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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/tenhoodsorlifefrOOmcwh 
 
THE 
 
 Ten Hoods, or Life, 
 
 FROM 
 
 THE CRADLE TO THE THRONE, 
 
 ?OR 
 
 THE YOUNG AND THE OLD. 
 
 BY 
 
 Rev. L. McWHERTER, A. M. 
 
 Author of " The Three Kingdoms" and 
 " The King of Glory." 
 
 THE SOUTHWESTERN COMPANY, 
 
 PUBLISHERS AND MANUFACTURERS, 
 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, 
 
 1912. 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1887^ 
 
 By L. McWHERTER, 
 
 In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 
 
 (H) 
 
TO 
 
 Lizzie Lee and Leta, 
 
 My Dear and Affectionate Daughters, 
 
 is this volume for youth 
 
 and years, 
 
 tovingly and hopefully dedicated 
 
 BY 
 
 A DEVOTED FATHER. 
 
teife iA nofcfe, or ignoSFe, 
 
 •K& tRc ^earA go roffiija' rotnjb t 
 
 bet it 6c coftaf (SjoiL aoou?c| ^cwe it, 
 SfonQ tfie crailfe to tft.e crooon. 
 
 M 
 
\ 
 
 letZt^u* 
 
fc 
 
 R EPACE, 
 
 ZN offering this volume to the public we are 
 actuated by a desire to assist all who peruse its 
 pages in attaining to higher and holier lives. 
 
 It has been our purpose to paint the pictures of life, 
 according to our ideal, just as they ought to appear, in 
 the varied phases and relationships from infancy to 
 old age. 
 
 If we shall succeed in pleasing the old, encouraging 
 the middle-aged, and influencing our young readers to 
 make this model life their own, as they pass through 
 its different stages, we shall have accomplished our 
 purpose and compassed our mpst ardent desire. 
 Most fraternally, 
 
 L. McWHERTER. 
 
<b 
 
 NTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER. PAGE. 
 
 I. Baby-hood, ....... 7 
 
 II. Childhood, . . . . . . 21 
 
 III. Girlhood, . . . . . .42 
 
 IV. Boyhood, .*.... 67 
 V. Woman-hood, ..... . 92 
 
 VI. Manhood, . . , . . .136 
 
 VII. Mother-hood, . . . . , . 179 
 
 VIII. Father-hood, 203 
 
 . IX. Grandmother-hood, 225 
 
 v X. Grandfather-hood, . . . .241 
 
 (vi) 
 
BABY-HOOD. 
 
 Chapter I 
 
 The baby neat, so very sweet, 
 
 Be it a girl or boy ; 
 All who meet are sure to greet, 
 
 And wish a life of joy. 
 
 ABY-HOOD is life in the bud. It 
 is hope in the arms ; it is love 
 on the bosom ; it is joy in the 
 cradle ; it is light in the home ; 
 it is perfection in heaven. 
 
 Baby-hood is life's golden sun- 
 rise, beaming beautiful and bright 
 upon the world. It is the bright, 
 brief morn of an ever-lengthening 
 day. It may be a day full of happiness and heaven, or 
 a day doomed to darkness and to death. It is the open- 
 ing hours of an endless life. It may be a life great in 
 its possibilities, grand in its achievements, and glorious 
 in its destiny; or it may be an existence blighted in the 
 bud, blasted in the bloom and panoplied with the dark- 
 ness of endless death. 
 
 Babies are the sweetest beings on earth. They 
 are angels in disguise ; they are the sunshine and sov- 
 
8 TWIN BABIES. 
 
 ereigns of every home they enter ; they are the joy 
 of every model mother's heart, and the pride of every 
 fond father's life. The sweet, bonny babe is the idol 
 of the household. 
 
 Babies are also beautiful beings. They are always 
 objects of special interest and attraction. They are 
 perfect little cherubs of beauty. The silver clouds, 
 the sapphire skies, and the starry canopy over our 
 heads are all beautiful, but none of them are compar 
 able to buoyant, bewitching, beautiful baby-hood. 
 
 Babies are innocent creatures. We are naturally 
 wont to regard them as pure and spotless beings. To 
 those of us who are parents the air above . our heads 
 is not purer, the flowers beneath our feet are not 
 sweeter, and the little lambs playing sportively upon 
 the lawn, are not more innocent than these darling 
 babes of ours. Here lie two little twins as artless and 
 innocent as ever smiled in a mother's face or gladdened 
 a father's heart. They look like two little wingless 
 cherubs. Nothing can be more beautiful, lovely, or at- 
 tractive than these two sweet, innocent little twin ba- 
 bies. They exhibit life in its artless innocence and 
 matchless purity. 
 
 Babies are among heaven's best gifts .to earth. 
 The beneficent hands of Deity place these lovely lit- 
 tle ones in parental arms as perennial blessings. The 
 race has always been blessed with the presence and in- 
 fluence of innocent infancy. 
 
 Babies are the most helpless beings in the world. 
 They are wholly dependent on others for the neces- 
 sities of life. Their every want must be anticipated 
 by other heads and supplied by other hands than their 
 
BABYHOOD. 
 
 (See page 8.) 
 
DELICATE DARLINGS; 9 
 
 own. Look, for a moment, upon the helpless form of a 
 feeble infant, forsaken by a faithless or fiendish mother, 
 and then think of the powers, and possibilities lying dor- 
 mant in that dependent babe. But only let its lease on 
 life extend through time, and stretch across boundless 
 eternity, and who can weigh the responsibilities laid upon 
 parents, when these little helpless infants enter their 
 homes for care and culture ? 
 
 Babies are the most delicate darlings on earth. 
 Hence, they are wisely entrusted only to the tenderest 
 hands and most affectionate hearts. They ought to be 
 carefully conducted, through feeble infancy, out into vig- 
 orous childhood-life. The baby is ever recognized, by 
 the entire family circle, as the tenderest plant in their 
 domestic paradise. If this be true, it should be handled, 
 and cultured with the greatest possible care. Into the 
 lap, of maternal love, this tender little luxury is laid, for 
 its first lessons of life and liberty. Its little mind is sus- 
 ceptible of the most delicate impressions, either for good 
 or evil; and its loving heart, like wax, receives them 
 most readily ; but, marble-like, holds them for evermore. 
 The first impressions made, upon the infant's mind, must 
 aid in molding its mission for life. It is of the highest 
 importance then, that these impressions be of the purest 
 and holiest character. 
 
 Babies are the burdens ol maternal hearts. The 
 true mother loves her babe most tenderly. It has her 
 last care, at night-fall. It is constantly in her dreams, 
 when she sleeps ; and receives her first thoughts, as she 
 wakes to greet the morning light of another day of 
 watch-care and work, for her precious treasure. It is the 
 sum, and center of her deepest solicitude. Her anxie- 
 
IO BONNY BABES. 
 
 ties, her hopes and her fears, all, hover around her deli- 
 cate darling babe. She looks, lovingly, into its little 
 face, and communes sweetly with it until it answers her 
 maternal appeals, with the first smile of recognition, and 
 her fond heart beats with highest hopes. 
 
 At this period of its life, if not sooner, the work 
 of educating the baby begins, either for weal or woe. 
 And, mothers want to realize the vast importance of this 
 work, which is committed to their hands, when these 
 bonny babes are placed upon their bosoms, to be nursed 
 and nurtured, for God. If they could only foresee the 
 death, and destiny, of these darling little ones, they 
 would know that this wonderful work demands the wisest 
 heads, and the worthiest hearts possessed by the best 
 women in the world. And such mothers would be far 
 from transferring these sacred trusts to unskillful hands, 
 empty heads and unholy hearts. 
 
 Mothers may safely commit their babies' wardrobes 
 to other hands ; but the babies themselves require 
 maternal care. A mother can do nothing nobler than 
 to nurse, and nurture her own offspring. The impress of 
 her own sweet spirit should be stamped, early, upon its 
 little soul. Infants are easily affected, even by facial ex- 
 pression. They very readily, and early distinguish be- 
 tween features expressive of anger and love. And they 
 will often unconsciously imitate the features seen upon 
 faces with which they are most familiar. Then, if 
 mothers would have their babies be sweet, and lovely, 
 they must exclude from the nursery every thing that is 
 unholy, or impure. 
 
 Babies are latent forces. In their young, and tender 
 lives lie hidden infinite possibilities. There is skill in 
 
BABIES' BEST FRIEND. 
 (See page 10.) 
 
LATENT FORCES. II 
 
 those tiny fingers, eloquence on those little lips, fire in 
 those sparkling eyes, brains in their soft heads, love in 
 their tender hearts and music in their sensitive souls. 
 They simply demand proper development, to make them 
 great powers for good in the world ; and to qualify them 
 for happiness here, and heaven hereafter. 
 
 Babies are the very embodiment of innocence, in 
 the estimation of maternal hearts. They are as 
 guileless and guiltless as innocence itself. But, the in- 
 nocent infant's soul is soft, and easily impressed for 
 weal or woe. The little things it sees and hears, while 
 in the crib or cradle, help to mold its character for time, 
 and shape its chances for eternity. Its little eye is quick 
 to detect the meaning of a look. Its little ear readily 
 interprets the import of the voice. And, its little heart 
 instantly perceives the significance of a gesture. Hence, 
 nothing vulgar, or vile should ever meet its little eyes. 
 Nothing hasty, or harsh should ever greet its little ears. 
 No seed of discord, or dissension should ever fall upon its 
 tender young heart. The apparently trivial influences, 
 which contribute to the formation of human character, can 
 not be over estimated in their bearings upon infantile life. 
 They will endure through time, and bear fruit in eternity. 
 The impressions made upon human hearts, in infancy, 
 last the longest, and have most to do with determining 
 the character, and painting the fore-ground of coming 
 years. We are all largely indebted to the sacred influ- 
 ences, which clustered around our cradles, for much of 
 the good there may be in our characters, and for many 
 of the hallowed associations, which have thus far envi- 
 roned our pathways through life. 
 
 The baby is a student. It studies successfully the 
 2 
 
1 2 FORECASTING THE FUTURE. 
 
 faces, and featurs of those who bend over it from day to 
 day. It readily recognizes the harsh tones which fall, in 
 words of disapproval, upon its little ears. It also knows 
 the sweet, gentle voices which sing its evening lullabies. 
 Every sentiment, expressed by look or word, is soon 
 properly interpreted by its young heart ; and, the effect 
 may be seen, and this fact read, in miniature, upon 
 its legible countenance. The mother's griefs soon find 
 their counterpart in her infant's sighs ; and her joys find 
 their response in the baby's smiles. 
 
 We look with intense interest, and longing anxi- 
 ety, upon the darling little babe as it lies nestled 
 cosily in its mother's arms, or sweetly sleeping in its 
 cosy crib, and fain would forecast, for it, a bright 
 and happy future. We wonder whether, or not, it will 
 live to be grown ; and, if so, what will be the character 
 of its life, and the shadings of its destiny. We would 
 give much to lift the misty curtains, which mantle the 
 coming years, and trace the unopened leaves of its fu- 
 ture history. But, a merciful providence has thrown an 
 impenetrable vail over the future of this bud of promise, 
 and hidden its openings, and subsequent developments 
 in a sealed volume. This is just as it should be. For, 
 otherwise it might darken all our promises, and blight all 
 our hopes of its future greatness. This desire to wrest 
 from the sealed book of heaven its untold secrets, and 
 read the chronology of time, in advance of its happen- 
 ings, is all wrong, and tends only to discontent and un- 
 happiness. 
 
 Parents do well, notwithstanding the uncertain- 
 ties that environ infancy, to welcome the opening 
 life of the new-born babe, whom God hath given 
 
ENVIRONMENTS OF INFANCY. 1 3 
 
 them, to their warmest embraces. It is true, it may 
 bring with it hours of anxiety, and weeks of watch-care ; 
 but, it will also laden your loving hearts with their cor- 
 responding compensations of joy and gladness. And, 
 should the cradle song soon sink into the funeral dirge, 
 still you will find reasons for thanking God who hath 
 given, and taken away the comfort, and consolation of 
 your hearts and lives. 
 
