The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1879-12-11
SOCIETY.

In social intercourse there are too
things to be carefully guarded against,
prudery and immortality. Ideas of ex-
cessive propriety in conduct are more
frequently entertained of third persons
than as a standard to which our own act
ions should conform. Persons wont to
frame these rigorous rules are of vine
garish disposition and the chill of their
presence and cnmmant hlinht w;tho,t
securing that equability of temperature
conducive to moral growth. Happiness
becomes welded to evil and cannot be
sought except through avenues beset by
wickedness. The evil predominates in
everything whicl leads to enjoyment and
young men and women must begin to
chant q choral wall which ends when
heaven is reached. There is a spiteful-
ness IN this frigid morality which shrinks
the soul and congeals every generous
impulse. 1t repels confidence because it
does not give IN return what confidence
demands, sympathy and kindly advice.
1t condemns the crring with jealous de-
light without thought of extenuating
circumstances. To punish evil is always
more commendable than to restore good
ness. Misery excites no compassion if
it bears the mark of sin, and goodness
becomes crime if it is charitable to the
hayward. The curse of intolerance too
frequently follows the practice of relig-
ion and the solemn uncharitable phase
which morality is too often made to as
sumo prevents those well inclined from
worshipping at her shrine.
Religion is too often made form de-
void of spirit. While attention is being
given to points of belief laxity of morals
grow apace. Too much is left to the
clergyman too little is done in the family
by way of properly bringing up youth
Religious instruction cannot take the
place of parental advice nor make watch
fulness superfuous. Paternity brings
duties which 1t is q crime to ignore
Children may be instructed in doctrinal
points of belief and may have superb
clal coat of piety but they need the af-
fectionate watchfnlness of parents until
the character is fully formed But that
lnIudicious affection which constantly
lndulges every wish of q child, which
takes pride in curtailing childhood and
making women of girls and men of boys
before age or experience fit them for the
position, is more fatal than the repression
that comes from dislike It is the fash |
loG now for girls before the innocence of |
childhood has ripened into the experience
OF womanhood, to ape the fiirtations of !
young ladies, in years at least, attend |
balls, receive the attentions of BOYS who |
assume the habits of young men and |
enter into paths beset by dangers. The |
mother will allow her child of Is to play
the young lady without thought OF the |
consequences. but would he shocked if |
the child manifested q disinclination to /
attend church. The mother exercises no
supervision over the literature her child |
may read though The country is flooded
with the most pernicious kind, but re-
quires constant attendance at the SUNDAY
school. Seemingly, to bring child up
n some religious denomination makes
unnecessary any precaution TO prevent
the formation of bad habits, and relieves
the fear Of evil associations. 1t is wise
to give religious instruction but without
the much n ore impre ssivs less IN 4, aueLt
at the tireside it briggs forth but indjf-
ferent fruit. The lessons taught Ia church
are in point of effee! second to hose Ieara
ed from mothers lips. Home should
throw its sacred influences around youth
and guard it from evils which appear
seductive.