Litchfield enquirer., 1837-03-23
MORALITY or CHILDHOOD.

! on the cultivation of early years; and the reason they give, is, that the mind may be qoa''ned tor usefulness and happiness at some t"tnre period. People in general seem to forget that childhood is a part of existence, and is capable of constituting an individual life, though it be cut off in it's very bloom and verdure that some beings are born to die young, the purpose of their creation being fulfilled in short space.- This season for tho most part, is regarded as It It possessed no consequence, apart from its relation to the remainder of life. Hence children are treated as if they had no feelings; their wishes, tastes and impul- ses are opposed with savage authority, and '"is vulgar error often obtains, that the more the child is cramped, restrained and brought under, the better man he will make. But this error is common to the treatment or the child, and to mans treat- ment of himself Point if you can to him who is happy'-contcnted nosc. All the world are doing something which they think is going to produce happiness. All suffer for the present in behalf of the fnture.-- No matter, then,' 1t is said, 'how painful infancy is made, SO that the child have tho greater chance for happiness, if he live, in time to come,'
 wish to consider, briefly, this period ot life by itself. wish to separate it from the rest of existence, and like precious gem, to ihsulate it in it's own purity, and gaze upon it in its own unalloyed loveli- ness. It has to my mind an importance in the moral world, distinct from the maturity not acknowledged. Taking no part in tho business of society, not even gaining it's own support. and being chiefly care and weight to parents, no wonder that in a world of dollars and cents it should be lock- ed upon as insignificant in itself, and only to he valued for what it may become.
 But childhood has immortal mind it reasons, compares, and judges. It has feel ings; how pure how angelic! It has character; lTo~ elevated how free from envy, jealousy, and hatredl How gencr- ous is childhood! How quickly does it melt at the sight of suffering it can dnder- stand! How ready is it to relieve hunger, and distress in any form, by any sacrifcs ofits little means! 1t has not learned the importance ofwealh it knows nothing of the ostentalion of pride it is under the in- fuence of none of the fictitious distinctions of tho world, and it acts true to natnre.-as How beautiful then MUST childhood be It cares not whether it's pIay-fellow be rich or poor, black or white; it studies not tho texture of the cloil,-wllich in the best per- sonagc covers only poor humanity-before it can make up its mind to look kindly or not upon its hap-hazard acquaintances. It knows nothing of geneafogy; but all it cares to know is, whether those in contact with itselfbe good, according to the simple standard by which it forms its opinions What morality is taught US here What a satire upon human conduct is the simpli- city of childhood.
 Papa, says a little rosy-cheeked boy in the city to his father, why must not ride about with fhe milk-man7" My dear,' answers his father, it is not proper for you to be seen in milk-cart; you shall ride with me in the carriage this afternoon| catches hold of his fathers skirts, and jumps along by his side, trying to get sight "f his face, or 10 get his father to look in his coUnehance--for childhood argues it's causes by the muscles of the face-' papa, 1 say had rather ride with the milk man, because he lets mo hold the rcins, and drive.' 'Wefl, well, my dear, you must not because papa says so there, be a good boy, and you shall go with mo this after~ noon.' v
 The little boy shrinks back, and yields to authority perhaps drops few tears of disappointment but before they are dry upon his cheek, smile, or some new pro- ject of sport, lights up his features, and he is happy. Nay, he will soon forget his sorrow. greet his father with kiss, when he returns, and ga to ride with him in his carriage; and if he is fine boy, and has been suffered to express his pretty thoughts without reserve, he will minister more to tho pleasure ofthe ride, than forty solemn, dignilied ostenisiious men, who treat little boys and girls as if they were 60 n,any monkeys. .s,.ar
 Jesus Christ took little children in his arms and blessed them. He said we must become As little children f and this per- hRps causes us to attribute so much impor- tanec 'o the morality of fchildhood.
 Kaias~SaAA~. rcekA skip Eris-arrisAd i-0ur readers generally VII bs highly graifei ai Ihls intelligence. Captain Fanek came ap this foFenoon' in Pios bessl ct aOnne, ihls ia confirmation srona" Hsssasea. IhAs on ,he e0,h of JanuaFy he encountered iFemendens uals en ,l,s eass, of France, which he ouifode with ,ts osa o( opty one spar Ie encoanlesea 10 lFlhov ."ys oisa,anlss, during the passeRe l hs aFnval on jhs American coas bgi slpee shsi & &IIis. sqssy aays
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