LORD ROBERT BADEN POWELL OF GILWELL
To the founder of the modern Boy Scouts movement, men of honor were men of religion and faith. But while Lord Powell may have said that “no man is good unless he obeys God and his laws,” what that meant for Powell was a very practical and tangible experience.
There was a required aspect of faith to nobility and virtue in life, but this virtue was predicated upon the expression of good works. One did not simply read the Bible, go to church, and then walk out—for Powell, what was done outside the church doors seemed more important than what was taught inside the church. But there was also a very classic understanding of the presence of God in the natural world. There could be no separation between the study of Scripture and the study of biology—exploring God’s character could come in a meadow or wood as easily as on a pew. God’s image was in all creation, and Powell desired his young scouts to dive deep into that image. At the heart those British values of no-nonsense common sense and hard work—fleshed out in instruction on piety—are clearly seen in Powell’s instructions to his young listeners in this campyard yarn, entitled “On Self-Improvement.”
The prevailing want of religion should be remedied by a practical working religion rather than a too spiritual one at first.
Self-Education, that is, what a boy learns for himself is what is going to stick by him and guide him later on in life far more than anything that is imposed on him through “instruction” by a teacher.
This is true of Religion as of secular subjects. The work of a teacher, or a Scoutmaster, is merely to encourage him in his effort and to suggest the right direction for it.
The boy is naturally inclined to religion, but to instruct him in the Point which may appeal to the adult has often the result of either boring him off it or of making him a prig.
A sure way to gain his whole-hearted realization of God is through Nature Study, and of his Christian duties through the Scout’s practice of Good Turns, the Missioner’s Badge work, etc.
Sunday Scouting—In Christian countries Boy Scouts should, without fail, attend church or chapel, on Sundays. The afternoon walk might then be devoted to quiet scouting practices such as “Nature Study” by exploring for plants or insects, observing animals or birds; or in town or bad weather visiting good picture galleries, museums, etc.; “Knight Errantry,” doing good turns by good collecting flowers and taking them to the patients and so on. Sunday is a day of rest; loafing is not rest. Change of occupation from the workshop to the fields is rest; but the Sabbath is too often a day of loafing, and, morally made the worst day in the whole week for our lads and girls. Combine with the instruction of your Church the study of God in Nature, and the practice of good turns on God’s day.
No man is much good unless he believes in God and obeys his laws. So every Scout should have a religion.
449
Religion seems a very simple thing: First: Love and Serve God. Second: Love and serve your neighbor.
In doing your duty to God, you must always be grateful to him. Whenever you enjoy a pleasure or a good game, or succeed in doing a good thing, thank Him for it, if only with a word or two, just as you say grace at a meal. And it is a good thing to bless other people. For instance, if you see a train starting off, just pray for God’s blessing on all that are in the train.
In doing your duty towards man, be helpful and generous, and also always be grateful for any kindness done to you, and be careful to show that you are grateful. Remember again that a present given to you is not yours until you have thanked the giver for it.
While you are living your life on this earth, try to do something good which may remain after you.
It is something to be good, but it is far better to do good.