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Dolly Parton and the Town Tramp

Deacon

Deacon

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The philosophy and practice of discipline has changed over the last 100 years.
Perhaps to the better but that certainly can be disputed by the lack of self-control exhibited by youth of today.

I read a book about John Wycliffe (~1328 1384) awhile back that opened my eyes to how things were practiced in the past.

Here is a brief quote:

None of these groups demanded individuality. On the contrary, they emphasized conformity to their standards of strict behavior. As a result Roger and Catherine raised baby John in moral virtue, for parents knew that sin could easily and quickly corrupt a child. "The fruit of a soft and tender bud might easily grow wild," the manuals warned. So to prevent any tendency toward growing wild, Roger and Catherine undisputedly beat John and his brothers and sisters and beat them often. (footnote: The theory was widely held even into the nineteenth century.)
"Who does not beat his child does not love his child," parents believed. Their beatings were not easy. These manuals on child raising recommended that a child should be beaten with "a smooth, pliant, willow stick." He should not be kicked or hit with an open palm or with fists. Stories and histories, however, report that anything handy was used for beating-- canes, rods, bundles of sticks, even shovels. A child was also urged into action with a sharpened stick in the same way sheep or cattle were prodded.
Louis Brewer Hall, The Perilous Vision of John Wyclif. Nelson-Hall Inc., 1983. p. 7.
​
Be careful when you judge the practices of the past by the standards of today.

Rob
 
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