The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-02-16
Ghildren's Column.
For the Central Presbyterian.
BeSetting Sins.

Tess, as Allie says, and Hugh threw
himself YEARLY down by the side of the
gentle, sweet faced mother and laid his
head on her lap
And what has my big boy been doing
this timer" asked Mrs Leslie, as her
hand smoothed the puckered forehead.
"Ohl" replied Hugh, with smothered
sob, "only been yielding to the enemy
again, mother. l am in despair. l shall
never, never conquer my hateful temperl"
ALAS my son, when the temptation
comes do you pray for the help you need
then so sorely? l fear and know you
rely too much on your own strength. Do
you expect to overcome the habit, the
sin of sixteen years, in few days or
months? 1t will be with you lifelong
struggle, life of prayer and watchful-
ness"
Hugh Looked up at the patient face
bending over him, and thought with
sigh, how many times he had caused that
loved countenance to sadden, those eyes
to weep, and that afectionate heart to
ache by his want of self-control
Dear, sweet, little mother, if all were
like you, would never lose my temper"
You will not always have me by your
side through life, my boy you will meet
with many and varied dispositions, and
you can not expect every ones will to
give way to yours. Wills are apt to clash,
and it is only Gods grace which enables
persons to conquer their tempers and to
live peacefully with each other
Long and earnest was the talk that fol-
lowed, and Hugh left the room an hour
afterwards, determined not to make any
more resolutions in his own strength, but
to seek the aid constantly of that friend
who sticketh closer than brother.
Mrs. Leslie sat long time lost in
thought With the care and RESPONSE
bility of large family, did she not some
times lose heart, feel faint and weary by
the way? The mother of seven children,
ranging in age from eighteen to four.
How should she control the different dis
positions, and how, during all these years,
had she fulfilled her trust? l cannot
fathom mother who has no helping,
higher hand than that of principle and
love. 1t takes not only that but all the
help our weak faith will receive from
loving Saviour, to aid Christian mothers
in their responsible duties
The next day Mrs Leslie looked round
with smile at the bright faces gathered
round the morning meal, and said, 81
have plan to propose. Would not each
one Of you like to win a prize? You,
Kate, have long wished for locket, and
you Hugh?"
For watch" was the eager answer
"And you, Jessie?" added Mrs. Leslie,
turning to an overgrown girl of twelve
years.
A copy of Pilgrims Progress" was
the blushing reply.
Now Tom express your wish, con-
tinued mamma, as a sturdy boy of ten
came forward
ooh, mamma, don t want any of your
jimcracks, l want new boat, with splen-
did new oars"
"Ah, my son, I fear I shall have to
say no. Your father does not approve of
your boating
"Well then, mamma, leave me out of
the ring, don't want anything else"
Yes you dol" said Hugh, sharply,
you want to spoil all our fun by having
your own way"
Hugh" said his mother, reproach-
fully, tom will come over to our plan
after awhile. But here come our twins,
she added, as the door opened and in
rushed Harry and Alice, fresh from their
bath, and locking rosy and dimpled in
their childish beauty. What would my
pets like to have ?"
Mother is to give us all a present,
that is, if we win it," said Hugh, (who
was in the secret in answer to the I'M
spoken question. What would you like
most?"
"a horse, horse, my kingdom for
horse" exclaimed Hal, putting himself
into tragic attitude.
Hear! hearT' said Hugh, and some
laughing and clapping their hands.
After the uproar had ceased, Allie said
her choice would be large wax doll.
Mrs Leslie very quietly then told her
eager listeners the plan she had to pro-
pose. 1t was this: If at the end of three
months each one had tried with might
and main to conquer or overcome their
besetting sin, the prize would be theirs
Her idea was to procure blank book,
and under each name write the besetting
sin of each one, to be marked each day
with good or bad marks as the case might
be.
"Of course" continued mamma, al
shall expect each one of you to report if
at any time, unknown to me, you should
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