Co-operation should be the spirit of the schoolroom, the law of its life. The teacher who gains the co-operation of his pupils secures an invaluable aid in maintaining order. In service in the schoolroom many a boy whose restlessness leads to disorder and insubordination would find an outlet for his superfluous energy. Let the older assist the younger, the strong the weak; and, so far as possible, let each be called upon to do something in which he excels. This will encourage self-respect and a desire to be useful. * * * * * [Sidenote: _Bible Examples_] It would be helpful for the youth, and for parents and teachers as well, to study the lesson of co-operation as taught in the Scriptures. Among its many illustrations notice the building of the tabernacle,—that object-lesson of character-building,—in which the whole people united, “every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing.”[402] Read how the wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt by the returned captives, in the midst of poverty, difficulty, and danger, the great task successfully accomplished because “the people had a mind to work.”[403] Consider the part acted by the disciples in the Saviour’s miracle for the feeding of the multitude. The food multiplied in the hands of Christ, but the disciples received the loaves, and gave to the waiting throng. “We are members one of another.” As every one therefore “hath received a[404] gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”[405] Well might the words written of the idol-builders of old be, with worthier aim, adopted as a motto by character-builders of to-day:— “They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.”[406] _Discipline_ “TRAIN, ADMONISH, ENCOURAGE, BE LONG-SUFFERING” [Sidenote: _Teaching Obedience_] One of the first lessons a child needs to learn is the lesson of obedience. Before he is old enough to reason, he may be taught to obey. By gentle, persistent effort, the habit should be established. Thus, to a great degree, may be prevented those later conflicts between will and authority that do so much to create alienation and bitterness toward parents and teachers, and too often resistance of all authority, human and divine. [Sidenote: _Self-Government_]