The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-12-08
A Quiet Mind.

Most of us have found out how much
easier it is to bear up bravely under a
great misfortune than to act with pa
thence, good temper, and courage when
little things go wrong. How many times
day are we tried and harassed in the
family One person is apt to be irritated
at trifes, and to speak petulantly and
hastily when provoked Nothing spreads
more quickly than such an infrmity. 1t
is as subtitle as malaria, and as hard to
overcome. If father or mother have the
habit Of speaking in hareh rasping voice,
or of magnifying little faults into great
crimes, the children will soon learn the
trick of scowling brows and cross words.
We never hear little girl scolding her
doll, in upllfted tones, nor striking and
shaking it without suspicion that in
that way she sees the home government
administered. And when we observe
gentleness, sweetness, and unselfshness
predominatingi in the conduct of children,
the inference Is natural that they live in
a sunny atmosphere, and have beautiful
examples set before them daily
How often we mothers have gone from
our rooms, where we have had tender
season of communion with God, have read
precious promises in his Book, and been
strengthened against need, and then, Sc
cure as we thought, against temptation,
have had all the peace banished by some
untoward occurrencel To enter the par
lor and find that Jennie is playing with
the china which is your pride, or that
Tommy has made horse of your frail
L, ohotc. - lo--o r.
which you loaned in the goodness of your
heart, come home stained and torn; to
go to the kitchen and be confronted by
the stupidity or obstinacy of an ignorant
servant-these are common experiences,
and how often our self-control flies before
theml 1t is as humiliating as it is com
mon to find that when we are on the
level of our highest moods we are apt to
be swept down to our lowest.
How can we exercise ourselves so as to
have quiet mind? In two or three ways.
We cannot invariably control our
thoughts and impulses, but our words and
our tones are in our own power. We
may resolve to preserve silence, when we
are exasperated, till we feel calm, and
never to elevate our tones when ANNOYED
A low, clear voice is great charm in a
woman; and when it is a mothers it has
an almost magical influence in the main
tanning of harmony in the household.
If we would have quiet mind, we
must give fair play to this house in which
our mind dwells. Often the temper is
uncertain and fortitude breaks down be-
cause the body is worn out by illness or
sleeple ssness. Let us resolve to secure
some needed repose, and some small space
of solitude every day. There should be
one room to which, morning or afternoon,
we may retire, and be safe from intrusion,
while we read, mediate, rest or pray.
Let us make daily and practical use of
our Bibles They are full Of help, of in
struction, and Of comfort We can open
them nowhere without finding some
thought of God, out-shining like star,
and dispensing its brilliant light for our
cheer and guidance. The way Of perfect
trust is the only peaceful way in this
world, and they have most Of its Joy who
dwell nearest the heavenly Father The
Christian at Work.