 Babies are very influential beings. They are not 
 born for naught. Neither do they live in vain, though 
 they die soon. Like messengers of mercy, they bring 
 blessings to every home they enter. They soften the 
 hardest hearts. They subdue the most rebellious spirits ; 
 and leave tenderest traces of love, upon the parental 
 soul, which draw it homeward, and heavenward. When 
 babies come to the homes of earth, they always bring 
 the choicest benedictions of heaven ; and while they re- 
 main, they ought to be a source of perpetual blessings 
 to all by whom they are surrounded in this life. 
 
 Babies are little limited monarchs. They lie in their 
 cradles, helpless and harmless, but wielding a wonder- 
 ful power over all around them. They are puny 
 strugglers, strong in their weakness, and irresistible in 
 their utter helplessness. They are little uncrowned 
 kings, and queens before whom many hearts bow in lov- 
 ing allegiance. They wield their sceptres of influence, 
 alike, over the young and the old. Their artless inno- 
 cence exerts a secret, but salient power over all who are 
 brought under its sacred influence. They present the 
 innocent phases of life, before us, in their most attractive 
 forms. They enter life's large arena with delegated 
 powers. Their missions are those of mercy. They 
 
14 MINDS IN MINIATURE, 
 
 come to soften hard hearts and save rebellious souls. 
 Their plaintive cries appeal to the fondest affections of 
 the maternal heart. The thought of her responsibilities 
 exalts every faculty of the mother's soul. Thus the in- 
 fant, in its silence and submission, teaches the mother 
 many of the most important and impressive lessons of 
 life. It stirs up, within her soul, many a slumbering gift ; 
 uncovers, in her life, many a hidden grace, and discip- 
 lines, in her activities, many wayward powers into ele- 
 ments of strong, and vigorous woman-hood. It also 
 touches the fond father's heart, most tenderly, many 
 times. Its tiny fingers, and feeble grasp, are often pow- 
 erful enough to turn the strongest man from the road 
 that leads to ruin. The baby's ideal innocence is, to the 
 parents, the very essence of magnetic power. It draws 
 them irresistibly to the cradle, with hand, head and 
 heart, all devoted to its service. It leads them to the 
 crimson cross of Christ, where they re-consecrate their all 
 to God, when the babe is christened. And, it also points 
 them, successfully, to the Christian's crown, where they 
 may reign an unbroken family, as kings and queens for- 
 ever, and for evermore. 
 
 Babies are beings with minds in miniature. They are 
 capable of wonderful development, even, during their in- 
 fancy. Their training should begin at their birth. Par- 
 ents should attach special importance, even, to the hand- 
 ling of infancy. For, if this be done in a gentle, patient 
 and loving way, it will do much to develop the same 
 traits of character in the growing minds of their darling 
 babies. The management of the nursery has a great 
 deal to do with the formation of future character. The 
 mother who leaves her cradle, thoughtlessly, in the 
 
FRESH AND FRAGRANT. 1 5 
 
 hands of another, or rocks it herself, in anger, may live 
 to lament her folly, or mourn her unmotherly example. 
 
 Babies are, often, what their environments make them. 
 The cradle should be surrounded by the loveliest, and 
 most pleasing scenery. An air of refinement, and 
 culture, should characterize those who roll its rockers, 
 and bend over its precious treasure. None, but gentle, 
 loving words, should greet the eager ears of its easily 
 influenced inmate. None, but kind, benevolent acts, 
 should, ever, meet its open eyes. Then, the beautiful 
 babe, like the sweet bud, would naturally expand into a 
 lovely flower, and be admired by all who see it. It 
 would also find a home in all hearts ; and grow up to 
 bless those it associates with through life. 
 
 Such babies are the poetry of domestic life. They 
 are the fresh, and fragrant flowers which beautify and 
 adorn our homes. They are the priceless gems which 
 are treasured but to enrich our hearts, and make us the 
 happier. The magic of their charms draw us to them, 
 to bless and be blessed. Their artless, and endless at- 
 tractions hold us with ever increasing, and enraptured 
 delight. The beautiful babe is a beam of light, a well- 
 spring of joy, a fountain of love whose gentle presence 
 sweetens every spirit, and softens every heart in the 
 household. All people open their sealed souls to the 
 secret, and silent influences of the innocent infant, in 
 which they are so intensely interested. 
 
 Babies are the richest, and rarest treasures of the ma- 
 ternal heart. The helpless infant is the devoted moth- 
 er'cj surest anchor. It holds her fast to her moorings, 
 rts cradle is the craft that bears her heart's most 
 precious treasure. In it lies the light of her home, and 
 
l6 CARE AND CULTURE. 
 
 the delight of her soul. The mother should linger, as 
 much as possible, around the cradle of the tiny creature, 
 whose life-long interests depend largely upon the care, 
 and culture of its early life. But, when the baby is 
 quiet, and happy in its cosy nest, let it alone. Do not 
 disturb the little fellow when he is cooing, or crowing, in 
 one of his merriest moods. Too much attention is worse 
 than too little ; it will spoil the best of babies. The 
 lovers of little ones ought to provide some way to care 
 for the babies of the extremely poor people and the in- 
 fant orphans of the dead. This would be a wise, and a 
 long step in the right direction. 
 
 Babies are lovers of song. The mother's low lullaby 
 is a music lesson to her silent infant. Singing mothers 
 cultivate, in their offspring, an increased love for song. 
 They touch the plaintive chords of the baby's tender, 
 and responsive heart, and thus begins the work of refin- 
 ing, and elevating the manners, and morals of the men, 
 and women of the world. A small portion of preventa- 
 tive saves an immense amount of cure. 
 
 But, what would the world be without its babies ? We 
 hesitate to answer the question. We fear to paint the 
 picture. The simple thought is enough to harden every 
 heart, and sadden every soul of our sinning, and sorrowing 
 race. The reality would be infinitely worse. It would 
 tear the earthly idols from millions of fond hearts. It 
 would rob hundreds, upon hundreds, of households of 
 their last golden sunbeam. And, it would deprive the 
 world of its best specimens of personal purity and in- 
 herent innocence. 
 
 We are all largely indebted to babies. They brighten 
 our homes, and bless our hearts in a thousand ways. 
 
FACULTIES AND FORCES. 1 7 
 
 They furnish constant incentives to nobler living. They 
 serve as perpetual reminders of the fact, that we do not 
 live to ourselves alone. Many hours, which would 
 otherwise be dark and dreary, are brightened by their 
 presence. Their helplessness, and dependence have 
 taught us many lessons of faith and trust. They are 
 messengers, of peace, to all men. They are well-springs, 
 of pleasure, to the entire race. They are fountains, of 
 light and love, to the lonely, and longing hearts of the 
 wicked world. 
 
 When the first-born babe greets the childless home, 
 chords vibrate with love which, hitherto, have lain dor- 
 mant in the soul. Two hearts are drawn closer to- 
 gether, and the latent faculties, or forces, of parental 
 affection are at once developed into the most active 
 powers. Baby is now the center of attraction. Life 
 has a deeper, and grander significance than ever before. 
 Both father and mother have a new object for which to 
 live and labor ; and life becomes, more and more, a living 
 reality every time a babe is born in their home. 
 
 But, babies sometimes die. Some of them seem to be 
 too pure, and good for this world to keep them long. 
 The brightest and the best are often taken first. The 
 buoyant, bonny babe is sick. Anxiety is pictured in 
 every countenance, for it rapidly grows worse, and 
 worse. Its sickness is well nigh unto death. Oh ! how 
 changed the happy scene. The merry glee, and ringing 
 laughter of yesterday is turned into the suppressed 
 sighs, and sobs of to-day. The soft silvery breezes, so 
 lately ladened with joy and gladness, are now more in- 
 tensely burdened with sorrow and sadness. But, hush! 
 
1 8 BABY IS DEADo 
 
 Tread lightly — baby is dying ; 
 
 Ere long it will be at rest ; 
 Even now its soul is frying 
 
 To flee to the Saviour's breast. 
 
 The breath comes fainter — still fainter— 
 The pulse seems scarcely to beat ; 
 
 And death, the cold rigid painter, 
 Stands waiting at baby's feet. 
 
 Through the latticed windows shining, 
 Steals the light from evening's sky, 
 
 And, against the wall reclining, 
 Golden ladders seem to lie. 
 
 See ! upon them are descending 
 
 Forms of angels, from above, 
 To carry, while life is ending, 
 
 Baby to a God of love. 
 
 Now a glorious spirit hovers 
 
 Just above the infant's head, 
 While beneath the snowy covers 
 
 Lies our darling baby — dead. 
 
 Yes, the baby is dead. The home is desolate. 
 Many hopes are blasted, and all' hearts are bleeding. 
 The hearse has come to the hearth-stone, and taken 
 away its precious, prattling treasure. The darling little 
 baby has gone from the city to the cemetery. All hearts 
 are heavy. The mother feels, now, like she had never 
 felt the pangs of sorrow before. This is one of the 
 darkest shades — one of the deepest shadows — one of 
 the midnight scenes of parental love. 
 
BABY IS DEAD. 
 
 Now a glorious spirit hovers 
 Just above the infant's head. 
 
 While beneath the snowy coven 
 
 Lies our darling baby— dead, 
 
 (See page 18.) 
 
WHERE IS BABY GONE? 1 9 
 
 But, the parental heart inquires, where has my dar- 
 ling baby gone ? Shall I ever meet and greet it in love 
 again ? I know its precious little body lies in the cold, 
 damp ground. But, where, Oh where, has its sweet, 
 young spirit flown ? We answer, to the spirit-land — to 
 the better world, Baby has gone to heaven. He is 
 being rocked to-night in angels' arms ; or is resting to- 
 day on the Saviour's breast. 
 
 Yes, fond parents, you may meet, and greet your 
 darling babe again in the glory land. It can not return 
 to you ; but you can go to it. This thought ought to 
 bring with it the deepest and richest seasons of grace. 
 Its death is a silver chord drawing your fond, and affec- 
 tionate hearts to a higher, and holier life — a golden 
 chain binding your sad, and silent souls closer than ever 
 to the heaven of heavens. Words will not mitigate 
 that mother's sorrow whose home, and heart death hath 
 made desolate, by taking from her maternal arms a 
 darling babe. But she, who has loved, and lost a little 
 one, feels that she has a baby still in yonder world. 
 She can only, and must ever, think of it as her angel 
 baby. She will always speak of it as her infant angel. 
 She will ever dream of it as her sainted little cherub. 
 
 But, will our babies, dying in infancy, be babies still 
 in heaven? Do infants grow between death and the 
 resurrection? Or, do they remain babies throughout 
 eternity ? These, and many other similar questions 
 naturally suggest themselves to the inquiring minds of 
 anxious mothers, whose hearts long to take their darling 
 babes to their beating bosoms again, as of yore, when 
 they meet them in the glory world. We can not answer 
 these inquiries definitely ; but it seems altogether prob- 
 
20 IMMORTAL INFANCY. 
 
 able that heaven will always have its little winged 
 cherubs. Such a sainted family, existing without babies, 
 is a thing barely possible, and much less probable, or 
 desirable, looking at it from a human stand-point. 
 Again, if babies are such a blessing on earth, would it 
 not be well enough to have some of them remain in 
 immortal infancy in heaven ? We think it would be 
 very wise to do so ; and, hence, hope to meet, and greet 
 our little, loved ones, as such, in the home of homes — 
 in heaven. 
 
CHILDHOOD. 
 
 Chapter II. 
 
 The cheerful child, with a loving smile, 
 Will win a fart of every heart. 
 
 HILDHOOD is life lingering in 
 the maternal lap. It is life lean- 
 ing on the mother's knee, or 
 playing round the mother's chair. 
 It is life full of fun, faith and 
 fervor. It is life freighted with 
 truth, trust and trials. It is life 
 overflowing with joy and glad- 
 ness, in its happier moods. And. 
 its merry moments ever sparkle like golden sunbeams 
 dancing on the silvery sea of time. 
 
