Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1859-10-28
For the ElIs~es1 Anerican.
A Word to Parents.
NO. H..
"Mind is the standard Of the man.


lam aware that many parents shrink
from responsibilities in the education Of their
offspring, on the ground that the training of
the youthful mind is the Teachers work
1t is true there are other, and as some NAV
regard it, more direct instrumentalities for
effecting this work; but they do not, can not
deposc the parent, or in any measure excuse
him from the performance of his share of the
labor. "a charge he has to keep" and
from that supervision no power on earth or
below it can release him. 1t is, as it were,
a part of himself; and regarded or disregard
ed. it will stick to him during the child s
minority, and Its consequences follow him
until he goes down to the grave. The Teach
er is but help; and without natural
affection must that parent be, who will
strive to lay upon Others shoulders and
commit entirely to others keeping, the
most important work ever intrusted to a
parents care. Criminal disregard to duty
and indifference to consequences, are but
too plainly exhibited by such evasions.
In the education of the child, the Parent S
Mission embraces a two-fold work The
Development of the Intillect, and the Gull
tivation of the Heart To the former Of
these now invite attention.
The youthful mind is endowed with
capacities which ally it to angels and to
God These capacities are in an embryo
state. fitted for, and destined to, an endless
development. This ,levcloment is to com
mence in the present stage of being in
the future existence it well stretch on in
immortal visor and immortal youth-eycr
maturing, never mature. By the parent
then. should the work be commenced 1t is
a part of his "sacred Office to bring to
light these hidden powers. With his form
INK hand will he fashion many a linement,
which shall mark the child's character and
attainmtnts. To meet the responsibilities
which this supervision imposes, should be
one great object of the parents solicitude.--
In its incipient stages especially, The mind
needs directing and controlling hand and
who, 50 well fitted to perform this ini,iatory
work as the intelligent parent He best
understands the chld's wants, and cav best
give such instruction and guidance, as the
mind needs. In vain will he seek better
teacher; and rccr, ant will he be to duty. and
Indifferent to the best interests Of his off
spring il he turn eoidly an wickedly away =
leaving that susceptible mind to pIoi along
amid errors and difi.uls,es and dangers.
undirected and unnsrired by parental teach
inss
The parent who would be successful in
tins wprS-and where is the parent who
would not should cnieavor to instl into
the mind Of his child lore for knoiclcdgc.
in the soul; but, left To itself. it will not
put forth its lest energic>, much less, exert
those energies in the right direction. The
untutored mind left to its own chosen way,
is swift to run in the wrong path, seeking
knowledge in courses that psrvent the I'M
Outstanding and mislead its powers. OF
what incaeulable Importance, therefore, is
the directing hand Of the parent during these
early years lie may lay the foundation
rad and deep. upon which the intellectual
character OF q man will be raised, or he may
stint these corner stones, and no character
worthy OF an immortal mind, be reared.
10 be continued.
4 TEACHER