Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1839-01-18
From The Zion's Adrocafe.
MATERNAL. RESPONSIBILITY.

/
tanned. not only the mortal interests OF those
upon whose mind she makes the first i'm
pressons--upon which she traces characters
permanent, often beyond the reach OF time
and circumstances. She mo0lds. the wax
when u IS most duciile. She sets N opera
ilon train oil causes which will go down
ihrougn nIi coming time. The causes VIII
go on, long after she has gone TO her etern.
nj home, elevaiiag immortals to virtue and
honor, or urging them onward 10 sin, and
passion aud woe. The extent and power OF
their Influence have been but little upprecia-
ted and acknowledged. Hence, the mass OF
mankind ia'l TO consider what weight OF
obligation and degree Of responsibility the
child brings into the world with Him for bis
parents. In the joyous feeling with which
me mother lavlshes her iond embraces upon
her smiling habe--in the parental pride
with which the father regards this pledge of
mutual ufieciion-rareiy does either sefi6hs-
y resolve The inture destiny ofths new i'm.
mortal or realize bow nearly tina, destiny is
connected with their conduct. Parental oh.
legations are neither recognised nor felt by
The grea, multitude ofparents. Rushing, as
they frequently do, into the marriage state
'front.' mere impulse Of passion, wiihou,
oreihought or prudence. they become pa
rents without one right impression in refer
euce 10 The duties. which devolve upon them.
Many regard their children ms pretty play.
things. that mus, be well taken care Of and
be Taught, some way or other, whatever will
sci them off 10 the best advantage. They
are utter strangers. Of course. TO any idea Of
the important duty Of forming their charac-
ters and shaping their future destiny Alright.
No one who has adequate conceptions of the
connection which exis, between The parents
conduct and the childs destiny, and notices
the manner in which domestic duties are
neglected can be surprised at the evil and
suffering which abound IN society.
This connection. however overlooked. is
intimate and lasting in its influence. In n
vast majority OF cases, the influence exerted
upon the days OF early childhood the prip
ciples which are then inbibed, and the bias
which is then given to the mind. determine
the character and fix the destiny for both
worlds. II the child leave the parental roof
with his passions unc heckcd, and with no
restraint imposed upon those vicious propen.
sites which are inherent in our nature he
will, IN. all probability. rush on in the ruin.
ious course Of selfindulgence. and 90 down
10 dishonored grave II. on the other
hand. The lessons OF selEconirol have been
effeclualy taught him. he will probably re.
tain the habit through life 1.-THE principles
of industry, frugaiiy. economy, benevo.
lence, and pi,ty. have been carefully iustil.
led into his mind, his after life will be a
constant and beautiful exhibition OF them.
Now, as the mother is the guardian and
guide OF the days of infancy aud youth, as
she is constantly with her children, as il is
her voice which they mostly bear, her coun.
example which they con,inually behold in
those years when they are most initiative, so
must she exert the greatest influence in the
formation of their character Many causes.
indeed. contribute their auxiliary assistance
in the process. Companions. brothers and
sisters. the father, and The scenes by which
The child is surrounded, all perform their
part bu, the mother does the most. The
first being that the child knows is its mother
To The young heart. the mother is the first
object of affection and reverence. tIer eve
aud voice-her tears aud her smilcs-ber
cnresses and reproofs, are the subjects of in.
lnntile observations. The feelings, passions
and expressions of the mother will become
impercep,bly and almost necessarily the
feelings, passions and expressions Of tho
child. No earthly influence whatever. and
no combination OF causes effect SO much in
promoting the happiness or misery Of indi-
viduals. aud OF our race, as mothers. Hence