 A happy, harmonious childhood-life is a rich, and 
 rare heritage for all the years that follow. Its precious 
 moments weave into memory's chain of charms, threads 
 of silver and cords of gold. The sacred ties, thus 
 formed, reach from home to heaven ; and ministering 
 angels come and go upon them, throughout the long 
 journey of life. The happy, holy hours of childhood 
 
 (21) 
 
22 CHILDHOOD S HOLY HOURS. 
 
 store away, in the secret chambers of the soul, sacred 
 sunshine which brightens life's darkest days, even down 
 to its last setting sun. And here hope fortifies itself, 
 behind the rich treasures of the past, and feasts bounti- 
 fully upon the fulness of the future. 
 
 Childhood's recollections are never entirely erased 
 from the sacred records of memory's first pages. Such 
 records, then, ought to be well calculated to make their 
 hearts happier, and their lives holier, when they review 
 them in after days. For, the lingering glow and glad- 
 ness of former years should always touch, with tender- 
 ness, the hardest lines of our after-life. The importance 
 of these early impressions are not easily over-estimated. 
 For, the silvery mists may melt away, before the early 
 morning sunshine, but memory's misty pages, of the 
 past, will linger in the lap of age till the golden sun of 
 life's longest day sinks, in silence, behind the crimson 
 glories of its western horizon. 
 
 Childhood's holy hours, then, are not only the hap- 
 piest ; but they also constitute the most critical period in 
 life's history. At this tender age, children are most 
 susceptible to all kinds of impressions. They are 
 easily drawn toward the true and the good ; and just as 
 readily yield to the false and the foul. If we would 
 make them wiser and better, we must adapt our dis- 
 cipline to their dispositions and desires, as much as the 
 circumstances will allow. Never leave them to feel, that 
 you have cruelly crossed their line of conduct, with the 
 correcting rod. But, let them ever look back upon their 
 childhood home, as a place where righteousness reigned 
 for their own personal good. The child's training 
 should not be, too much, in the direction of restraint. 
 
LITTLE MISCHIEF. 
 
EXAMPLE VERSUS PRECEPT. 
 
 2 3 
 
 It ought to have its share of license and liberty. Do 
 not sacrifice the child for everybody else, and make it 
 feel that you are a sovereign, and it a servant in the 
 household. 
 
 Children are much more effectually induced to do 
 right, by worthy examples and beautiful stories of right- 
 doing, than they are when threatened with punishment, 
 in case of disobedience, or harrassed with tales of crime, 
 and their fearful consequences. We may lead the little 
 fellows on gently, step by step, with the tender, patient 
 hand of hope, until they stand firmly upon the rock of 
 self-confidence, ready to defy successfully the storms of 
 life, and the tempests of time ; but, we can never drive 
 them to the shelter of our own Rock of Refuge. They 
 must seek this shelter of their own choice, without the 
 shadow of coercion upon our part. 
 
 Children, as a rule, are most successfully governed by 
 love. The law of love is the greatest, and grandest 
 law of life. It is the Gospel's crowning grace. It is 
 the very embodiment of all other Christian graces. 
 Forbearance is love on trial. Peace is love in repose. 
 Hope is love in anticipation. Faith is love in confidence. 
 Joy is love in exultation. Goodness is love handed 
 down to others. Brotherly kindness is love passed 
 around to all. And, charity is love scattered everywhere, 
 by a liberal hand and a loving heart. Most children 
 are easily won, and controlled by those who have affec- 
 tionate hearts. If we love them, they are almost sure to 
 love us in return. If we are kind and obliging to them, 
 they will soon show their appreciation, in little acts of 
 kindness, and by some sort of expressions of devotion, 
 to us. If we would govern the little child by love, we 
 
24 CULTURED CAREFULLY. 
 
 must first win a place in its little heart ; and, then, it 
 will jusi its readily yield to our wishes, as does the aspen 
 leaf to the gentle zephyrs of autumn. Wherever this 
 We reigns without a rival, there the spirit of peace 
 folds its white wings, and the demon of discord is a 
 stranger in that home. Parents should always manifest 
 the love they bear their children. 
 
 Children are naturally impatient creatures. Their 
 little hearts are very sensitive, and should be dealt with 
 considerately. Their young, and tender lives are rich 
 with possibilities, and should be cultured carefully. 
 They naturally hecome fretful, if their wants are not 
 speedily supplied ; or soon grow impatient, if promises 
 made to them are not promptly redeemed. Therefore, 
 we should not tax their patience, too severely, at first ; 
 but gradually cultivate this grace, little by little, until 
 they will not worry, and fret over slight disappointments, 
 or even the sorer trials of life. 
 
 Children remain minors a long time, in their own 
 estimation. Childhood's years sail by on weary wings. 
 They are numbered very slowly indeed. It seems 
 almost an age, from one Christmas to another. Years, 
 of deferred hope, follow each other, at so great a 
 distance, that it seems, to them, like they never will 
 become men and women. But surely, though slowly, 
 time wings its way past ; and finally they are children 
 no longer. Children are now, perchance, spending their 
 happiest days on earth ; but, they will not believe it, 
 until left in after years to sigh over the loss of vanished 
 good ; or, to repine over the receding of vain, and 
 visionary hopes. 
 The management, and training of children is a matter 
 
MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN. 25 
 
 of paramount importance. And, we doubt whether, or 
 not, the more modern methods of management will ever 
 surpass, in point of success, the old-fashioned discipline 
 of other days. It is quite as essential for parents to 
 know when to withhold, as when to bestow favors upon 
 their children. It is equally important that they restrain, 
 and encourage, when the circumstances justify. And to 
 reprimand is just as commendable, when done at the 
 proper time, and in the proper spirit, as to praise our 
 offspring, when they deserve it at our hands. There is 
 much mistaken kindness, in the management of children. 
 The law of love is seen, in their discipline, in its greatest 
 results, only when judiciously united with the correcting 
 rod. Love alone may control, successfully, the tender, 
 and timid among them ; but, it must be accompanied by 
 the rod, if we would master the rude, and reckless of 
 their number. 
 
 Filial obedience should be taught to children at a very 
 early age. In fact, the idea, of resisting parental au- 
 thority, should never be allowed to enter their little 
 minds ; much less, to find lodgment in their little, re- 
 bellious hearts. The equality of parental authority 
 should be recognized by the entire household ; and 
 children should be forced, if necessary, to acknowledge 
 the sovereignty of both parents. They should never be 
 allowed to appeal from the decision of one, to the 
 judgment of the other. Much less, should they be 
 referred by one, to the other, either for a confirmation, 
 or reversal of judgment already pronounced. Nor 
 should parents be too hasty, in refusing their children's 
 requests. If there be any doubt, in your mind, as to 
 what your decision should be, in any particular case, 
 
26 FILIAL OBEDIENCE NOT FORCED. 
 
 give them the benefit of the doubt ; and let them plead 
 their own cause. And, always, when a plea is allowed, 
 let them feel that they have had a fair hearing, before 
 rendering an adverse verdict. But, when once rendered, 
 let them know that it is inexorable ; and, like the laws 
 of the Medes and Persians, changes not, and changes 
 never. 
 
 Children should be governed, so far as possible, in a 
 way that will make them feel that filial obedience is not 
 forced, but voluntary on their part. To do this, you 
 will have to give them credit for all good conduct, and 
 never attribute to mere negligence, or forgetfulness, a 
 spirit of willful, or flagrant disobedience. In other words, 
 never magnify a trifling fault into a grave, and deliberate 
 offense. Always be very slow to attribute wrong motives 
 to their actions. Give them the benefits of all reason- 
 able doubts, before passing adverse judgment on their 
 conduct. Always leave, on their minds, the impression 
 that you expect nothing short of perfect obedience from 
 them, and it will go a long ways toward securing the 
 same. Your children like to have you place confidence 
 in them. Trust them most implicitly, and you will find 
 them among the last to betray your trust, or forfeit your 
 confidence. 
 
 Praise is another element essential to the successful 
 government of children. Parents should often praise 
 their offspring. It will do them great good. It will 
 stimulate them to renewed activity. And it will pre- 
 pare them to make more, and greater sacrifices for 
 father and mother. Praise, from the parents, is sun- 
 shine to their souls. They love it, need it and must 
 have it. Their natures demand it; and they can not 
 
REPROOF IS NECESSARY. 2J 
 
 live without its gracious influences upon their lives. 
 Hence, if the words of commendation, due them, do 
 not fall, from parental lips, they will be eagerly sought 
 as eulogies from the lips of designing flatterers, who 
 praise but to make pliant to their own corrupt wills 
 and wishes. Children hunger for praise; and must 
 receive it, or else they are left, like the sensitive plant, 
 to wither and waste away under the stinging sense of 
 heartless injustice, judicious commendation is one of 
 the absolute necessities, in the successful government 
 of children. But while this is true, remember that in- 
 discriminate flattery will soon lead to vanity ; and that 
 vanity, ere long, will ruin the best of children. Be 
 guarded, and judicious, then, in your compliments on 
 the conduct of your offspring. 
 
 Reproof is also necessary to the successful govern- 
 ment of children. They must be reproved, if properly 
 controlled. But these reproofs should, always, be ad- 
 ministered, in the mildest manner of which the circum- 
 stances will admit. They should never come, as they 
 often do, like a violent storm, or a relentless hurricane 
 bending, breaking and crushing their young hearts, and 
 withering their fondest hopes. But, let them fall like 
 the morning dew, or melting snow-flakes, softly, upon 
 the soul. And the softer they settle down, the deeper 
 they will sink, and the longer they will hold in, willing, 
 subjection the subdued heart, and chastened spirit of 
 the conquered child. Let all your reproofs be as pri- 
 vate as possible. Never administer them in public, or 
 before strangers, if it can well be avoided. Such a 
 course is hazardous, to say the least of it. There is 
 danger of doing more harm than good. Children are 
 
28 THE LAW OF LOVE. 
 
 generally very sensitive, under such circumstances. 
 And it would in all probability soil their self-respect, 
 wound their feelings and beget within them a revenge- 
 ful spirit that time itself might fail to subdue. 
 
 Confidence is still another essential, to successful 
 parental government. Children can not bear the idea 
 oi being mistrusted, when innocent and honest. It 
 crushes the very life-blood out of their tender young 
 hearts. Love is the law that restrains the evil tenden- 
 cies of childhood. And, confidence, to the child, is 
 one of the best evidences of parental affection. Never 
 give your children reasons to doubt your confidence in 
 them, if you would rule them with the mild sceptre of 
 parental love. Nothing begets love and obedience, in 
 the child, more readily, and effectually than unshaken 
 confidence, and unhesitating trust upon the part of 
 parents. Let your children know that you expect them 
 to do right ; let them feel that they have your un- 
 bounded confidence, in every promise they make you, 
 and disobedience will be of rare occurrence. Expect 
 them to be obedient, and they will seldom, if ever, dis- 
 appoint you. My parents could not believe that I 
 would be guilty of such conduct as this which I am con- 
 templating. They expect better things than this of 
 me. Here is a thought which has prevented many a 
 child from taking the first step in the ways of vice, 
 which lead so many youths to death and destruction. 
 
 Liberty is also an essential element in successful 
 parental government. Give the little fellows a liberal 
 share of the liberties enjoyed by the family. Do not 
 infringe upon their inalienable rights, and they will 
 soon exhibit strong proofs of their fidelity and love. 
 
FAVORITE CONFIDENTS. 29 
 
 Liberty is necessary to their health and happiness, as 
 well as to that home-loving spirit which ought to char- 
 acterize all children. Give them more freedom, that 
 they may expand all the faculties, and enlarge all the 
 functions of their being, and they will make wiser 
 women and nobler men. But, by liberty to do right, 
 we do not mean license to do wrong. 
 
 Children should not be cramped, and cowed down 
 by filial fear. Do not kick, and cuff them into the cor- 
 ners of your cabins. But give them elbow-room, and 
 let the little fellows rip, and romp all over the house and 
 yard, if they wish. Let them whoop and hollow, until 
 they are hoarse, if they enjoy it. Give them rein 
 enough to meet the demands of their buoyant spirits 
 and happy hearts. Never forget that they are children, 
 and hence brimful of fun and frolic. It is easy to tem- 
 per steel ; but difficult to train the restless spirit of 
 childhood. But without the sunny faces, and musical 
 voices of these rosy lads and lasses our happiest homes 
 would be robbed of their richest treasures and most 
 delightful charms. For childless homes are like flower- 
 less gardens, or fruitless vineyards. 
 
