Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1839-02-14
MISCELLANY.
From the lions Advocate.
MATERNAL RESPONSIBILITY

The station Of a mother is the most ac-
countable that human being can sustain.
affecting by the manner in which il is sus-
tanned, not only the mortal, but the minors
tai Interests OF those upon whose mind she
makes the hrst impressions-uron which
she traces characters permanent, often be-
yond The reach of time or circumstances.
She mouIds the wax when il is most ductle.
She sets in operation train Of Causes which
will go down through all coming time
These causes will go on, long after she has
gone 10 her eternal home, elevating immor.
tails TO virtue and honor, or urging them on
ward IN sin, and passion and woe. The eX-
tent and power of their influence have been
but little appreciated and scknow lodged -
Hence, the mass OF mankind fail 10 consider
what weight of obligation and degree Of
responsibility the child brings into the world
with him for bis parents In the joyous feel
ing with which the mother IayisIes her fond
embraces upon her smiling 5abe-in the pa.
rental pride with which The father regards
ihia pledge of mutual affection-rarely does
either resolve the future destiny OF this new
immortal, or realize how nearly tina destiny
is connected with their conduct. Parental
obligations are neither recognized nor felt
by The great multitude of parents Rush
ing, as they frequently do, into the marriage
state from The mere impulse of passion, with
out forelhought or prudence, they become
parents without one right impression in ref
erenCe TO The duties which devoive upon
them. Many regard their children as pretty
play things that must be well taken care of,
and be taught some way or other, whatever
will set them off to the best advantage.
They are utter strangers, of course, to any
idea Of the important duty of forming their
characters and shaping their future destiny
~ I.rh I'M 10 H.,
tons OF the connection which exists between
The parents conduct and The child's destiny,
and notices the mapne- in which domestic
duties are neglected, can he surprised al The
evil and suffering which abound in society
This connection, however overlo oked, is
intimate and lasting in influence In vas,
majority OF cases, the influence which is ex-
ertcd upon the days OF early Childhood, The
principles which are then imbibed. and ibe
bias which is then given TO the mind deter
mine the Character and fix the destiny for
both worlds. II the child leave the parental
roof with his passions unchecked, and with
no restraint imposed upon those vicious pro-
rensiiies which are inherent in our nature,
he will in all probability, rush on in the
ruInous course of self indulgence. and 90
down 10 dishonored grave. If, 90 the 9th,
er hand, The lesson of selt-contro has been
effectua!ly taught him, be will probably re-
tain the habit through life. If;he principles
oil industry frugality, economy ,benevoIence,
and plety, have there been Carefully insii,.
led into his mind his after life will be con
slant and beautiful exhibition of them.
Now, as mother is the guardian and
guide OF The days OF infancy aud youth. a
she is constantly with her children, as il is
her voice which they mostly hear, her
countenance and actions which they see. and
her example which they continually behold
in those years when they are mos, initiative.
so must she exert the greatest Dfluence in
the formation Of their character. MANY
causes, indeed, contribute their auxiliary as
sislance 10 the process, Companions, bro
Tiers and sisters, the father, and the scenes
by which the child is surrounded. all per-
form their part (; but the mother does The
most. The first being that the child knows
's It's mother. To The young heart, The MOS
Their is the first object Of affection and rev
ereDce. Her eye and voice-ber tears and
her smIles-ber caresses and reproofs. are
The subject OF infsniile observations. The
feelings, passions aud expressions OF The mo-
Their VIII become ippertcpib!y and almos,
necessarily the feelings, passions and ex-
pressions oil the child. No earthly indu.
ence Whatever, and no combination OF eau.
ses effect so much in promoting the happi.
ness o. misery of individuals, and of our
race,as mothers. Hence il is that the info.
ence which shall, al length, redeem our
worm, must come from a mothers lips.-
one VINO was hrs, in the transgression, is
destined 10 lie the principal human insiru-
men'a'I'y 10 restoring Tie race 10 IFS print
tive purity.
MOI B0d. The Rosfon Transcr;,,sa,