Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-05-20
A Word for Wives.

Wives and step-mothers have been made
the SUBJECTS OF many cutting sayings, which
were more smart than true. 1t is SIGN of
the better grade of our civilization that
wives are better appreciated and more high
ly honored as time passes. A writer saws:
There is only one Jobs wife mentioned in
the Bible, and one Jezebel; but there are no
end of Sarahs and Rebeccas.n The trouble
is shrew is noted far and wide. while a
good woman attracts no unfavorable notice
1t is to be noticed, however, that a good
husband helps make good wife. There
are men who annoy and worry till patience
is exhausted, and irritability is CONSTANT
And yet there are cases where patient en-
during women have borne with irascible
husbands, whose habits were low and bru-
tai, and have at last reclaimed them to
better life.
The wife OF the companion, the helpmeet
Of the husbaAd, and therefore his confidant.
associate andcompanion in life. And the
more completely this is the fact the more
fully will she realize her mission. Perhaps
this is her first duty. On the husband falls
the care and labor of providing for his
household; On the wife the duty of making
the best use of what he brings. 1t is his to
lead in life's duties and struggles, and hers
to brighten AID sEeeten his way. There is
a heipfuiness In the placid countenanee and
sympathetic spirit of faithful wife that
lifts, cheers and strengthens. Many men
owe all they are to their wives. 1t was her
courage that inspired them to the final effort
which saved from bankruptcy and ruin.-
And this is one phase of her mission. 1t
onght to be widely appreciated.
The management and control of children,
rr1In f,llc b.
husband. Here her influence is paramount.
Many OF our best men have gratefully re-
corded their obligations to careful, loving
mothers. The molding influences thew ex.
erted have been felt in all after life. 1t is
here, most of all, that her greatest power is
exerted. The ambitious women who seek
masculine employmentsa are fortunately few
Where taste, inclination, or necessity re-
quire it, we do not object. But as a rule,
the noblest sphere of woman is that of wife,
in ordering and directing the home, and in
training for life the children.
This sphere should not be underrated. i
Our homes are the center of our national
life. They do more to mold us, as a nation,
than any other influence whatever. With
pleasant, happy homes, strength and cheer
falness are impaired. Real homes are crate
full resting places after the weary labors of
the day, and the wife, more than any other,
makes the home congenial Or disagreeable,
inviting OF repeIlant, and the test of the
home quality is its attractive power. IfI
husband and children love home, evidently
the right influence is at work. If home is
a mere stopping place for meals, to be visit
ed for little, but abandoned for other re-
sorts, either it is not attractive or a false
taste has been cultivated by those who alb
sent themselves. All this is involved in the
wife's sphere, aud a position of so much in
fuence is worthy all her capacity and should
command all her enthusiastic devotion.-l
The wife holds, in our land. a position of
great honor and trust. st.-PhiladelphiG Times.