 Children should be taught, early in life, to confide 
 everything to their parents. They should be made to 
 feel that it is their privilege, as well as their duty, to 
 make father, and mother their first, and favorite confi- 
 dents. For, this is one of the strongest safe-guards, 
 that parents can possibly throw around either their sons, 
 or their daughters. But, to do this, you must have 
 warm places, in your parental hearts, for your children. 
 You must first make confidents of them. Tell them 
 some of the secrets of your hearts, and the sorrows 
 
30 ENCOURAGEMENT. 
 
 of your lives ; and you will be sure to win their con- 
 fidence, and enlist their sympathy in your behalf. Man- 
 ifest a heartfelt interest, in all their little joys and sor- 
 rows, and they will confide in you more, and more 
 implicitly, as the years roll by. Rather than repel 
 them, by your apparent indifference, you must draw 
 them closer to you, day after day, by the solicitude, and 
 anxiety you exhibit for their well-being and happiness, 
 both here and hereafter. Never let them know that 
 you have secrets, of your own, to be kept from them; 
 for, if so, they will soon have secrets, of their own, to 
 conceal from you. Cultivate their society, and they will 
 enjoy yours. Be frank, free and open with them, in all 
 matters, and they will be the same with you. Our 
 children are pretty much what our intercourse, and ex- 
 amples make them. 
 
 Encouragement is another important element in the 
 government of children. The road they travel is rough 
 enough, at best, for their soft, and tender little feet to 
 tread. They need to be encouraged daily. Deal with 
 them frankly, and fairly in all things. Remember they 
 have their joys and sorrows, their hopes and fears, as 
 well as older people. If they are full of faults, do not 
 magnify their mistakes. If they are selfish, do not 
 leave them the fragments of the feast, lest they become 
 as selfish as you, and treat their children as you have 
 treated them. Always leave the impression, on their 
 minds, that you expect something great, and good of 
 them, when they grow up to be men and women ; and 
 you are much more likely to realize all your fond ex- 
 pectations. Encourage your children, in every possible 
 way, to be wise and good. Allow them to ask all the 
 
FILIAL AFFECTION. 3 I 
 
 questions they wish, without being snubbed or rebuked. 
 Never ignore, nor think them impertinent, when they 
 seek information at your hands. But, always, give 
 them a civil, and, if in your power, an intelligent an- 
 swer. You owe them as much. 
 
 Children should be taught, at an early age, to love 
 their parents devotedly. This is not a difficult task to 
 perform. The peculiar relation, existing between par- 
 ents and children, makes filial love a natural conse- 
 quence. My little daughter, at two years old, said to 
 me one day, " Papa, I love you.'' "Bessie, why do 
 you love your papa?" I inquired. "Oh, just because 
 he is my papa," was her artless, and apt reply. This 
 innate filial affection, properly cultured, is a crown of 
 glory to any child. It is a rich garland of unfading 
 beauty. The child, who sincerely loves father and 
 mother, can not easily be led astray. This love is a 
 strong cord, binding the heart to its parental instruc- 
 tions. Such filial affection is almost an insurmountable 
 barrier to vice, and a powerful safeguard to virtue. The 
 sons and daughters, whose young and tender hearts grow 
 with the growth, and glow with the glory of this filial 
 affection, will be securely shielded from the sins which 
 blight the prodigals, and the shame which blasts the 
 prostitute's hopes of happiness, and dreams of heaven. 
 
 Children should be taught good manners, and morals 
 very early in life. They should be taught to be kind, 
 and courteous to all ; and, especially, to their seniors. 
 They should be made to respect, and reverence old 
 age ; and to honor, and revere their parents. In fact, 
 we should cultivate, in them, all the tender, and at- 
 tractive graces of childhood life. We should train 
 
32 MANNERS AND MORALS. 
 
 them to be tender, and sympathetic in their nature; 
 generous, and noble at heart, and magnanimous in soul ; 
 and they will exhibit gentleness of spirit, and nobility 
 of character in all the relations of after-life. 
 
 Manners make the child, in the estimation of many 
 people. Their estimate, of its worth, is always founded 
 upon its demeanor. And, the child's manners are, just 
 about, what its early home-life makes them. If allowed 
 to be rude, boisterous and impolite, in the sacred pre- 
 cincts of the family circle, it will manifest the same 
 traits of character when abroad. Hence, strangers 
 readily read, in the conduct of children, the story of 
 their home-life training. The manners of children 
 abroad, unlike the deportment of wiser heads, paint 
 perfect pictures of their home conduct. And these pic- 
 tures must reflect on the folly, or compliment the wis- 
 dom of their parents. 
 
 But, manners and morals are intimately associated. 
 As a rule they are inseparably connected ; both are 
 good, or both are bad. Then, to this early training 
 may be ascribed, not merely the molding of youthful 
 character, but also the more matured forms of the men- 
 tal, and moral developments of after-life. The wise 
 counsels, of child-hood's tender days, often control the 
 doings, and destiny of manhood's riper years. Chil- 
 dren, of good manners, make men of good morals. 
 
 The proper culture, of childhood character, is of 
 paramount importance. Parents should look well to the 
 conduct of their children ; and select the company they 
 keep, if they would have them respected, and honored 
 by the true, and the good of earth. Child-life is very 
 tender and delicate ; and must be carefully cultured, if 
 
WISE CHILDREN. 33 
 
 it ever presents a character crowned with beauty and 
 glory. This child-culture pertains to parents, and can 
 not be transferred, to others, with impunity. Children, 
 as a rule, must be carefully conducted, by parental 
 hands, during their tender years, if they ever become 
 noted for their noble qualities and generous feelings. 
 They must be under an interested guardianship, if they 
 grow up to be honored for their queenly virtues, or 
 rewarded for their noble works. 
 
 Children's thoughts are often beyond their age. But, 
 we are not likely to give them credit for the knowledge 
 they do possess, be it much or little. We ought to 
 encourage, rather than discourage, all tendencies to 
 mental development. Let us recognize all proper 
 questions, by giving them the plainest possible answers. 
 It is sinful to stop, or stay the mental growth of children, 
 by denying them the earnestly sought for intellectual 
 food, which it is in our power to give. The little 
 fellows are naturally full of curiosity. They constantly 
 desire to be learning something ; and we should help to 
 gratify this laudable desire, as much as lies within our 
 power. And yet, we should not over-tax the mental 
 faculties of such children, nor allow them to do so. 
 There is great danger in destroying their health, and 
 injuring their minds. 
 
 Some children are always old. They never partake 
 of the childish nature, and buoyant spirits common to 
 those of their age. They are young in years ; but have 
 old people's heads. Their features denote their fate. 
 Their sinister expressions indicate the sordid experience 
 of age. Their early environments have effected this 
 unhappy result. Some of their lives were dimmed before 
 
34 OLD CHILDREN. 
 
 they saw the light, rendering all their prospects, for 
 future life, utterly hopeless. 
 
 Children are merry creatures. Childhood is naturally 
 too buoyant, fresh and free to indulge in melancholy 
 thoughts. They have more pleasant themes upon which 
 to dwell. Children will not concentrate their thoughts 
 on themselves, brood over their misfortunes and sob, 
 and sigh for better days, unless they are fearfully 
 mistreated and abused. They are naturally wont to 
 give gloomy thoughts, and melancholy forebodings to 
 the wings of the winds. They prefer to be gay, and 
 happy in spirit, " let the wide world wag as it will." 
 They would leave melancholy moods to silly youth, and 
 somber age. When first loves are disappointed, and 
 happy hopes are blighted, this is the season for the 
 seeds, of melancholy, to be sown in the soul. These 
 are the foolish, and unfortunate ones who drink deepest 
 drafts of the bitter waters of life's many Marahs. But, 
 these somber seeds are, sometimes, sown in the most 
 sensitive souls. These are beautiful souls, sitting 
 silently in the shadows of self-gathered clouds, while 
 they ought to be shaking the dews of night from their 
 folded wings, and soaring aloft to greet the sun at his 
 coming. 
 
 Home is the best place, on earth, for children. It is 
 childhood's peaceful paradise. There is no place like 
 Vome, sweet, sweet home, to the child, though it may be 
 unconscious of the fact. There is no circle like that 
 VvLich is composed of father, mother, brothers and 
 sisters where love reigns supreme, in every heart, and 
 joy fills every soul. Children want to be taught to 
 appreciate their homes, more and more ; and strive to 
 
THE EARTH S ONLY EDEN. 35 
 
 make them still happier, and holier with the sweetest 
 libations of their own fragrant love and boundless 
 gratitude. To do this, we must make them feel that 
 they are important factors of the home circle : for not 
 until then, will they manifest any special interest in its 
 prosperity and happiness. But, only let them feel that 
 they are centers of interest, and importance to the whole 
 family, and they will prove a heritage of blessings to 
 the happy household to which they belong. 
 
 The happy home is the earth's only eden. Sunshine, 
 here, means sunshine everywhere. Whatever helps 
 home-life, helps all its inmates. And, whatever makes 
 it happy, makes them happy also. He who paints a 
 perfect home, paints the prettiest picture of time. All 
 the elements of happiness, which image heaven, to the 
 human heart, are to be found in such a home. All these 
 hidden treasures, of home-happiness, should be discov- 
 ered, and utilized ere children are allowed to leave the 
 parental hearth-stone, in search of pastime or pleasure. 
 The hearts of children, naturally, partake largely of the 
 sweetness, and fragrance of their happy homes. The 
 disposition of the child is molded, much, after the spirit 
 of its parents. The very tone, and tenure of its feelings 
 are fashioned after the life-examples, brought before its 
 eyes from time to time. Then, parents must be what 
 they would have their children be, if their homes are 
 ever happy, and their hopes ever realized. 
 
 Childhood is fortunate, indeed, with the eyes, of such 
 a mother, resting upon it ; the prayers, of such a father, 
 following it, day by day, and the hallowed associations, 
 of brothers and sisters, with their kind services of love, 
 clustering round its pathway, through the tenderest 
 
36 HAPPY LITTLE HATTIE. 
 
 years of life. Amid such environments, the child's 
 character naturally forms, and fashions itself for fadeless 
 wreaths here, and unfailing joys in the better world. 
 
 Life is full of happiness, only when the home is full 
 of love. Then, let the family life be so loving that its 
 sweet, harmonious music will roll on, like an undying 
 song, toward the silent shores of eternity ; and the 
 grandest possibilities of home-life, in all its fullness and 
 richness, will be realized, by every honored household 
 in the land. 
 
 Children ought to be very happy creatures. It makes 
 them enjoy life so much better themselves. Then, 
 everybody loves a handsome, happy, cheerful child 
 which carries sunshine, and gladness with it, wherever 
 it goes. We once had a little niece, who filled this 
 description of happy childhood-life. She was not three 
 years old. We had known her but three days ; yet, she 
 had won a seat in our affections which but few children 
 ever held. Little Hattie was indeed a household pet. 
 Her little feet knew no rest save in sleep. And, her 
 innocent glee, her silver voice and her merry laughter 
 were regarded, by all its inmates, as the key-note to the 
 sweetest music of her happy home. She was not 
 merely the idol of fond parents. She endeared herself, 
 naturally, to all hearts. Hattie was, indeed, 
 
 A bright, and gifted little girl, 
 With rosy cheeks and golden curls ; 
 And keen black eyes to light, with grace, 
 The sunny smiles that crowned her face. 
 
 Her life was but a sunbeam, brief, bright and beautiful, 
 which was lost in the sparkling waters. Her death was 
 
HAPPY CHILDREN, 
 (See page 37.) 
 
TEMPTING TOYS. tf 
 
 a single struggle, and the happy dream of life was 
 over. 
 
