The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1854-07-21
VOL. XXI, NO. 80.

progress in depravlty. Most men shrink with
repugnancp from harshness towards youth. The
prospect Of making them convicted felons is re-
pulsive. These little vietims kare never been
taught the laws of God or man; or, if they
have, it has only been that they may despise
them II any punishment should be inflicted,
the rod of the master would be more suitable
than the prison. How deeply does it concern
the community, to take these little creatures by
the hand, when they shall have committed the
first offence withdraw them from contamina-
ton and gut-provide the means Of industry
and educaton-soften their minds to the recep-
ton of religious and moral truth, and gradually,
by gentle treatment and Wholesome discipline,
lure them into habits of order, truth, and homes
ty. Is there any greater duty in Christian
country than this?"
An inquiry in this connection very properly
arises, what else be done =? what auxiiiares
has the House OF Relnge, for the prevention and
correction of juvenile delinquency? What
agents can be employed TO relieve II of an ex-
cess Of subjects for It's discipline! The teach
ngs Of the domestic institution-the precepts
and examples of the family oircle-and the in
3uence of education, are to my mind the most
potent in preventing crime, and in disseminat-
ing pure moral principles
The domestic institution is the most sacred.
universal, and cherished Of all the forms of hu-
man government. The relations it creates, and
the responsibilities it imposes, are OF the most
delicate character and important concern. It's
heads are united by the most endearing ties OF
our nature, and the entire family circle is bound
together by those fine feelings OF affection and
sympathy, that are seen and felt in no other
ation OF life. The active and mutual sympa-
thy ever existing between the parent and child.
imposes upon the former a deep responsibility.
Every word and action leaves its impress upon
the juvenile mind. The affections and inclina-
tons in early childhood may be moulded by the
parent, like clav in the hands fthe potter. In
another part of this address, have given some
sad instances of this parental power when de-
voted 10 the work of vice and crime and though
it may not be SO triumphant in mbuing the
youthful mind with pure religious principles,
because of the natural proclivity TO evil, yet it
may be claimed as one of the most efficient a.
gencies in this W ork. 1t precedes all other in
iiaences, and when properly and timely direct
ed acts upon the flexible mind, before the con-
science is scared by evil thoughts and propen-
sites. The parental lesson thus gwen falls
like seed upon good ground, where there are
no thornS or ihisteS to choke their growth, and
whore they may spring up and produce an hum
dred-fold. Here is the most favorable oppor-
tuniiy TO prevent juvenile delinquency. The
child who is thus early trained by the correct
precepts and virtuous examples of his parent,
will find those precepts and examples, in after
life, a strong shield against temptation. They
become guide to his feet, and lamp to his
way. His inclnations are thus set against
wickednesS, and he has no delight in the drunk
enneSs and debauchery that may surround him.
His habits and principles incline him TO the
ways Of wisdom, and the paths of peace. The
formation Of such character is generally the
work OF mother. The family circle is her e-
gitrnate field of operation. BY the wise pro-
visions OF nature, her relations with the uve-
nile flock are the most intimate, and her respon-
SbIIty is ncessant and grave indeed. Wherev-
er she goes, whatever she may say or do, she
eXerts influence for good or evil, on her
tender offspring, and contributes towards the for
nation OF their general character in hie. Her
government should, therefore, be distinguished
by affection and sympathy by frmness and fl
deity: and above all things, by scrupulous re-
gard for truth. In the exercise of the anthorI-
ity she wields, she should use the utmost care
never TO mislead or deceive her child: never to
command without insisting on prompt obedi-
ence never 10 threaten and then neglect TO exc
cute; never TO promise and then fail to per-
form. Let her rules of government, whatever
they may be, at all times be strictly enforced.
Thus the family institution, acting at the We
ry portals of society, is felt in all its depart
ments, and eXerts powerful influence upon all
the functions of civil government. 1t rests at
the very basis of civilization, and may be said
to undere all other social and civil institutions.
In the work OF educating the young, and train
ing their moral faculties, it is therefore an aux
iIiary to the school and 10 the church. If its
influence be corrupt and vicious, the labors of
the schoolmaSter and minister will have but lit
tie effect in making either learned or moral
citizens OF children thus mised. First impress
slonS are generally received within the family
circle, and parents should seek to administer the
rules OF domestic government with due regard 10
this truth If afflicted by disobedient child,
they should remember the sacred axiom: ssfIe
that spareth the rod, hateth his son but he that
loveth him. chasteneh him beiimes. And al
SO the injunction 'sTrain up a child in the way
he should 90, and when be is old he will not
depart from it.'' The inclinations given by the
parental hand, will probably mark the tenden-
cy of the offspring through life-so true is the
trite saying; ''As the twig is bent, the tree in
clines." The first step in error is certainly at
tended with the most difficulty each successive
one with less And the hardened wretch who
expiates his horrible offence upon the seahold,
can generally remember time when, as boy,
he required encouragement by Older and viler
associates to induce him 10 take the first step
in his career of crime. How true the language
of the poet
Fice Is monster of such friohtful meip.
A. H. hata al hNt hn