Mrs Whittelsey's Magazine for Mothers and Daughters - Volume 3 by Various
page 24 of 472 (05%)
page 24 of 472 (05%)
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Boys! If your father and mother, in the midst of a thousand cares and
perplexities, of which you know nothing--cares, often increased seven-fold, by their anxieties for you, are less tender and forgiving than you think they should be, will you throw off all regard for them, all gratitude for their constant proofs of real affection, and make shipwreck of your own character and hopes, and break their hearts? No--rather with noble disregard of your own feelings, strive still more to please them, to soothe the weary spirit you have disturbed, and so in due time you shall reap the reward of well-doing, and the blessing of Him, who hath given you the fifth commandment, and with it a promise. Fathers! Provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged, for the tempter is ever at hand to lead them astray. The harsh reproof--the undeserved blame--cold silence, where should be the kind inquiry, or the affectionate welcome--oh, how do these things chill the young heart, and plant reserve where should be the fullest confidence, if you would save your child. Mothers! Where shall the youthful spirit look for the saving influence of love, if not to you? The young heart craves sympathy. It must have it--it will have it. If not found at home, it will be found in the streets, and oh, what danger lurks there! Fathers and mothers--see to it, that if your child's heart cease to beat, your own break not with the remembrance of words and looks, that bite like a serpent and sting like an adder! ELLEN ELLISON. * * * * * |
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