 For children to be happy, themselves, they must try 
 to make others happy. Wherever you find a child, 
 whose every effort seems to be to make others happy ; 
 and one who does bring light, and gladness not only 
 into the home circle, where fond parents listen, with 
 beating hearts, for the bounding foot-steps, and musical 
 voice of their fireside angel ; but, also into school-life, 
 where delighted playmates speak, through beaming 
 countenances, a joyous greeting ; and where an honored 
 teacher cordially welcomes, as the light of his school, 
 the gladdener of all hearts, you will find a child, whose 
 hours are hours of happiness, whose days are radiant 
 with sunshine, whose life will be almost a cloudless one 
 and whose golden sun will sink behind the hazy horizon 
 of age, while its lingering beams of beauty, love and 
 happiness still gladden the hearts of thousands of loved 
 ones left behind. 
 
 If happy you can others make, 
 More happiness in you'll awake; 
 Till, radiant, like the beams of day, 
 Your life, in joys, shall melt away. 
 
 Children should be taught, early in life, to avoid the 
 tempting toys of time. They should be pointed, while 
 young, to the paths of peace. They are, then, easily 
 led in the ways of life and salvation. They are never 
 happier than when they are imitating their parents. 
 The difficulty is, we too often try to drive them, in the 
 right direction, with our precepts; while, by our exam- 
 ples, which are more powerful, we are leading them in 
 
38 JESUS LOVES CHILDREN. 
 
 the wrong way. They are the tender, little lambs of 
 the flock; and to be saved, they must be cared for ten- 
 derly ; and carried, in the arms of precept and example, 
 to the loving Saviour, who took the little children in his 
 arms, and blessed them while on earth. Their condition 
 is a, comparatively, helpless one. If we expose them, 
 to the enemy ol souls, they are almost sure to be lost. 
 
 Children may, and should be brought to Jesus, at a 
 very early age. They need never cross the line of 
 accountability, without an experimental knowledge of 
 Christ, as their personal Saviour, formed in their little 
 hearts the hope of glory. Jesus loves, even, the little 
 children ; and they ought to love him, with all the ran- 
 somed powers of their redeemed souls. Then, they 
 would have thrown around them the loving arms of 
 guardian angels, who would daily direct their wander- 
 ing steps, in the ways of life and salvation, more per- 
 fectly. 
 
 Children should never be deceived, by their parents. 
 Much less should they misrepresent matters, or tell 
 them falsehoods. The little fellows are very credulous ; 
 and it is worse than wicked to impose upon their 
 credulity. They love urbanity, and truthfulness in their 
 seniors: and they have a right to expect to find the 
 same, under all the circumstances of life. Their con- 
 fiding natures demand frankness, upon our part, and it 
 is wicked to withhold it from them. Nothing should 
 ever be promised them, that is not given ; nothing 
 threatened, that is not inflicted, and nothing told them, 
 that is not strictly true. Fidelity is, to trusting child- 
 hood, what sunshine is to the tender plants of spring- 
 time. It is their hope of life. So the smiles of sin- 
 
TELLING THE CHILDREN ABOUT JESUS 
 (See page 38 J 
 
RICHEST AND RAREST. 39 
 
 cerity, on parental lips, send sunbeams, of hope, into 
 the filial hearts of confiding children. 
 
 Many of our richest, and rarest lessons are learned 
 from the unfolding pages of childhood-life. When we 
 study the artless words, and innocent ways of the little 
 child, we gather some of the most beautiful, and val- 
 uable lessons of life. The frank, and open way that 
 these children have of dealing with everything they 
 handle is well calculated to reprove the best of us for 
 our secrecy, and deception in all the walks, and ways 
 of life. 
 
 Children should live largely in the light ; breathe the 
 pure air, and take plenty of out-door exercise. Their 
 health, and happiness, absolutely, demand as much. 
 They are like the delicate flowers of spring-time. They 
 must bask in the summer sunshine, and drink in the 
 ambient atmosphere of heaven, or else, becoming pale 
 and sickly, they will soon lose all their beauty of com- 
 plexion, and buoyancy of spirit. We love to see the 
 dear little children flocking, in merry crowds, and hear 
 them laughing, and shouting, in their harmless sport, as 
 they romp, and frolic over field and meadow, or lounge 
 in lawn or woodland. 
 
 Children should not be allowed to eoree themselves 
 
 o o 
 
 on sweetmeats. We should never surfeit them, on 
 anything, if we wish them to appreciate, and enjoy the 
 same. Too much candy, cakes or cookies are very 
 injurious to children. When indulged in, to excess, 
 they are both physical, and moral evils, which can not 
 be too strongly condemned. Their tendency is to en- 
 feeble the body, engross the mind and encroach upon 
 the morals of childhood-life. 
 
40 THE GOLDEN MEAN. 
 
 Children, very early, manifest a desire to possess 
 something they can call their own. This disposition 
 should be properly encouraged. There should be a 
 place set apart, in every household, sacred to the treas- 
 ures of its children. They should be counseled to col- 
 lect, and keep such things as will prove ornamental, and 
 useful in their future homes. And they should be 
 taught to measure a thing by its quality, rather than from 
 its quantity ; and to prize things for their real value, 
 rather than for what they may have cost, in dollars and 
 cents. 
 
 A certain amount of hardships, in early life, is abso- 
 lutely essential to the proper development of a child's 
 physical, mental and moral muscles. These forces 
 will all remain inert, unless awakened by a sense of 
 personal need ; and inactive, if not aroused, by personal 
 efforts, to supply individual wants, and meet future de- 
 mands. Then, teach your children to wait on them- 
 selves, when they can, and when it will be a blessing 
 for them to do so. But, do not make slaves of the 
 little fellows, overburdening their young, and tender 
 lives. Strike for the golden mean, which lies between 
 the two extremes of raising children up, either in sloth- 
 fulness or slavery. Teach them to take hold, of the 
 tasks of life, with willing hands and patient hearts ; and 
 success will crown their worthy efforts. Let the loads 
 of life, laid upon them, be light at first, increasing, in 
 weight, with the flight of years ; and they will bear 
 their burdens, like little heroes, to the crowning day. 
 
 Children should, always, be children. Their youthful 
 impulses, and childish innocence should never forsake 
 them. The sweet spirit, of childhood's better life, ought 
 
A FROLIC. 
 
 (See page 39.) 
 
EARTHLY JEWELS. 
 
 41 
 
 to dwell in their hearts forever. We, all, ought to be 
 childlike in spirit. For, after all, we are only grown-up 
 children ; and an immortal youth awaits us, in the better 
 world, if, childlike, we are found ready to be received 
 into the joys of the everlasting kingdom of the Father's 
 glory. 
 
 Children are the heritage of the Lord. He has recog- 
 nized them, as his earthly jewels. He always greets 
 them, at their coming, with his loving welcome smiles. 
 He is ever saying, Suffer little children to come unto me 
 and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of God. 
 
GIRLHOOD. 
 
 Chapter III. 
 
 The pretty girl, with winning grace ; 
 Wears, oft, a smile upon her face. 
 
 IRLHOOD is life at leisure. It is 
 the may-day of life. It is romantic 
 life, lingering in the lap of versa- 
 tile spring. It is happy spring- 
 life, merging, hopefully, into sun- 
 ny summer. It is life, limpid and 
 lovely, blooming into beautiful, 
 bewitching woman-hood. 
 
 Girlhood-life is delicate, but de- 
 voted and daring. Subtile, secret and sensitive are all 
 its springs of action. Its melodious chords are moved 
 by a breath, or snapped by a breeze. Its tender flowers 
 are bruised, and its opening blossoms withered by one 
 rude touch. Its innocence, and purity are too sacred to 
 be exposed to the poisoned arrows, and deadly missiles 
 of the vulgar and the vile. Its virtue should be guard- 
 ed, by the eye of the vigilant, and its steps guided, by 
 the hands of the trusty and the true. 
 
<^%v^ 3 
 
 GIRLHOOD. 
 
AS RICH AS RARE. 43 
 
 Girlhood's hopes should be shielded with watch-care, 
 and secured with safety locks ; panoplied with protecting 
 grace, and crowned with unfading glory. Its pathway, 
 through life, should be paved with love ; and all its 
 overarchings painted with peace and purity. Demons 
 should flee at its gentle approach ; and angels hail it 
 happy, in its onward march toward the land of light and 
 life. 
 
 The ideal girl is a jewel, as rich as she is rare. She 
 is a priceless gem, to those who know her best. She is 
 the pride of a fond father's heart, the comfort of a de- 
 voted mother's life, the guardian angel of loving broth- 
 ers and the reigning queen of the social circle in which 
 she moves. She wears a crown of light, wields a 
 sceptre of love and welcomes the voice of liberty wher- 
 ever it is heard. Whether in thralldom, or on the 
 throne, she is as free, and happy as the lovely lark, that 
 sings, and soars above her devoted head. 
 
 Chary girls are the charms of life. Their prudence 
 prompts their principle attractions, and helps them win 
 their way to the hearts of others. Girls who would be 
 loved, honored and happy must guard well their 
 thoughts, words and actions. They must place watch, 
 and ward over their tongues and tempers. A solitary, 
 selfish thought might harm no one else, directly, but 
 sow the seeds of jealousy in your own life, and make it 
 most miserable to the end. A single, sarcastic word 
 may not only wound the sensitive heart of another, but 
 it may also embitter your own soul for days, weeks or 
 even years to come. And one rash act alone might 
 dishonor your loved ones, and disgrace yourself for life. 
 But good thoughts, kind words and generous acts, like 
 
44 TIME, THE TYRANT. 
 
 sweet flowers, are fresh with the dew of heaven, and 
 freighted with a fragrance which will sweeten your own, 
 as well as the lives of your loved ones, even down to 
 your dying day. 
 
 Girlhood's happy hours are freighted, but fleeting ; 
 and should not be wasted in the frivolities, and vanities 
 of the day. Her days are entirely too transitory, to 
 admit of such folly. The cheerful smile, the roguish 
 laugh and the merry glee will soon give way to the 
 sober realities of domestic life. Time, the heartless 
 tyrant, will soon set up his changes, against your charms 
 of youth and beauty. The chances are against you, 
 even in the contest for life itself. Death, the kindred 
 companion of time, is also on your track, with tireless 
 pace. You will have to make good time, or he will 
 overtake you, ere you reach the meridian of life. 
 
 The first work, of girlhood's lingering years, in point 
 of importance, is the formation of a suitable character, 
 for the arduous duties of domestic, and social life. 
 All the ingenuity, and energy of a girl's happiest days 
 should be devoted to fortifying her character for the 
 warfare of coming woman-hood-life. The girl, whose 
 goal is a pure lofty generous Christian woman-hood, has 
 before her the loveliest ideal this side the glory world. 
 And, she who wins, and wears such a crown, on earth, 
 will be honored with a golden diadem in heaven. 
 
 The development of a chaste, charming character is 
 the primary object — the one end that God has in view 
 when he brings all things, in nature, providence and 
 grace under tribute to those who love, and serve him 
 faithfully. He wants followers, with kindred affinities 
 to himself and his Son. For, such characters, are as 
 
A CHARMING CHARACTER. 45 
 
 naturally, and powerfully attracted toward God, as the 
 meteor toward the earth, or the earth toward the sun. 
 And, such persons are sure of heaven. They have a 
 through ticket, and are on a safe train. 
 
 Girlhood-life has its playful moods, which should not 
 only be indulged, but also encouraged, since they not 
 only give vigor to the body, but also infuse fervor into 
 the forming character. A gloomy, despondent girl- 
 hood-life saddens the heart forever ; and casts a dark 
 shadow over the character for life. But, the sorrows, 
 incident to girlhood's days, are mostly imaginary. In 
 fact, all our troubles are largely borrowed. But, then, 
 it is quite natural, it seems, for us to expect shadows to 
 fall across our pathways ; and, to anticipate the burdens 
 of life, which are always on the eve of breaking our 
 aching hearts. When, if we would only, and always, 
 walk around, and look for a moment on the sunny side 
 of life, we would be sure to see a silver lining, to every 
 dark, and drifting cloud, which crosses our pathways 
 through life. 
 
 Girls, character, whether it be good or bad, is soon 
 engraved, on the face, and outlined, in the features, 
 of its possessor. And there is always a very imperfect 
 character delineated, in the face, when there is a mental, 
 or moral malady to be found in the soul. It requires a 
 steady, stalwart character to stand the shocks, and sur- 
 vive the wrecks of this wicked world. Seek, success- 
 fully, for such a character. It is Christianity's crowning 
 grace. 
 
