Here I am obliged to mention something which as an educationist I can by
no means pass lightly by. We received instruction from two
schoolmasters: one was pedantic and rigid; the other, more especially
our class-teacher (_conrector_), was large-hearted and free. The first
never had any influence over his class; the second could do whatever he
pleased with us, and if he had but set his mind to it, or perhaps if he
had been aware of his power, he might have done some thoroughly good
sound work with his class. In the little town of Stadt-Ilm were two
ministers, both ephors[15] of the school. My uncle, the principal
minister, was mild, gentle, and kind-hearted, impressive in daily life
as in his sacred office or in the pulpit; the other minister was rigid
even to sternness, frequently scolding and ordering us about. The first
led us with a glance. A word from him, and surely few were so brutish as
to refuse that word admittance to their heart. The long exhortations of
the other went, for the most part, over our heads, leaving no trace
behind. Like my father, my uncle was a true shepherd of his flock; but a
gentle lovingkindness to all mankind reigned in him.
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