The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-11-14
SalutatiOns to Children.
A STORY ESPECIALLY FOR HUSBANDS.

the upturned cheek. but about every square
inch Of her face upon which kiss could be
planted. Passing into the street, l walked
along. with her voice, soft and musical as the
notes of Bird lingering in my ears, and re-
peatine over and over the words, 4 think YOU
had better kiss me, papa This Incident
so unimportant in itself that perhaps ought
to apologize to your readers for referring to
it has served to remind NE of our obliga-
tiOns to our chdren,.and of their claim not
only to our love, but also to its frequent and
appropriate manifestation. And they begin
very early iii life to plead for the recognition
of this claim Grabbed old bachelors, and a
few other men and women who are no better
than old bachelors, sometimes rdicule the
terms of endearment in which mothers adj
dress their infant children. And ridiculous
I enough this motherly small talk, no doubt,
sounds t, those win ,se hearts have never
thrilled with raternal love. But to one who
understands the significance of these simple
words, they are eloquent and beautiful. The
babe that nestles in its mothers bosom. or
that lies in its cradle cooling like little dove,
is saying in the only language it is capable of
using, Mother, think you had better kiss
me-or DC something else to slow how much
You love me- He who can coldly criticise
and ridiculc a mother for the manner in
which her heart responds to these appeals, is
Just the man to shoot a parent bird as she
covers over her calow brood or to commit
any other meannsSs. The hearts of children
ycarn for sympathy and affection, and turn to
their parents to receive it as naturally as the
flowers turn to the sunshine This little girl
of mine knows nothing of the unweary love
that watches over her day and night, and re-
loiccs to make sacrifices for her welfare but
she does know how TO appreciate "a kiss from
her father, or words of endearment from her
mother. Ones heart aches for the children
who, when they look to their parents for
bread, receive only stone. 1t is not enough
that our children have food and clothing, and
an opportunity to attend church and school,
they often need 10 be soothcd and strength
enet by ass,ranceS Of oar love and confidence.
and parents who are wise and constlerate
) will not forget this in Ike management of
, their families.
Your boy comes III from school with a
> cloud upon his usually bright and sunshiny
{ face. He IS getting his fist real view of the
! dark side Of human nature, and the sight
= saddens and disheartens him. y careless and
D.. laundering teacher has upbraid.d him for Of
l fences of which he is not guilty, or schoo
2 companions nave derided him for adherins
o TO the principles in which you have educated
k him with diligent and painstaking care. Il
: is Just the time for You to take that boy t6
d YOUR heart and kiss him. Let him lean hi,
/ head upon your bosom and tell YOU all :ha
IL he feels. You have now an opportunity &
/ speak the word that may, with Gods bless
= Ing. confirm nm in goodness and bring hin
Is to everlasting life Far be it from me to en-
B.; courage an! neglect of family discipline.
II am 50 cid-il>aon,,i as 10 have faith not onl
/ III woit!s OF rspruct, but aso in Solomon
Il rod Of correction. have Vet to see the hrs
family OF children in which i; IS not some
" tines necd,j. Ii a child is refractory an
obstinate, YOU must biing Inn to terms, nc
Il let Your soul spare Tor his CRYING. Bul ther
1t are 1 thousand instances where kisses ar
n, better than blows in the government of
I'd family. After wears of observation. | al
clearly Of the opinion that stem and exac
ing father i often credited with having COZ
terred benefits on his children. which al
- mainly due to the influence of kind an
ID gentle mother. Many of the faults of chi
n dren result from ignorance and inconsider
tion. and are to be treated tenderly and
the spirit of lin who did not break bruist
reed or quench the smoking flax. AS SOC
nc as there is evidence OF genuine penitence f
&C the wrong done, there should be prompt ar
"a, hearty forgiveness. Some parents have
er way OF rcpellins their children, and treatil
,ar them with GOODNESS and suspicion after ali {
Is fence has been considered and disposed {
=, The practice is essentially cruel, and mo
-, perncious in It's results. When the prodis
,,, son was yet a great way off, the father So
10, him, and had compassion. and ran and fell
-, his neck and kissed him and when O.
~, Heavenly Father forgiveS our sins he Cas-
-. them behind his back and remembers the
r, 10 more. How many boys who have 60
-. to swift dcstl uction might have been say
,s by words of encouragement and timely kiss
or- OF forgiveness. O parents! let no barrie
md of distrust grow up between yourselves a
,d~ your children. Keep bright every link
.r the golden chain that binds your hearts
nr- sether. When little one comes to YOU 81
ead ing, by word or deed, I think you had bet
If kiss me- act on the suggestion at once, a
90, let the kissing be done not perfunctorily,
, =, in a manner tc show that vour heart is in
ed- There is no danger that your children ,
In get an impression that you love them M
,or than you really do and the remembrance
SOW your ardent and tender affection will GRO
no o them with benedctions after you are in y
49,. grave But there are others besides our c
,ave dren who have right to expect US to ST
IL do ,,loaI for