 Girls should regard themselves as subordinates to 
 their mothers, so long as they remain under the parental 
 roof, if not longer. They should never speak disre- 
 
46 RESPECT YOUR MOTHERS. 
 
 spectfully of them, though they be their superiors in 
 point of education and refinement. It manifests a want 
 of gratitude, not to say of good common sense, for a 
 daughter to speak of the imperfections, and follies of 
 her mother. It also shows an over stock of self-conceit, 
 and presumption to see her assuming control of the 
 household, as though she was better qualified to govern 
 the family than her mother. 
 
 Girls, never speak of your mothers, save in terms of 
 endearment. The girl who calls her mother "the old 
 woman," "the governess," or "my maternal ancestor" 
 is evidently wanting in the upper story. Such conduct 
 is very rude, indeed ; and will lower any little lass, in 
 the estimation of all sensible people. It shows a sad 
 want of filial affection ; yea, of gratitude, and respect 
 for one who gave her birth, and shields her from the 
 hardships of life. On the other hand, nothing is more 
 to be admired in a young miss, than to see her ladyship 
 showing due deference to the will, and wishes of an 
 honored mother. It elevates her in the estimation of all 
 who are worthy of her confidence, or companionship ; 
 and especially does it endear her to the maternal heart. 
 
 Girls, be kind, and good to your mothers. If they 
 should be taken away from you, there are none to take 
 their places. They love, - and care for you, as no one 
 else ever could or would. Then, make their burdens 
 light, with your own helping hands. Make their hearts 
 happy, with your own winning words. Do not sit idly 
 by, with folded arms, while your wornout mothers tug, 
 and toil for you the year round. Days, without work, 
 bring nights, without weariness. But, if sleep be truly 
 sweet and refreshing, we must be resting from our 
 
A SISTER S LOVE. 47 
 
 labors, and not simply prolonging the lounging, or loaf- 
 ing of the day through the tiresome hours of night. 
 Then, be faithful, and affectionate to both of your par- 
 ents. Honor father, and mother, with the filial affec- 
 tions of hearts, overflowing with fidelity and love. Do 
 not plow furrows of care, through their silver brows ; 
 nor add one sorrow to their, already, burdened souls. 
 But, rather, shed light, and love upon their lives, with 
 your words of cheer, and evidences of filial devotion. 
 In this way, you will crown your parents with honor, and 
 make your own lives much holier and happier. 
 
 Good girls manifest a special interest in, and exert 
 a benign influence over their brothers. The sweet 
 spirited lass, who has none but loving words, pleasant 
 smiles and happy greetings for an honored brother, 
 may hope to win his confidence, share his love and 
 reign queen sister of his fraternal heart forever. Such 
 a sister's sacred influence will fall, even upon a wayward 
 brother's heart, like holy incense from off some un- 
 known altar. Her restraining graces will settle down, 
 upon his lawless spirit, like sweetest fragrance from out 
 some unseen censor. And she will gradually melt his 
 heart, and remold his character, by the purity and power 
 of her own sweet life. She will ever stay his prodigal- 
 ity, and lead him to Christ, through her own fidelity, and 
 devotion to the religion of the cross. 
 
 Girls, love your brothers. Make them feel your gen- 
 tle influence for good. A sister's love is a brother's 
 shield. He knows her kiss is without guile, and her 
 touch the touch of purity. Aye ! beautiful is the love 
 of a devoted sister. It is the soft, silvery moonlight, 
 falling upon the pathway of a happy, hopeful brother, 
 
48 SILENT AND SOOTHING. 
 
 Then, girls, love your brothers tenderly, with the hearts 
 of sisters, and you may lead them gently, with the 
 hands of sisters, to happiness and to heaven. 
 
 Girls, your brothers' conduct, toward you, depends 
 largely upon yours toward them. If you are sisters, 
 in the true sense, they are almost sure to be generous, 
 devoted brothers : and many tokens of tenderness, and 
 evidences of affection will crowd, and crown your path- 
 way, through the sunny scenes of girlhood-life. In 
 other words, your brothers will be, to you, largely what 
 you make them. Then, be sure to use your heaven- 
 bestowed graces, and God-given powers to the best 
 possible advantage, in securing, for yourselves, the 
 constant protection of fraternal hands, and the merited 
 praise of fraternal hearts. For, that sincere sister is 
 doubly safe, who shares the confidence, and receives 
 the guardian care of a fond, devoted brother. Then, a 
 sainted sister's love will always be cherished, in the 
 grateful memory of an honored brother's heart. 
 
 Girls, be affable to all, and you will win many. 
 Write your names upon the hearts of your associates ; 
 and you will never be forgotten. You may be separated 
 from them, by and by, but your acts of love will linger 
 long in memory's halls, and be as legible, in coming 
 years, as the stars of night, upon the brow of the even- 
 ing. Only let your influence be as gentle, and invigor- 
 ating as the pearly dewdrops, and as silent, and soothing 
 as the sweet-scented heliotrope, and you will live forever, 
 in the memory of those who love you, while you are 
 young. Such conduct will also leave many pleasant 
 recollections, lingering in your own memories. 
 
 Girls, cultivate easy, elegant, refined manners. Do 
 
FRIENDS AND FRIENDSHIP. 49 
 
 not be pert. Know when to speak, and when to refrain 
 from speaking. Know how to speak, and suit your ac- 
 tions to your words. Cultivate sweet, gentle, charming 
 manners, if you would win the hearts of the wise, and 
 repel the advances of the wayward and the wanton. 
 Remember, the heart is the fountain source of true cren- 
 tility. When it overflows with good will and wishes, 
 for all, there, you will find good manners and good mor- 
 als. For, such a heart is destitute of selfishness and 
 sensuality, and is devoted to the sacred, as well as to 
 the secular interests of humanity. 
 
 Girls, court friendship. It is reciprocal. It will shield 
 your heads, in the hours of danger. It will soothe your 
 hearts, in the time of sorrow. Friends are a great com- 
 fort, in the days of prosperity ; but they are a sweeter 
 solace, in the years of adversity. They brighten our 
 highest joys, and soften our saddest bereavements. 
 
 Girls, prepare to meet the influences of the social cir- 
 cle, which pour in upon girlhood-life, like the myriad 
 streams, which feed the ocean, lest they deluge your 
 souls, with society plans, and worldly pleasures. Fortify 
 yourselves behind fixed purposes to be good, to get 
 good, and to do good while in the world. 
 
 Girls, be gentle, tender and affectionate. Ever, culti- 
 vate kind, benevolent, charitable spirits. These are the 
 strongest elements of your noble natures. They are 
 virtues, which will richly adorn your queenly characters 
 through life. If you are slighted, by your associates, 
 never show that you feel it. It might not have been 
 intentional. If courtesy is not shown you in society, 
 never resist it publicly. It would only give publicity to 
 your shame, and make many persons feel that you had 
 
50 CHASTITY. 
 
 been treated, as you deserved. You had better remain 
 quiet, until an apology is offered. Let your salutations 
 be graceful and cordial, but not too familiar, especially 
 in public. 
 
 Girls, be chaste. Chastity is a priceless jewel. It 
 is a twin sister to purity, and the handmaid of virtue. 
 Be chaste in thought, word and action, and you will 
 wall yourselves in, from the armies of vice. For, such 
 chastity is more than a match for vice, and a safe- 
 guard to virtue. Chastity is virtue's shield and buck- 
 ler. Purity is essential to your success in life. It is 
 one of the prime elements of female character. But, 
 purity itself, without energy, will not give a positive 
 character: and negative characters, among females, are 
 almost sure to be slaves to folly and fashion. They are 
 invariably strangers to the nobler aims, and ends of 
 those whose lives are freighted with grand achievements, 
 and crowned with endless glories. 
 
 Girls, be modest and unassuming. Be virtuous, hon- 
 est and industrious, and you are sure to succeed in 
 life. For: 
 
 Modesty is a jewel, and virtue a gem of gold ; 
 Honesty and industry bring blessings untold : 
 Then, keep to the right, to these graces prove true, 
 And the blessings they proffer shall flow unto you. 
 
 Girls, do not talk too much. Guard well your 
 tongues. Your sex bears the name, if not the nature, 
 of being too talkative. Fight against this growing 
 evil, in both sexes. Bridle your tongues, and hold tight 
 the reins. Let your words be wisely selected. When 
 duty bids you speak, silence would be a sin. But. 
 
TALKING TONGUES. 5 1 
 
 when prudence, or discretion seals your lips, to speak is 
 very unbecoming. But, you must, first, listen and learn, 
 if you would, afterward, talk and teach. If you would 
 be thought wise, unite a calm, and contemplative spirit 
 with an active, and energetic will ; and then select well, 
 and season your words with wisdom. If you would 
 grow wiser, cultivate constantly all the faculties of your 
 triune beings ; and see that their capacities are prop- 
 erly, and fully developed. 
 
 Girls, do not get out of humor. Govern your tem- 
 pers. Subdue your passions. A little word, or deed 
 might mar your pleasures for life. Lock your anger up, 
 in your hearts, and throw the key of passion away. 
 Place your tongues under proper restraints. Prohibit 
 them from uttering that which is false or foolish. If 
 not restrained, the tongue is a vile tattler, a tale teller, 
 a testy little tyrant, a terrific tiger. When turned loose, 
 it is always ready to tease, tantalize, torment, or torture 
 its timid victims. The tongue, at liberty, is a truant, a 
 traitor and a traducer. At best, it is a trenchant, trucu- 
 lent, troublesome trespasser. It must be guarded, and 
 guided with the utmost care and caution, at all times, in 
 order to keep it in the bounds of reason. Then, girls, 
 if you should get angry, do not talk much. Silence 
 often indicates more wisdom than words, any way. But, 
 again, silence and sounds, combined, give us music's 
 sweetest strains, happiest harmonies and richest mel- 
 odies. 
 
 Girls, be cheerful. Let the shifting shadows flee 
 away ; and summons the sunshine to your assistance. 
 It will soon dispel the darkness, drive back the clouds, 
 and light up your countenances with joy and gladness. 
 
52 SUNSHINE AND SHADOWS. 
 
 Still, do not expect life's scenes to be all sunshine, and 
 no shadows. For, if so, you are sure to be sadly dis- 
 appointed. Nature has her nights, as well as her days. 
 So, life is diversified, with lights and shadows. But, 
 some people seem to prefer the darkness to the day, 
 the shadows to the sunshine. They are always look- 
 ing on the night side, rather than on the bright side 
 of life. They are ever ready to give credence to bad 
 news ; and quite as quick to doubt the good reports. 
 Girls, cheerful, hopeful spirits will do much to drive 
 back the dark clouds, which may overshadow your 
 pathways through life. They will often turn your tear- 
 ful eyes toward the halos of hope, which hang upon the 
 hazy horizons of your sunless skies. Then, clad in the 
 panoplies of cheerful, hopeful, buoyant spirits, go for- 
 ward, girls, with brave hearts, and holy lives to happi- 
 ness and to heaven. 
 
 But, girls should not always be gay and giddy, 
 sporting, like little lambs on the lea, or butterflies on 
 the lawn. They should have some sober, sensible 
 thoughts, every day they live. It is all wrong, for girls 
 to regard themselves as mere ornaments of society. 
 They are wont to become the solid substance of the 
 social fabric, of which they constitute such important 
 factors. If you would make wise women, you must 
 not frolic away your early years. If you would fill 
 successfully your respective missions on earth, you 
 must make suitable preparations while young. 
 
 Girls, be natural. Leave off all affectation. It is 
 folly — it is worse — it is wicked. It is an attempt to de- 
 ceive, which seldom succeeds. Imitations are worthless. 
 A girl should neither be a mocking-bird, nor a mon- 
 
THOUGHTFUL GIRLS. 
 
 (See page 5a.) 
 
