The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1840-06-13
Observation-Disclosures
DO NOT DECEIVE CHILDREN.


quences which result from this common
practice. A physician was once called to
extract tooth from child--the little boy
seeing the formidable instruments, and anti
clpatlng the pain, was exceedingly fright
ened, and refused to open his mouth. AT
ter much iruitless consideration, the physi-
clan said, Perhaps there is no need of
drawing 1t. Let me rub il little with my
handkerchief, and it may be all that is ne
cessary--lt will not hurt you in the least"
The boy trusts his word,opened his mouth.
The physician concealing his instrument
in his handkerchief, seized hold of the tooth,
and wrenched it out. The parents highly
applauded his artifce. But the man chea-
ted the child. He abused his confidence
and he inflicted an injury upon his moral
feelings, not soon to be effaced. Will that
physician get his handkerchief into that
child's mouth again? Will he believe what
the physician will hereafter say! And
when told that it is wicked to say that which
is not true, will not the remembrance of the
doctors falschood be fresh in his mind .
And while conscious that his parents ap-
proved of the deception, will he not feel it
to be right for him to deceive, that he may
accomplish his desires! This practice is
attended with the most ruinous consequent
ces.--Itunavoidably teaches the child 10 de-
spise his parents. After he has detected
them in one falsehood, he will not believe
them when they speak the truth. 1t des-
troys his tenderness OF conscience, and it
teaches arts Of deception. And what are
its advantages Why in one particular in
stance the point is gained.
Let compulsIon be resorted to, when ne
cessary; but deception never. If child
cannot place implicit confidence in his pa
rent, most assurelv no confidence can be re-
posed in the child. Is it possible for a
mother to practise arts of deception and
falsehood, and at the same time her daugh-
ter be forming character of frankness and
truth We must be what we wish our chill
dren to be. They will form their character
from ours.
Another was once trying TO persuade
her little son to take some medicine. The
medicine was very unpalatable, and she, 10
induce him TO take it, declared it did moi
taste bad. He did not believe. He Knew
by sad experience that her word was not to
be trusted. A gentleman and friend who
was present, took the spoon, and said,
"James, this is medicine, and it tastes
very badly. should not like 10 take it,
but | would if necessary. You have cour-
age enough to swallow something which
does not taste good, have you not %
"Yes," said James, looking a little less
sulky; but it is very bad, indeed"
81 know it," said the gentleman al
presume you have never tasted anything
much VERSE;" The gentleman then tasted
the medicine himself, and said L" 1t is real.
ly very unpleasant. But now let US see il
you have not courage 10 take it, bad as it
is"
The boy hesitatingly took the spoon.
4" 1t is, really, rather bad," said the gen.
teman, " but the best way is to summon all
your resolution, and down with it at once,
like man."
James made in reality, a great effort for
child, and swallowed the dose. And who
will this child most respect ?-his deceitful
mother, or the honest dealing stranger 3
And who will he hereafter most readily be-
lieve. 1t ought, however, to be remarked,
that had the child been properly governed,
he would at once, and without murmur,
have taken what his mother presented. 1t
lie certainly, however, a supposable case,
that the child might after all the arguments
of the gentleman, still have refused TO do
his duty. What course should then be pur-
sued! Resort to compulsion, but never to
deceit. We cannot deceive our children
without seriously injurlng them, AMI des'
troying our own influence. Frank and o.
pen dealing is the only safe policy in laml-
ly government. as we'll as in the wide thea
ire of life. The underhand arts and cum
ming maneuveIs of the intrigues, are sure,
in the end, to promote his own overthrow.
Be sincere and honest, and you are safe.-
The only sure way of securing bene6-
cial results, is by virtuous and honorable
means.-.AbbOH.
Speaking GRAMMAR" Well, Miss"
said knight of the birch rod, "can you
decline a kiss? " Yes, sir" said the girl,
dropping perplexed courtesy, II can
I