Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1882-07-26
Training of Children.

Train up child in the way he should
90, and when he is old he will not depart
from it." These are inspired words, and
must be true. Train up q child in the
Wdy he should 90. The Hebrew rendering
of these words is thus given by DR.. A.
Clark, " Initiate tho child at the opening |
(the mouth) of his path" and adds :-l
" When he comes to the opening Of the
way of life, being able to walk alone, and
to choose, stop at this entrance, and begin |
series Of instructions, how he is to con
duct himself in every step he takes. Show
him the duties, the dangers and blessings
of the path; give him directions how to
perform the duties, how to escape the
dangers, and how to secure the blessings
which all lie before him.
| The question is often asked, " How Is it
that so many children Of professedly
Christian parents grow up unconvertei
and in many instances worldly and I'M
godly?" Does it not result from the neg
lect of proper early training? Many seem
to think that children need but little care
and attention-that proper culture has but
little to do with the early development of
life. They cherish the expectation that
their children will be good and do right if
left to themselves; that they need no spe-
cial training-their own sense Of right is
all sufficient. All the history of the past
shows that such expectations are vain, and
are sure to dsappoint in the end
What carelessness and indifference is
everywhere manifested in watching over
the tender plantsi Blighting and worldly
influences are allowed to steal over the
opening mind, and no anxiety experienced
for the result. Children are committed to
the care of improper nurses aud govern
esses, educated in schools where religion
is ignored, entertained in parties of the
gay and thoughtless, admitted to friend
ships low and enervating, where God is
dishonored and his cause lightly esteemed
The spirit of the age is lax in regard tC
family discipline. Children must be al
lowed independence; great liberality mus
be exercised toward them, and nothing
must be done to bring them under any
rules of home government. Indeed, the
governing power in many families is com
mitted to the children. In how many
home circles may it be said, "Childrer
rule heren
The government of the family was early
committed to its head by divine authority
| ISdu WudI tuO SdlIl Vi ADf
know him that he will command his ohil
dren and household after him, and the,
shall keep the way of the Lord, to do jus
tice and Judgment, that the Lord ma,
bring upon Abraham that which he haiti
spoken of him." What had the Lor,
spoken" of Abraham that he might bring
upon himp 1t reads thus 81 will estab
fish my covenant between me and thee
and thy seed after thee" OF course, thi
was to be done by his commanding hi
children and household after him. Com
mand" is a very significant word. showing
that it is the duty of parents to govern TIN
family.
Parents cannot be too careful and atten
tive in properly directing and instructor.
the youthful minds committed to thel
care. While they command" or govern
they should do it wisely, giving to tn,
household circle pleasing, cheerful, Low
ing aspect. contributing in every possible
way consistent with Christian principle t.
make home the pleasantest place on earth
Religious light should shine herewith ;
clear, steady brightness. Where the hom,
is right-governmen properly administer
ed, religion taught by precept and ex
ample, and illustrated in all of the socia
and domestic relations, and genial
warm, pleasant aspect running through
all of the family circle-therc the youn.
life will develop and show It's richer
4 noblcr qualities in its advance TO manhood
4 and such has been its training that it will
experience n wonderful influence in re
: strainins from evil, and in guiding in th
Z way Of truth and righteousness.