MOCKING-BIRDS AND MONKEYS. 53 
 
 key. She should not mimic, nor imitate other people. 
 Counterfeits are of no value. She should be herself. 
 An attempt to be another is a confession of her own 
 inferiority. It is a loss of vantage ground. But on the 
 other hand, every natural act adds beauty, and grace to 
 a girl's personal charms ; and every unaffected utterance 
 lends new attractions to her social powers, and increases 
 the number of her worthy admirers. Girls, your beauty 
 lies largely in your bearing, behavior and becoming 
 manners. Let your conduct, always, be characterized 
 by a meek, and modest bearing; a gentle, and generous 
 spirit. And as you grow, in years, you ought to grow, 
 daily, in all the graces, and virtues which strengthen, 
 and adorn the queenly character of the highest, and 
 purest type of Christian woman-hood. 
 
 Girls, seek to be useful. There is a happy sphere — 
 an honorable position for every bright, and free-hearted 
 girl in the land. Girls ought to be full partners, with 
 the world's masters. Give them places, along beside 
 their brothers, and they will laugh at the flattery of 
 flirts, and scorn the proposals of beer kegs, and tramps. 
 They will not risk their fortunes in the hands of knaves, 
 nor nabobs, dunces, nor dudes. They know that de- 
 graded woman-hood is a diamond, in the dust, and they 
 will run no such risks, in the matrimonial market. 
 
 But, our girls have never had a fair chance, with the 
 boys, in the race of life. They have always been im- 
 pressed, with the erroneous idea, that they were inferior 
 to the boys, both physically and mentally. They have 
 been told, over and over again, that they could not solve 
 profound problems, nor comprehend scientific, and re- 
 vealed truths like their brothers. This thought, of 
 
54 " MARBLE MANSIONS. 
 
 mental inferiority, has paralyzed their energies, and 
 deadened their aspirations for ages. It has been a dead 
 weight upon their mental activities, and intellectual de- 
 velopments. It has hushed the harps of their hearts, 
 and weighed down the wings of their young woman- 
 hood. 
 
 But, girls, be not overwise, in your own conceits. 
 Receive all suggestions kindly, whether you adopt them 
 or not. Weigh well the advice of your friends ; and, 
 especially, if they be your seniors, who speak from 
 experience. Neither should you place too high an esti- 
 mate upon your own moral worth. Nor can you afford 
 to be vain, even, of your own virtuous life. For, it 
 may be more the result of your environments, than of 
 your chastity of head and purity of heart. We, all, 
 have our weak points — our besetting sins. If we had 
 to change circumstances, and surroundings with some 
 of the vile of earth, we might be more vile than they ; 
 while they might be more virtuous than we. 
 
 Soliciting girls, do not manifest, too much, curiosity. 
 It is not at all commendable, to be always prying into 
 other people's affairs. Then, again, such curiosity, 
 when satisfied, seldom confers any real pleasure. You 
 might search the cosy cottages of the poor, and the 
 marble mansions of the rich; you might pry into the 
 private chambers of princes, and ransack the recesses 
 of the nuptial alcove, and it would, all, only intensify 
 your curiosity, diminish your enjoyment and rob you 
 of your self-respect, with the respect of others. This 
 curiosity begins where necessity ends. It is a longing 
 to see that which we should not see ; to know that which 
 we should not know, and to do that which we have no 
 
CREDULOUS GIRLS. 5,5 
 
 right to do. Therefore we should clip its wings, that 
 it may cease to soar. 
 
 Credulous girls, do not be too easily flattered. You 
 can not afford to believe everything the boys say, when 
 they compliment your beauty, or eulogize your accom- 
 plishments. They will exaggerate. It is perfectly 
 natural, it seems, for them to deal in "taffy." They 
 are also much given to sentimentalism. Many of them 
 are mere sycophants, or parasites. They win their way 
 into your good graces, by fawning flattery. They have 
 nothing else to recommend them. And, if you trust 
 them, you are sure to be deceived. The more lavish a 
 young man is, in his compliments, the more likely he is 
 to be a deceiver. The genuine admirer, of female 
 beauty and worth, gives evidence of his admiration 
 otherwise, than by winning words. True love has a 
 tendency to subdue the heart, and silence the tongue. 
 
 But, it is true, girlhood-life must be seasoned with 
 some romantic features. Romance is peculiar to their 
 age and sex. It is the romantic period of life. They 
 live, and long for something outside the ordinary events 
 of life. They look, and listen with beating hearts for 
 the wonderful wave, which shall mysteriously waft them 
 a handsome fortune to the shore. But, girls, only keep 
 your lives pure and sweet ; and mirth will find its own 
 melody, sorrow seek its legitimate solace and romance 
 revel in the realms of the true, the beautiful and the 
 good. 
 
 Social customs separate our girls and boys too much. 
 Brothers and sisters should share the same joys and 
 sorrows. Their incentives to virtue should be the sam^. 
 They should be brought up under the same standard of 
 
56 DUPES OF FASHION. 
 
 morality. They should be educated together. Their 
 hopes should be mutual. The same moral lessons 
 should be taught them, since the same moral obligations 
 rest upon them. They are permitted to associate to- 
 gether in the follies, and frivolities of time. Then, why, 
 we ask, should they be separated, in the more important 
 departments of their preparation for life's honored mis- 
 sions ? Here is where their influence over each other, 
 under proper restrictions and instructions, would be 
 most benign and beneficial. The male, and female in- 
 terests interlock at all ages ; and their lives, and loves 
 overlap each other, in after years. Hence, they ought 
 to grow up together, with interests, all the while, closely 
 identified, and feeling that neither could live without 
 the other. 
 
 Girls, do not be the dupes of fashion. Never become 
 her slaves. Bow not before her shameless shrine. She 
 demands entirely too much of the precious time, and 
 talents of her devotees. And, upon her merciless altar 
 lies too much of faded beauty ; too many buried oppor- 
 tunities, and too many worse than wasted lives. Only 
 serve at her shrine, and she will soon brush the peach 
 bloom from your cheeks, and leave you fair, but feeble 
 flowers, to fade, before the sun of life shall have reached 
 its meridian glory. At her altar, the eyes, which now 
 sparkle with merriment, will soon lose their luster, and 
 grow dull and languid. The hearts, now buoyant and 
 free, will have lost, ere long, their wonted hope ; and 
 lie lifeless, in the arms of despair. The silly, simpering 
 daughter, of fashion, feeds upon its follies, and is soon 
 as fickle, and foolish as the food upon which she feasts. 
 Girls, do not thus dance, thoughtlessly, along down the 
 
GUILELESS GIRLS. 57 
 
 line of life, until all is lost. But, have some serious, 
 sober, solemn thoughts of life and liberty. Awake to 
 the higher interests of body, mind and soul ; and live 
 for all there is in life. 
 
 A few fleeting years will find many of the artless, 
 guileless girls of to-day, who kneel at fashion's shrine, 
 the pale, peevish, or, perchance, pensive belles of to- 
 morrow, who, by and by, will be among the many 
 sacrifices offered to the goddess of fashion, rather than 
 among the useful, and honored matrons, and mothers of 
 the land. The world need: more healthy, handsome, 
 heroic women ; and fewer listless, languid, lazy mis- 
 tresses and invalids. Let our gay, and gallant girls 
 have a chance to make worthy wives and honored 
 mothers. 
 
 Girls too often dance, light-hearted, along the line of 
 life, little dreaming that the earth is hollow beneath 
 their wayward feet, until some deep grief shakes, to its 
 center, the sandy foundation, upon which their vain 
 hopes of happiness have been resting, then they begin 
 to see life in its true light. Sorrow brings them to their 
 senses. Then they begin walking watchfully, and 
 weighing worthily all the thoughts, words and actions 
 which make life, to them, a grand, and glorious reality. 
 Then they can sing: 
 
 " Life is real, life is earnest ; 
 
 And the grave is not its goal : 
 Dust thou art, to dust returnest, 
 
 Was not spoken of the soul." 
 
 Girls, take care of your health. It is the mainspring 
 of life. Health once gone, and life is almost worthless. 
 
58 HEALTH IS HAPPINESS. 
 
 It is an empty dream, a baseless fabric or a hopeless 
 vision. Health is happiness. They go hand in hand, 
 with heart knit to heart. There can be but little health 
 without happiness, and less happiness without health. 
 At least, this is the rule ; there may be exceptions. 
 Health is wealth, which may be retained or lost ; but 
 can seldom be regained, when once squandered. But, 
 girls, if you would be useful, and happy in your gener- 
 ation, you must take care of your health. Yours is the 
 most critical period in life. There is more danger of 
 sowing the seeds of disease, and death now, than at 
 any other period in your histories. Do not hazard your 
 health, or jeopardize your lives for the fashions, and 
 follies of society, so called. Only use the far-seeing 
 sagacity, peculiar to your sex, and save yourselves the 
 sorrows of years, or the silence of somber tombs. 
 
 Girls, take plenty of out-door exercise. It will do 
 you good. Happy, romping, frolicsome girls ! let them 
 out into the open air and bright sunshine ; and, then, 
 listen to them laugh, and sing, and shout for joy. 
 Heaven pity the pale-faced, hollow-eyed girls of our 
 country! They have limbs, and lungs, and latent 
 energies, the proper development of which absolutely 
 demands out-door exercise, which would soon bring the 
 peach bloom to the cheek, and merriment to the eye. 
 Their bodies want to be strong and vigorous, as well as 
 beautiful and attractive. So snap the cords, loose the 
 fetters, and give them liberty to walk and work, run and 
 ride to their hearts' content. Girls should be given a 
 great deal of freedom. They should share the bright 
 sunshine with their brothers. They should breathe the 
 pure air, bathe in the crystal streams, and romp over 
 
6 
 
 OUT-DOOR EXERCISE. 
 (See page 58,) 
 
HEARTS LIKE HARPS. 59 
 
 the rich meadows, and through the favorite forests, until 
 they are strong, and vigorous in body and mind. 
 
 Girls, sing. There is much latent power in your sweet 
 voices. Cultivate well your musical talents, be they 
 large or small. Hearts, without music, are like harps, 
 without strings. They are powerless to melt, or move 
 the hearts of others. Music will add much to your own 
 happiness, as well as to the enjoyment of those around 
 you. All hearts are open to the sweet influences of 
 song. The melody of music intensifies the strongest 
 sentiments of the soul ; and gives additional power to 
 the most potent truths of the Gospel. Then cultivate 
 your voices carefully ; and use them frequently, and 
 freely for the good of others. Set your daily deeds to 
 the music of cheerful hearts, and seek to round out 
 your lives into anthems of melody, the influences of 
 which will be perennial, like the music of the spheres, 
 and not evanescent, like the voice of the singer. When 
 you sing, remember there must be soul, as well as sound 
 and sense in your songs, to give them perfect power. 
 
 The music, to which you must listen while the years 
 roll by, will be but the pulse-beatings from your own 
 hearts and lives. If this music be discordant, rather 
 than harmonious, it must be the moan of memories 
 marred by sin and blackened with crime. There are 
 griefs which leave blanks, blacker than death itself, in 
 the realm of devoted affection. Yet, the fire of trial is 
 the gateway to life. There is a grief which opens the 
 door of the heart, and lets its imprisoned music flow out, 
 full and free, from a responsive soul. Some of earth's 
 sweetest songs have been sung, amid the saddest sur- 
 roundings of life. Many of your deepest joys may be 
 
6o FORM AND FEATURE. 
 
 the offsprings of your bitterest sorrows. Our brightest 
 days are often the legacy bequeathed us by our darkest 
 nights. The hidden wealth of our own hearts is never 
 known, until touched to tenderness by the sore environ- 
 ments of life; and we enter upon the self-sacrificing 
 ministrations of consecrated love. 
 
