The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1878-01-02
Taking Comfort with the Children.

Taxing OOuulOIG WAtn wv SnLuA GU
As years passed away, the cares which,
when l began house, keeping, seemed of great
moment, looked IN a very different light; and
the trials which then were heavy burdens, l
could look back upon as trifes
The duties and responsibilities of mother
hood were now the most powerful incentives
to exertion. always preferred quiet hour
of reading, after the little folks were all In
their beds, in preference to neighborhood
gossip or making calls, as was very much the
habit in our vicinity. remembered Frank
Inns proverb, early to bed and early TO-,
rise, is the way to be healthy, wealthy, and
wise, and l, therefore, in full faith in bis
wisdom, uudressed the children at o'clock,
and, after heating their feet thoroughly, put
them to bed; this was always when able to
do it, my own work. never allowed a SUBJ
stitute. l always wished to have them 60 to
rest in happy frame of mind and knew
q mother could do it better than any one else.
When the last kiss was given, and the last
blinker closed for the night, oh, what rest
full, happy time had
"You are tasting the most comfort with
your children now that you ever will. When
they get older you will have more care and
anxiety about them; you will not know where
they are, or what they are doing, and it will
be constant worry all the time, said .
friend, one evening. She dropped in, and
saw me tuck them all into their nests, after
they had said their prayers. | did not be-
lieve her words we're true, and DO not be
lieve it now.
As they grew older, there were many
temptations to entice them away from home
to spend their evenings. There were taverns,
stores, groceries, and shops, that we're places
of resort for men and boys; and knew that
unless their home had more attractions than
these places, my fair, pure boys would be
allured away. They were growing too old
to 20 to bed with the chickens, and they
must have q good time at home, or they
would seek happiness elsewhere. So began
to devote my evenings to them. | used to
invite their playmates to come and spend an
hour or two occasionally with them, and
PLAYED with them too, and such jolly times as
thew had I think it did me good, it kept
me in sympathy with the children. 1t made
work for me, of course, but that | expected.
l was doing my best to raise up men and
women, to be of use in the world, and felt
the responsibility of the work. This caring
for your children includes greater duties
than to feed and dress them. | had one
that knew was safe from earthly impurity
my precious baby. He was safe in the
Ssviour's fold, and hoped to keep the others
unde6led from Corrupting influences, so as at
the last they would all be gathered together
an undivided family. The rest of them have
grown in stature, and developed both moral
" and physically; but / have, and always
will keep, one baby. My darling rosebud is
lust as he was when we laid him to rest by
the side of my mother.
l never meddled with political questions,
but was not therefore uninterested. in
tended to keep posted on all the subjects,
and did so. knew the time would come
when my boys would be voters, and to in
struct them so that they would be candid,
honest freemen, was my ambition. think
mother is responsible for the integrity Of
her boys, and it is solemn duty to see that
they are instructed in patriotism, and be-
come candid, truthful men. This is moth
er's work, snd the time she devotes to this
purpose is invested far better than it would
be to earn money to put at interest for them
hereafter Gan honest man is the noblest
work of God" Perhaps We could have more
of them in our high places if they received
different training when they we're boys l
believe mothers have high and sacred mis-
sion to accomplish, and if they do it faith
fully, the world will be better for their inAu-
ence.
1 believe in being hsppy-in having chill
dren and young people happy. 1 never en-
joy seeing any one with q melancholy face.
Cares and sorrows will come soon enough to
cloud the joyful spring time of life. Let the
children have good time; help them have
it; do all that is possible to make their home
enjoyable and pleasant. Childhood will soon
be gone; youth is evanescent. A mother is
happier to see bright, happy faces around
her, and know she is the one who keeps the
clouds and fogs out of the house. ''A soft
answer turneth away wrath" and mother
should always try to keep such answers in
readiness for instant use. | meant to have
bright, happy home, and l believe l sue
ceeded. Farmers Wife, IN Country Gentle
man.