Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1852-12-22
The Ansry Child.


ing in anger? Judgement is then dethroned, pas
sion bears rule, and the unhappy victim is no long
er free, but the most miserable slave. He looks
upon those who have learned the art of self con-
troll, and admires,-he looks upon himself and
despises. He would break the chains that bind
him, but they are strong and indulgence is con-
stantly making them stronger. A mighty effort
alone can restore to him the justtitle man. Once
it was not SO. Effort might then have preserved
bright those immortal powers that now but glm-
mer in the darkness. Where lies the fault!
| Was it with her, whose duty it was to unfold and
strengthen all the good propensties of her child
and weaken all the evil ones! Did she strive by
ali the means in her power, and with untiring zeal
to raise him above his evil passions! Many a
mother has mourned too late her error, and gone
with sorrow to the grave.
| A babe lay sleeping, smiles dimpled its fair
cheeks, and innocence dwelt in its gentle bosom.
Well might angels pause to witness beautiful
a sight. A few months fastened on and that lit
tie one played before his mothers door, his dark
ringlets floating in the evening breeze. He was
more beautiful then to look uponf intelligence,
joy and hope beamed in his sunny eye. A stick
lay across his path, which as he was running,
threw him upon the ground. His mother flew to
his side, ,and to comfort her little son called the
stick ssnGughty," and beat it. Oh, foolish mother
she then gave her child his first lesson in re-
venge.
! He forgot the pain, and his face flushed with
anger at the thought of having been SO unjustly
! iuiurnd Shortl,1 oft pIo bo H.,
cident was hurt 1t was not now a stick but
little sister that had injured him. and he being an
apt scholar, in moment practieed the lesson that
his mother had taught him. His little hand for
| the first time struck an angry blow. 1t but
the dawning of a passion that afterwards appear
ed in meridian strength. His temper indulged
became worse and worse. At first his mother
looked upon him manly and independent among
his companions, but she was brought at last to
mourn sadly over that which she could not rene
dy. Among his fellows at school he was a terror
Though his bright intelligent countenanee and
beautiful form always graced the head of his
class, he was never loved or even respected by
either teacher or playmates. Often in fit of an
ger, the dreadful words ri will kill you," would
uioI iOiu Hlo ups WliIlt COuutcuduCS lnQl-
Gated his disposition to execute this threat had he
the power.
|. A few years passed. The light struggled
through the gratngs of prison window, and fell
upon face haggard and pale Remorse was de-
picted upon every feature. That once beauti-
full and happy boy was spending his last days
within dark and gloomy cell, the victim of
| Il Il
fit of anger he had struck blow which had caus.
ed the death ola companion.
| | pity those parents who will smile when their
little ones indulge in that. which will be their
ruin if unchecked; thinking they are not yet old
enoughto know better. They are old enough to
be taught when old enough to strike the offending
one. Begin with the first dawnings of such dis
position, and it can be subdued. Teach children
that their little 'shands were never made to tear
each others eyes," but for a nobler, holier pur-
pose.
You may teach your child all the civilities of
social life-nature may do much for him, but if
he is not taught self-control, all is lost You
leok upon his fine form, beautiful features, and
pride yourself in his noble intellect; but where is
his beauty when his countenance is flushed with
anger? How do you look up on him when his
words tell of the dreadful passion that is fast gain
ing the mastery! You would have your child
loved, but would you ask any one to love him
then! You would early see him give his heart
to the Savior and exert, an influence, on the
side of truth and virtue, but will Christ dwell
where Satan reigns.-Laura Linuood.
|