Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-06-01
1)orCnts' department.
Bend the Twig Rightly.

The mind in early life, is tender, and easily
accessible, 1t is susceptible Of deep and lasting
impression; and lessons now inculcated are the
most lasting. They often abide, like the green
leaf of spring, fresh and beautiful up to the
summer of manhood, and down to the autumn
of age. The thoughts fostered in the early
mind are there so indelibly fixed, that all after
time cannot fully erase them. The habits form.
ed in the spring of life, when the mind is plant
the heart, warm and ardent in its affections, are
seldom, if ever, changed throughthe after stages
of being. 1t is like the twig, when bent OF
twisted i'll its early growth, which the lapse oil
an age cannot alter.
How important, then, to give the right bent
to the mind, and store it with those lessons Of
instruction and wisdom that shall be most use
ful and saIutary in after life. The moral and
intellectual culture of the young should never
be lost sight Of with those who have the direct
training Of the tender mind. This belongs es.
pecially to parents, teachers, and GUARDIANS
The well-being of society, and the well-being OF
immortal souls, depend much upon the early tu-
ltlon of each rising generation. Let no time
therefore be lost, no pains spared, no salutary
instruction withheld, in maturing the mind anc
heart of the young for usefulness, happiness, anc
heaven.
The youthful mind is not only very tender ant
susceptible of deep and ndelible impressions
but it is capable within itself, even in its early
being, of originating and achieving wonders
The moral g. intellectual powers of the mind ar
stronger in LIES first stages, than many at frs
suppose This will appear evident when right
called forth. The mind takes impressions O
good and evil before it learns to Judge, reason o
demonstrate Let the mind early, then, be i'm
bued with lessons Of wisdom and virtue. To
much cannot be bestowed upon the early train
ing and moral culture of the juvenile mind. w
often discover the latent powers of mind in tn
first stages of childhood. Hear the question
the little inquirer will PROFOUND Notice atten
lively what deep and connected train of tho
he sometimes is pursuing in his silent moment:
, The young labor early aud struggle hard to IN
! derstand the effects and causes of the thing
. around them. Lead the mind, the young, tende
, and active mind, therefore gently onward, an
point the Young philosopher to the fields OF SC
\ ence and knowledge that lay all invitingiy be
: fore him. Above all, teach him ''the wsdor
= that cometh down from above" This will max
= the young happy and useful when they come
- mingle amid the press of busy world, and WI
/ prepare them eventually for eternal frultlon
i the skies. Dear parents, never let the mofi
II and intellectual culture Of those whom Heave
= hath given you, be out your mind. Their pre-
IS ent and eternal well-being depend upon the tn
q ton you are now giving. For Heavens sake d
: your duty The character your little ones are
now form ingmnst give coloring to their eternity
IL Lay these things to heart, aud Heaven Civ
!, % you under standing in all things IN K.
:, Urbana, 0. April lS49.