The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-10-13
Parental Influence.

A short time since there was published an
account of the suicide of boy, Is years of
age, in Philadelphia, by taking Arsenic
Quite lately school girl, having been rep
rimanded by her teacher, informed her
school-mates that she intended drowning her
self, and having persuaded them to assemble
on the bank of the river, she actually con-
summated the terrible deed, and, before as
sistanoe could reach her, life was extinct
A contemporary states that three boys I'M
der fifteen years of age have committed sui
eide in Fulton county, Illinois, within a pc
Rod of nine weeks-two by shooting, and
one by hanging. These cases may well
startle every parent and educator of youth,
and lead them to ask how such things can
be. When the strong vitality and love of
life that characterize the young, and the
terrible and bitter despair that is usually sup
posed to induce the act of suicide, are con-
sidered, the causes that have been brought
to bear upon these young people to produce
so unnatural, so awful result, may well be
a subject of earnest inquiry.
1t is true, in certain sense, that the
children of the present day enjoy far more
freedom and happiness, and lead upon the
whole a pleasanter life than those of olden
times, who were more restricted in action,
whose pleasures were fewer, and whose tolls
were more severe. Perhaps the parents of
the present day are less likely to err by I'M
due severity than by negligent indulgence,
and yet it may be that in the cases cited
above, as well as in too many other instances
not brought to public notice, the sympathy
and love that would have made life pleasant
to the young have been denied, and a stern
and chilling severity has turned the natu-
rally hopeful life into desolate despair. In
numerous cases, where DO severity darkens
the life of childhood, yet neglect and indif-
ference prove almost as baneful in their re,
suits. The father immersed in his daily bu-
siness, and the mother too often plunged into
the vortex of fashion that allows no time
for the most precious duties of life, permit
their children to grow up under the care of
others, and deny them the affectionate com
partnership and intercourse which would, of
itself, be an education worth more than all
that schools have power to impart. Chill
dren possess keener sensibilities and deeper
feelings than is usually believed possible
If their reason is less developed, and their
judgment more faulty than those of their ell
ders, their susceptibihties are more acute,
and their affections more ardent and easier
wounded. While by harsh and stern rules
there may be secured sullen obedience of
action, these can never reach the heart of the
child, and the only way to influence it truly
for good is through love and confidence,
Parents little know how much they lose
by refusing cOmpanionship to their children.
OF all affections, one Of the most enduring
and grateful is that of the child, who, having
arrived at maturity, turns fondly back to
the authors of his existence and happiness,
and strives to repay them for their love and
care, by blessing and honoring their old age.
Such blessings and hOnOrs, however, are only
given to those who have secured the conf,
Gence of their children in early life. Nat.
urally every little child comes to his parent,
anxious to share with him his joys and sor-
rows, his hopes and fears. If he is met with
sympathy and consideration, his love and
faith are unreservedly bestowed, but if he
be coldly repulsed or carelessly sighted, his
heart recoilS in Sullen disappointment, and
he seeks and soon finds other and less suita-
bic channels for his sympathies. Every pa
rent who values his child's best welfare, or
who hopes to reap an afectionate gratitude
in after life, should bestOw upon him at
once, and always, the kindly consideration,
the loving sympathy, and the confidential
intercourse which will bind them together in
ties that no distance, no changes, and not
even death itself can sunder.-P Public Ledger