San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1886-09-23
First Duty Of a Mother.

FIRST Duty VI motacrs
We copy the following from N
excellent article in the September
number Of Tho Kindergarten" re-
Gently noticed by us;
The true mother looking to the fu-
turo Of her infant, desires a sure foun-
dation for q symmetrical life, and
aims TO lay it so deeply that II she be
removed, the result Of her earlier la
Dor will DO fair proportions, even
though less careful hands complote
her work, and so, after a careful re-
view OF the duties "whose name is
legion" I answers sincerity, un-
wavering sincerity in all things, at all
times, in all places"
II curiosity buds in untimely ques-
tions, do not concoctsome tale so alb
surd that your tones and manner
betray your purpose, but say frankly
and kindly; "When you are grown,
you will understand all these things,
now you must learn the things that
belong to childhood; mamma waited
until she was woman to learn the
things that concern grown-up peo-
ple." The curiosity will be allayed
by that method, while mystery and
subterfugo will only serve to excite
it to greater intensity with the strong
ly probable result OF future deceitful-
ness and initiating mystery on the
part Of the child. A mother was so
unfortunate as to destroy rare bit
Of china belonging to o friend With
whom she was visiting, her bright
little boy four years old was at her
side, tho only witness to the accident.
Clasping his hand, the mother glided
through the parlor window on to the
piazza, and when the loss was dis
covered she was rocking her boy and
complacently singing to him. They
heard the servant upbraided for care
lessness; heard her indignant words
of defense; knew that she was per-
emptorily dismissed "without char
acter," because the lady thought her
untruthful as we'll rs careless. Bob
by's chivalry was aroused and he be-
gan to scramble down from his moth
er's knee, his eyes were flashing with
anger, for Norah had won his heart.
His mothers arms frightened about
him, and she whispered in his ear,
"Never mind, Bobby The little
fellow reluctantly returned to his
mothers knee; but the puzzled look
on his face was never forgotten by
her. 1t was an enigma to noighbors
and friends why Bobby changed
from generous, frank, justice-loying
''little man. to q cowardly sneak, who
loved to injuro helpless animals,
smash toys and snap flowers from
well-tended beds with his whip. His
misdemeanors were always shifted to
shoulders other than his own, and
when in despair his oft-forgiying fo-
ther decided to send Bobby to a
school-ship, tho boy turned to his
mother and referred to the incident
of the broken china as the starting
point of his wrong-doing.
Dear mother, to whom that crown
ing Joy has just been given, be sure
that in all things you are ever sincere
with your child; begin your building
with truth for your cornerstone, all
other graces OF life grow out OF that.
Deception in many and cruel forms
will assail your children after they
have left your arms, give them a
vivid memory of o sincere mother,
out of which they will fashion for
themselves an armor more invincible
and more beautiful than was ever
hammered out for old time knights
by the most cunning workmen.
When bitter disappointments mako
them wonder if there is not q posi-
bility Of truths elimination from all
things mundane, remembering YOU
they will say, "Mother was true,
truth is not dead;" and they will take
up their work with new courage.
How many mothers arc asking
this same question, as their little
love blossoms cuddle in their arms!
1 would like to take each one by the
hand and say BE always sincere"
Truth is to life, the fner's crucible,
the builders foundation, the artists
touch, the poets spirit, the servants
and the mothers power. It
is, Of all the possibilities with which
the Great ALI Father has endowed
us, most to be prizod and nurtured.
1t was of the sincere mother that Sol
omon said, Her children arise up,
and call her blessed"
Mna A ErropR