Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1909-02-26

When a member of the committee
asked me to write on this subject |
thought some grey haired mother who
had reared three or dozen boys sue
cessfully was the one to prepare this
paper, and Still think so.
They did not say young boys so the
old ones may have an inning. The
town people are the ones who're in
need of suggestions on bringing up
boys, for the country boy is blessed
with just doing and growing. If the
town lad is inclined to work on farm
there are few who have the time and
talent to teach him. Therefore bless
your stars that you are on farm with
your boys. Boys you be thankful too.
1t is Gods plan of rearing boys, his
wholesome earth beneath your feet,
his bonny blue sky over, and his pure
atmosphere about you. The city boy is
denied the luxury of dirt, i. e., soil.
There are quantities of filth but never
touch or smell of Gods sweet earth
in springtime or toasting August. Re-
jnice in it boys of all ages count the
blessings of farm life often and discuss
them with the children. growing the
virtues into every fiber of their being.
There are some drawbacks but few
compared to the limitations and buffet
ing Of city life. Nothing of trees, sky,
birds or natures beauties and consola-
tions. Gaslight in place of sunlight;
no woods to roam in or It cam to pad
die through, no companionship of ami
mails and but few boys, for the city
boy is crowded into mans place as
soon as possible.
Take off your caps boys and hurrah
for JOY that your youthful days are on
the farm.
When some croakar raises objections
to the farm have string of privileges
ready to offset them or refer to the re-
strictlons and hardships of city life.
While little tots teach them the names
of trees, grains and animals of other
lands as well as our own and compare
them.
Raise and broaden their ideas by
looking skyward, learning of the stars
and planets their movements, vastness
and inhabitants.
Oh yes they will ask you questions
you can not answer, but then is The
time you can begin to teach them OF
the infinite powers of love of God who
created these glories, and how there are
more things that we do not and can not
know and must leave in His trust thai
the few we do comprehend.
Call the attention of the little folk
to radi ant sunsets, majestic storr
banks and shifting countless cloud
while they are forming into landscape:
and animals, let them see the working
of Gods hand in these and impress i
upon them how near and loving he is
and that they must notice and Civ
praise for all these beauties abou
them and never feel that He is ia
away. So many people never com
mune with the Lord Jesus in their JOY
and simple things of life only in time
of dire sorrow.
Don't let the children ever get a
idea that God is a great way off, rathe
that he is always with them to guild
and council with them and have tn
bond of companionship grow stronge
as they grow older. There will b
times in their lives that they will b
entirely alone except for his everlas
ing arms and gentle presence. Hav
religion grow in them and not fore
them to go out and get it any old plac
Parents pray for wisdom in bringir
up the family, see the needs and try
feel the very soul of each chill
straighten the tangles the best you ca
and avoid others then have perfe'
confidence that Mary and Johnnie
given time and clear field, with yol
love and Gods help will come out vi
torious.
To be confident in their success do
not mean to be careless Of their rea
ing and company. But thoughts a
things and your trustful, hopef
thoughts will tide them over we;
places. If they fail at times assn
them we all do from seven to sevent
don't let them feel that theirs are is
lated cases; but that we are We
much alike young and old. The tas
grow harder with the years but F.,
have gained endurance and good fl
getter In times of perplexity VIII
beyond your vision to solve, say sc
we will do our hest and leave the rt
to God who knoweth all while
wait and abide by his loving decisio
Wait is fearful word for ambitio
energetic boys. But waiting is S
dom wasting time. We often acco
plish more in thoughtful waiting tn
in thoughtless haste. Have a roc
and tools WI ere he can mend and ma
things. Invite their associates to yo
home and study their pedigree and ga
Be as particular about the boys roc
and clothing as with the girls; tot
articles, soap, even box of powd
for new shoes and sunburn feels j.
as good to them.
AS much care in everything shol
be given our boys as our girls TIL