East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1866-02-07
What a Father Ought to Be.

composed them were almost distinct
communities within themselves, with
each a presiding chief who was gener-
ally the father. After him is named
the whole generation; he looks to
their support, protection and happi-
ness; he is the most respected among
the number, and if he command he
is cheerfully obeyed.
In all ages of the world, and among
all people, the father has received a
certain degree of respect and venera-
ton. 1t is feeling natural to the
human breast. The prince shares it
in comon with the beggar. The fam
lily look to him as their representa-
tive; he defends their rights and com
mands their obedience. Every one,
therefore, who is invested with this
dignity, ought not to dishonor it by
his unworthiness.
Man, so long as he stands alone in
the world, is without restraint, and is
concerned only about himself. When
he has provided for his own necessi-
ties he has little else to trouble him.
When he dislikes his occupation he
quits it. If he takes an aversion to
his country he exchanges it for an
other. With the father it is different.
His parental duties bind him fast,
yet he attends TO them with cheerful
ness, for they bring with them rich
reward. His wife, his children, his
profession and his servants, each re-
quire his attention. He must be the
father, guardian, protector, friend and
adviser of them all. Whatever may
oppress or become burden TO him he
endures with patience. If he is torn
with the thorns of life he complains
not, because there are roses blooming
for his wife and children. Without
their happiness he is miserable him.
self Were he alone he would fly the
injustice of his country, where war
and oppression deprives him of his
property. But these are nothing to
the endearments of a lovely wife or
helpless children. He remains faith
full to his trust and sacrifices every
thing to their prosperity.
The father is always looked upon
with higher respect than he who is
unmarried. The world reposes in
him a greater degree Of confidence
1t is enough to know that he has an
offspring who look to him for support.
This alone recommends him to the
attention and indulgence of all.
But the father often lessons his own
dignity. He often violates those ten
der and sacred duties which belong to
his station. Thus he becomes an OBJ
ject Of the greatest contempt. A man
may be unfortunate in the manage
ment of his affairs, public or private,
and receive the sympathy of the pub
lie; but he who neglects his wife and
children and renders them miserable,
has at once dried up the fountains of
compassion and is justly considered a
disgrace TO society. For if a man
know not how TO rule his own house,
how can he expect to have the re-
spect and confidence of his fellow cit
izens.
Who is the wise, faithful, and chris
tian father? He who commands obe-
dience in his family, aud encourages
industry and devotion to God. These
are the pillars of domestic happiness.
A father in the midst Of his family is
as prince among his people. 1t is
his duty to watch over and see that
every one performs his duty with faith
fulness and fidelity. Every member
of the domestic circle should be we'll
acquainted with the business assigned
to them and be alone aaswerable for
its performance. Where house is
we'll regulated, tho business of the
day goes on without Interruption
Every one attends to his or her busi-
ness. A little friendly exhortation or
encouragement is all that is requisite
to keep everything in activity. Harsh
commands or continued censure will
only produce disorder and sullenness,
Where harmony exists there must
be no foolish contradictions no dis
putting about trifles; no quarelling be-
tween man and wife; no evil example
for children and servants. If the
heads of family cannot agree within
themselves, they loose at once the re-
spect which is due them. Therefore
should the father be very careful in
the exercise Of his domestic duties
He should not publicly differ in opin-
ion from his wife, or contradict her in
the presence of others. Parents
should always furnish good exam
ple, particularly of economy. They