Bellevue gazette. [volume] (Bellevue City, N.T. [i.e. Neb.]) 1856-1858, 1858-06-03
MISCEL ECU
Educational Mistakes.


Hitherto, parents have erred lamentably
in giving superior advantages of educa-
tion to the boys instead of the girls; and
this is as much in reference to the pros
perlty and happiness Of their own families
as in reference to the interests of society
and the race of man. What eiucdtes
childrenl Home influence the spirit of
those who abide most in the family who
are daily hourly, fixing the impressions
they make on each individual of that fam
lily. Whose influence in the family is
predominant Whose presence there is
most constant The husband'sl as he
hurries in to meals, and rushes out 10 the
Authorizations of business. No; the one
idea of pecuniary gain absorhs all his en-
ergies. The sons'2 No; they find home
dull place. The mother is interested
solely in household economies, or engag-
ed in discussing the merits of different
stufiis and styles; and the sisters have de.
tailed the attractions of the last beauy,
dissected the toilets and characters of their
mates, and condemned the five last par
ties. So the boys are of, seeking society
elsewhere.
No no ; not these. The mother and
the daughters give tone TO home music.
If the girls have well-furnished minds and
agreeable manners, home will attract
they will radiate all around its horizon an
irresistible beauty, one which will draw to
them their brothers hearts, and fix them
in that charmed spot which will become
to them literally holy, from associations
clustering about refined, gentle, intellect
ual sisters. Boys need such influences
to keep their spirits loyal TO purity and
home, to keep their feet from questionable
resorts, from saloon dissipation, from
street amusements, TO keep their souls
from the Womdn that .fattereth with her
lips.
And with the example of such sisters
constantly before them, they would be-
come what they should be, instead of the
degenerate beings-puny, ugly, vicious
which are often sent, like brood of vi
pers, from the bosom of their home, to
poison the world. Better still, the chill
dren CT such mothers would start into be-
ing under the best circumstances. In
stead of assuming mere apology for ex-
istence, they would waken from nonentity
into LIFE, with favorable prospect for
life's excellence and enjoymen,s.
Will the reader recall some noteworthy
examples? Of President Edwards
mother, 1t is said "She received n su-
perior education, was dignifed and COM
manding in appearance, affabie and gen.
tie in her manners, and was regarded as
surprising her husband in native vigor of
understanding. She had thorough
knowledge of the Scriptures and of theol-
ogy, and singular conscientIou ness, piety,
and excellence OF character" His father,
also, was a learned, excellent person.
This distinguished man, the son OF such
parents, married woman of superior
minds and atlainmen,s and their descend
ants are among the most talented of the
Eastern States"
Lord Bacon's mother I" was distinguish.
ed both as linguist and a theologian
She corresponded in Greek with Bishop
Jewel, and translated his .APologia from
the Latin so correctly that neither he mol
Archbishop Parker could suggest single
alteration. She also translated a serie:
of sermons on Fate and Free-will, from
the Tuscan of Bernardo OchIno." "Hel
sons, Anthony and Francis, were two oi
the most extraordinary men of any age
and her care Of them attests her charac
ter. Francis felt this; in his will, h,
says: Il desire 10 be buried in ST
Michaers Church, near St. Adams
there was my mother buried Bacon'
mother was one of the five daughters O
the eminently goods and learned Sir An
thony Cook. He attended personally II
their education, thinking that "woneI
are. as capable of learning as men.
These five daughters rewarded the care
fu culture gwen them by their father, il
the happiness they gave him.
They were familiar with book, pen, tn,
needle, housewifery in hall and kitchen
neither did they neglect music and dane
ing. They were distinguished for thei
excellent demeanor as mothers of fami
lies"
The mother of Milton "was woma
of Incompatible virtue and goodness.
But Milton seems TO have had low ide
of woman. if we Judge from his negleC
of his daughters education, thus entailin
on them and their posterily, poverty. ig
norance, and degradation. Possibly, Mi
tons feelings and conduct were produce
by the character of his wife; and hi
children, if their mother was unamiable
uneducated, stupid, were entitled to III
possession of her qualities.
If only one sex is to receive thoroug
education, let il be that one which give
lihe mothers Of men.