Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1841-02-25


nity and authority. but il we teach one
thing and do another we may be sure that
our doiags viii be initiated, rather thao
our teachings obeycd. The tendency Of
| dopravad human nature is downward. II
our precep, and practice be discordant,
there is no question which influence our
children will follow. But il we illustrate
By our lives The teaching Of our lps--ii
we form an iniissoiuble union between
ptecepi and practice, we have the periec-
lion OF human influence and we may with
great confidence anticipate Gods accom-
panying blessing. Inconsistency here has
brought down the gray hairs OF many pa
rents in sorrow 10 the grave.
A. The feonderfui influence OF sympe-
ihy, sho,cs The importance Of The care FIJI cgf-
ture OF our ova hearts. With the surprising
power ofths influence We are all familiar.
Often we see group oil children playing
pleasantly together, When peevish iras-
chile child enters, aad in a few moments
the il-nature Of this invader passes likec con-
mgion 10 every heart. There is mys-
ferrous influence by which the emotions
OF our hearts are transmitted TO others,
awakening the same emotions there. As
all nature reflects the rays Of the cloud
less sun, tho mos. distant worlds catch and
throw back bis cilulgencc thus il our
hearts beam brightly AMI warmly with
affection and cheeriulness, the hearts Of
those around us will imbibe the warmth,
and transiuss and reflect the beloved il.
iluence. The simple possession ofan cs.
Unable character is a power which, like
the suns eternal rays, never sleeps and
never dies. 1t must shine. It's beauty must
be seen. It's mild, resistess power must
foster the growth OF every virtue.
5. Example alone can prore thc SINGER
hy Of our instructions. A mother urges
upon her child the feelings and the chr
meter she wishes her 10 cultivate. And
yet she herself cutlvates n dlITufen, chnr.
acier, and cherish $ different feelings
She says to her child, IL your brother OF
sister does wrong, you should not I've an.
Try or speak harshly, you should forgive
And yet when an ignorant servant does
wrong, the same child hears from a mo-
theirs lips expressions which are sgnifi-
cant ofany thing but an amisble, serene,
and lotgiving spirit. Now, any child is
enough o. a logican to say, "lt is MS i'm
portant that mother should take care Of
her heart. as il is that should take care Of
mine. II her annoyances justify her con-
duct, my annoyances justify mine"
1t is no more difficult for us to bear pa
iienily our trials, than ii is for our Chi ldren
TO bear theirs. We have our playthings
as well as they. Il is true, they are OF
little higher order, but they nre our play.
things still. And when tho alabasler vase
is broken, or The rich dress spoiled by the
carelessness OF others, our patience is tried
precisely in the same manner, aud proba-
bly, not in greater degree than is that Of
my 500 when one breaks his hoop, or Of
my daughter when one tears the ftock Of
her doll. We SIN le over the p,aythncs of
our chillfen. Are there not loftier intel.
l,gences who may smile ut oursl Let me
moi then expect that my children will benr
their annoyances with Christian spirit,
unless show them that thus bear my
own. The moment frame an excuse for
myself, ] frame the same for my chill.
6. The importance Of his mode Of no
nestle culture is enforced By The example, Of
our Saviour. Chris, came not merely to
tell how to live, but by his own Life to ahow
Ms how. This one important object he
had in view in his assumption Of human
naturc. lie illustrated every prospect
by his practice. He confirmed all his in.
ctr ~ his
ccssary for the Saviour 10 add to the pow
er Of his teaching by the example Of his
conduct, how much more important it is
for US. II his words would be Of no avail
unless illustrated by his practices, of what
avail can ours bel Though offering him
self n propiiiaiory sacrifice was the pro-
minent object Of his mission, yet the iIlus-
tration Of a holy life, by his example, was
an essential part Of it. 1t is only learn.
ing of nm, and by imbibing his spirit, and
walking IN his steps, that we can expect
his blessing.
Z. IL IS important that are should take
care Of onr own hearts as that ne should
take care Of our children. God isns DESTROYS
Of seeing MS sancll6ed as Of seeing them
Our soals are as valuable in his eyes as
theirs. We arc little in danger Of allow
ing our children 10 monopolize all the i'm
provenent which is made; and OF imagin-
ing that we nuke some atonemeni for our
own remissness, by efforts and prayers for
them. Il is as important that our moral
feelings should be under healthy discip.
line, as theirs should be. II is MS neccs.
sary that We should be habi,ually devout,
cheerful, gentle, kind, and forgiying, as
That they should possess those traits.
Therefore, let US all be careful while we
are endeavoring to take The notes out OF
our children's eyes, not to leave the beam
unremoved from our own.
For these reasons conclude, and you
will all doubtless unite with me in the con-
cluslon, that the best way 10 promote the
/ spiritual welfare OF our children IL m on.