful working of suggestion from personality.  Atmosphere has the same power.  “I don’t know what there is in your home,” said a visitor to her hostess; “I can’t define it, but it makes me want to be good.”  Music may be suggestive, aside from what it actually says.  It would seem as if no sane superintendent would prepare for prayer by a two step song, or follow the lesson on, “The Washing of the Disciples’ Feet”, by, “Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean,” but it was done.  It would seem as though no primary teacher could be so insensible to suggestion from objects, as to try to teach worship in giving by taking the offering through a hole in the tail of a jointed tin rooster, but that self-same rooster is no myth.

The subject expands into endless ramifications.  True nurture essays the difficult task of analyzing the impressions that come from suggestion—­guarding against the harmful, and multiplying the helpful.

3.  Impressions may be given and feelings aroused through doing the act which would naturally result from the feeling.

This is the reason why a reverential attitude helps to arouse real reverence, and a smiling face and cheery tone actually bring cheerfulness in a case of the blues.  Little children are so imitative that they quickly copy the outward manifestations of a feeling, and the inner state tends to follow.  This is further a reason for leading them into acts of loving service, that love and kindred gracious feelings may gain strength through the reflex influence of the action upon the soul.

One word should be spoken on the negative side.  Since each recurrence of a feeling strengthens its power, nurture will seek to avoid the conditions which would arouse wrong feelings.  “But should not the child control himself?” some one asks.  Instinctive feelings are stronger than the power of self control in the beginning, and life needs shielding more than testing.  God says, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger,” or, literally, “Fathers, irritate not your children beyond measure, but nourish them fully in the instruction and admonition of the Lord.”

2.  The Expression of the Feelings.

Every normal feeling tends irresistibly to express itself in action unless it is held in leash.  The story of the poor family needs the addition of no impassioned appeal; the child is already wondering whether he can empty his bank for their help.  If expression is denied to the feeling, it tends to die out, and continual repression means a lessening either in power to act or power to feel.  “Sentimentalists” have lost power to act except in tears or ejaculations when their emotions are stirred, and “hardened” people have lost the power to feel under ordinary stimulation.  Therefore nothing is more fatal to vigorous development of the feelings of the child than to allow them to be dissipated without expression in the action they naturally suggest.