The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1845-04-10

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then, and the youthful mind led in the
J paths of a rghtful submission, it will soon
become wllful and obstinate, and at last,
defy even the powei of parental authority
10 control it.
Nothing is more Disgusting to man
of order and propriety thaa ihsolence and
disobedence in the conduct of chlGren.- -
1t is perfectly revolving to a sensible
mind, to witness the impotence and con-
tempt, with which many of our youth, and
alas, too many even of an earlier age,
treat the reasonable commands of their
parents. Wherever we meet family of
this character, we are led to pity the man.
ner in which they are brought up. We
regret the influences under which they
are reared. Youth that are INDUCED and
neglected in this way, while young and
inconsiderate. are not only ungovernable
in early life, but stubborn and rebelious
in after years. They become reckless
in their conduct, and wholly indIfferen.
to either morals or honor.
That such state of things, as here de-
scribed. does actually exist, no man, in his
senses, will feel TO deny. That children
rule, instead of parents, is "a position too
solemnly and learluly true. The child is
INDUCED in its acts Of disobedierce, when
the parent is epjoined by Heaven, himself
10 rule and correct. And such govern
ment must be exercised by parents, before
their children will honor and respect the
hand that supports them. No child will
love and esteem the father, or the mother,
tina. allows it to grow up in the enjoyment
of its own will, or under the dictates OF
its own misguided passions. Parents,
you must control your children. That
they may love you, they must obey you.
You must exercise your commands
upon them, and subdue them to your re-
quirements This is your duty, and the
good Of your children, and the welfare of
society calls upon you to discharge it.
Havl ng set forth The necessity of pa
rental government, we will now offer
few remarks upon the means, proper and
essential, in its administration.
An essential means ia the government
of children, is the exercise of kindness and
persuasion. The young mind should be
taught the obligation Of obedience. in a
kind and persuasive manner. Reason is
to be used, and gentleness employed, in
securing the ends Of submission. A pa
rents love, and the tenderness of a flial
attachment, should mutually combine in
their influences, in the promotion of fami-
IS government. Without the aid of these
essential requisites, no system Of parental
discipline will prove effectua|.
A proper means of governing the fam
lily circle. OF OF restraining the froward-
ness of youth, is the inficlion OF corpore-
al punishment. The use of the rod, in
many instances, is an indispensable ingre.
dent IN the correction Of children. This
may be considered by some, an erroneous
declaration. We can not help it. 1t is
our opinion, and we present it, hoping
that others, who entertain different view,
will be as charitable to US, as they could
even wish in return. Spare not the rod,
and spoil the child is the motto of every
wise parent; and they prudenty, yet eff
fec.ually, carry out the principle in en-.
forcing acts of obedience. The soft and
mild treatment of many of our fathers and
mothers of the present day. is rewarded
only by insolence and abuse. They coax
and dater and threaten, but never per-
form. They point out the consequence
of dIsobedlence, persuade, reason, and
appeal to The conscience and to the under
Standing. Blu. all to no purpose. The
young truant is unmoved aud unrecIaim-
ed. The impudent sauce box is as obsli
nate US ever. Here is an instance where,
in connection with argument ana persua-
sion, the beechen or birchen rod is of ex-
ceIient utility. A smart application of
such reasoning as this, produces the de-
sired effect; and the object of CORRECTION,
will feel aud realize the force of the argu-
mens. We appeal earnestly to the judge.