 Pretty girls, beauty of face is not found in form alone ; 
 but, also, in feature. In fact, there is really more beau- 
 ty in the fascinating features of a lovely face, than there 
 is in its faultless form. Many an ill-formed face is ra- 
 dient with beauty and loveliness; while many, faultless 
 in form, are failures because of their fickle, or forlorn 
 expressions. So, you see, you may make, or mar your 
 own beauty. If always neat, and nice, some one will 
 think you sweet and pretty. The little miss, with a 
 homely face, who lights it up with loving smiles, we 
 soon learn to admire. And, if she graces her uncomely 
 form, with charming manners, we will soon welcome her 
 to our society, as a child of beauty. But the silly, little 
 lass, who betrays her ill-will, and ignorance at the ex- 
 pense of her lovely face and lovelier form, is sure soon 
 to be seen as a simpering simpleton, who sits and gig- 
 gles, and sighs and wriggles, until her beauty all melts 
 away from our vision, like the mists of the morning, 
 before the rising sun. Hence those, who are constantly 
 under the benign influences of kind feelings and gener- 
 ous impulses, acquire beauty of the highest order and 
 purest mold. Beauty of form catches the careless eye ; 
 but beauty of feature wins, and holds the honest heart. 
 Girls, with fairest faces and faultless forms, ought to have 
 features which would make them models of beauty, and 
 gems of gold in their social circles, 
 
GEMS OF GOLD. 6 I 
 
 The beautiful young girl just blooming into woman- 
 hood, rosy in health and innocent in heart, winning in 
 her ways and lovely in her life, with grace of form 
 and grandeur of soul, is, indeed, an object of admira- 
 tion. How natural, that men should admire girlhood- 
 life; and compliment it with grateful praises, and 
 crown it with angelic honors. But, girlhood's years 
 are full of weakness. The germs of its future strength, 
 and greatness have not, as yet, been fully developed. 
 Its character is still in the formative period. It is 
 barely out of the embryonic state. Only the elements 
 of grandeur are yet to be seen in the soul. These 
 valuable stones must be converted into diamonds, and 
 cemented into unity of purpose, before the great work 
 of developing the weakness of girlhood-life, into the 
 wisdom of woman-hood's maturer years, are accom- 
 plished. 
 
 Girls, always have something to wear, when you 
 want to go anywhere. If it is only a neat calico 
 dress ; and the best you can afford, wear it without a 
 word of complaint. Some girls, with a number of hats 
 and hozen, boots and bonnets, fans, frocks and flounces, 
 and jackets, jerseys and jewels will declare, most em- 
 phatically, that they have nothing, at all, to wear. If 
 you have neat, clean garments which are comfortable, 
 you are well clad, and should be thankful. We love 
 to see girls handsomely dressed, if they can afford it, 
 and appear unconscious of their plumage. But if 
 their finery gives them the peacock-strut, or the aristo- 
 cratic air of silly, simpering simpletons, we had much 
 rather see them in neat calico frocks, with level heads 
 and loving hearts. The most important outfit, for any 
 
62 THE GIGGLING GIRL. 
 
 young lady to wear, is that which makes her most inter- 
 esting, and attractive to the masses with whom she 
 associates. 
 
 Girls have some characteristics, which are peculiar to 
 their age and sex. They are nearly always quaint, but 
 quick, in their investigations. With their intuitive, and 
 instinctive natures they often reach the most distant 
 conclusions at a bound. They are naturally either gen- 
 tle and modest, or fierce, and relentless in their disposi- 
 tions. If they love, they will listen, and be loyal until 
 death : but, if they hate, they will harrass, and be hate- 
 ful while they have breath. When angry they will cry, 
 and fight like tigers ; but, if in a good humor they will 
 fear and tremble before their liege lords, like lambs be- 
 fore a lion. They too often "weave Penelope's web." 
 They destroy with one hand, what is being wrought 
 with the other. 
 
 Girls, do not giggle. It is simple. It is silly. It is 
 superficial. It is disagreeable. It is detestable. It is 
 disgusting. Smile if you are amused ; and laugh, if 
 you are tickled ; but do not giggle, giggle, giggle, like 
 silly little simpletons, at everything, and everybody 
 you see, when there is no cause for mirth. The gig- 
 gling girl simply renders herself ridiculous, reprehen- 
 sible and repugnant to all good people. She might as 
 well use slang, which is low, vulgar and vile, as to gig- 
 gl e > giggl e > giggl e an d hope to be respected, and loved 
 by the true, and the good of earth. 
 
 The girls of to-day will be young ladies, and society 
 belles of to-morrow. Let us hope that they will do 
 much to elevate the social circle, refine its follies and 
 adorn its virtues. But to do this, their lives must be 
 
THE POETIC AGE. 
 (Setpag«fe) 
 
THE IDEAL IS OFTEN THE REAL. 63 
 
 the language of souls, budding, and blooming with the 
 matchless beauties of intrinsic worth and merit. 
 
 Girlhood is the poetic age of life. Girls are the 
 poetry of our, otherwise, prosy race. Like poetry, they 
 are wont to deal largely with the ideal, rather than 
 with the real. They are imaginative creatures. The 
 reality is likely to be, but the shadow of their ideal. 
 They are over sanguine ; and seldom reach their ideal 
 in this life. Their ideal usually implies perfection ; but, 
 the real, of earth, is always imperfect. Their poetic 
 minds paint pictures that, far, surpass the master pieces 
 of artistic skill. Their poetic muses soar toward ideal 
 poems ; but, their most gifted geniuses never reach the 
 coveted goal. The sweetest sonnets, by mortals sung, 
 are but the faint echoes of the heavenly melodies which 
 fill, and thrill their musical hearts, in the happy dreams 
 of their ideal songs. But, fortunately for our girls, the 
 ideal is often spiritual; and, in this sense, becomes the 
 most real thing in existence. Hence, poetry is a friend 
 to religion ; and lends helping hands, in the persons of 
 her representatives. This ideal element, in poetry, is 
 what moves girls so readily, to make the most of this 
 life. The ideal has a tendency to elevate the affections, 
 and hence, to refine the feelings, and purify the hearts 
 of those who run toward its goal. 
 
 Girls are naturally fond of poetry. Give a lovely 
 girl a lovely poem, and it is two kindred spirits well 
 met. It is extremely fortunate for our girls that the 
 fountains of the poetical muse are open to them ; and 
 that they so much enjoy the melody of his sacred songs. 
 Poetry is the music of the soul. It is virtue's stand- 
 ard bearer. And, as it comes, fresh dripping from the 
 
64 THE POWER OF POETRY. 
 
 pen of some learned bard, it stirs the deepest emo- 
 tions of the heart, fires the finest affections of our 
 fallen natures, and awakes, within the drooping soul, 
 the living lyre of immortality. 
 
 Poetry is the music that charms the race, the god- 
 dess that enchants the world. Its silver streams 
 empty into the great ocean of thought, to brighten 
 and gladden the hearts of all those who come to its 
 waters to slake their thirst. 
 
 Poetry is not merely palatable, but sweet to the 
 taste of every class of readers. The lover could dream 
 life away, in poetry that feeds the affections. The 
 patriotic heart swells with every chorus eulogistic of 
 its country's greatness. The Philanthropist peruses, 
 with pleasure and increased hospitality, every poem 
 he finds on benevolence. The true penitent mourns 
 the close of every lay divine, which lightens the bur- 
 den of his aching heart. The literary world enjoys 
 no such feast, else where, as the brighter scintillations 
 of poetic visions. Nor does the Christian feed on any 
 richer repast, outside the Bible, than from the heaven- 
 assisted bard. 
 
 He who traces the consoling lines of Young, in his 
 Night Thoughts on Life, Death and Immortality, must 
 feel, anew, the wellings of virtue in the heart. He 
 who listens to the humble strains of Pollock, in his 
 Course of Time, will, with him, exclaim "time gone 
 the righteous saved, the wicked damned and God's 
 eternal government approved." He who ponders the 
 writings of Cowper, the sweet poet and devout 
 Christian, will be touched with a sacred reverence for 
 that immortal song, which "sounds Jehovah's name 
 
JOYS OF THE JOURNEY. 65 
 
 abroad, and pours his praise along." He who follows 
 the almost unbounded imagination of Milton, in his 
 Paradise Lost, will have grander conceptions of the 
 sublime, the beautiful, the good. He, who imbibes the 
 brilliant flashes of Bryant, Tennyson, Read, and others, 
 must live a purer, happier, holier life. In short, he, 
 who drinks at the cool, refreshing springs of poetry, 
 flooded as they are with truth divine, must of necessity 
 rise, in his desires at least, to the highest conception of 
 an ideal life. 
 
 Girls, give your hearts early to Jesus, The sooner 
 you become religious, the better it will be for you. 
 You will need Christianity to sustain you in all the 
 relations of life. Your souls are sensitive, and will 
 feel keenly the severing of love's legitimate ties. You 
 can find balm for your aching hearts nowhere else, save 
 in the sunshine of a Saviour's love. Here, ministering 
 spirits will come, in the joys of the journey, to lift 
 these light afflictions from the soul, and send you on 
 your ways rejoicing, in anticipation of the far more 
 exceeding and eternal weight of glory, which is in 
 reserve, for all the faithful in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 
 Girls, live for all there is worth living for in life. Do 
 not give yourselves, too much, to worldly pleasures. 
 If so, the world is sure to bring disappointments to all 
 your transient hopes, and many sorrows to your aching 
 hearts. It will also add an immense weight to the 
 weariness of your worn, and wasted forms, in the 
 decline of life. Then, do not simply live for the pres-' 
 ent, it is too transient. It is but a moment of time, 
 inter-locking the retreating past with the advancing 
 future. Its pleasures are but momentary. Its praises 
 
66 THE PEACEFUL PARADISE. 
 
 are the comforts, only, of an hour. And its flatteries, 
 the dreams of disappointed love. Look hopefully to 
 the happy golden future ; and live largely for the 
 lovely life, which awaits the great, and the good in the 
 peaceful paradise of God. 
 
BOYHOOD. 
 
 (See page 67 J 
 
BOYHOOD 
 
 Chapter IV. 
 
 I'm a boy, it is true ; but, I'll do all I can, 
 To make folks believe, I'm a brave little man. 
 
 J| OYHOOD is life on the wing. It 
 is life in its buoyancy. It is life 
 
 bouncing up and down, and 
 bounding along the track of time, 
 like an India rubber ball on the 
 play - ground. Boyhood is the 
 holiday of life. It is the ro- 
 mance of our race. It is the rid- 
 dle of all ages. Boyhood is life 
 on its first limbs. It is life on tireless pinions. It is 
 life in its smoothest, swiftest sailing, but barely launched 
 on the silvery sea of time. Boyhood is a ship-yard, 
 from which bodies are being constantly launched out 
 upon the surging sea of active life ; and in which souls 
 ought to be well equipped for the endless voyage of 
 life, across the sea of time, and out upon the boundless 
 ocean of eternity. 
 
 The beau-ideal of boyhood-life ranges from eight to 
 
 twelve years of age. During this period, it is usually 
 
 (67) 
 
68 SOWING AND REAPING. 
 
 invested with its wildest charms, and clothed with its 
 deepest mysteries. We often wonder what the boy will 
 be — what manner of man he will make — as his heedless 
 life, like a silver rill, runs merrily along its winding way 
 toward the sea of sober years. But we can not see far 
 enough, into his future life, to even surmise in reference 
 to his fame or fortune, his weal or woe. 
 
 Boys, you are now in the spring time of life. The 
 precious gift of time is in your hands ; but its golden 
 moments are borne past you, on its own swift and tire- 
 less wings : and its opportunities go, with its passing 
 moments, to return no more. If you would draw 
 largely from life's bank, when you are older, you must 
 deposit liberally, while you are young. For, he, who 
 puts nothing into this bank, can draw nothing out. It 
 is the liberal soul, that is bountifully fed; and the 
 waterer, that drinks full draughts from life's crystal 
 streams. You must sow, if you would reap; and your 
 reaping will be after the character of your sowing. If 
 you would find satisfaction in the beauty, strength and 
 symmetry of the character you build, there must be a 
 good foundation, and an honest, industrious workman. 
 The early years, of life, are the corner-stones, of all the 
 years to follow. Then, curb all carnal desires ; and cul- 
 tivate all the generous, and noble aspirations of the 
 soul; and your boyhood virtues will richly adorn your 
 royal characters through life. 
 
 Boys, you are now rowing, sportively, over the placid 
 sea of a mother's love. Your frail barks are being 
 guided, successfully, through the breakers, of your 
 youthful years, by a father's skillful hand. But, by and 
 by, you must sail out, through the rushing rapids of 
 
SAFETY AND SUCCESS. 69 
 
 the rolling river of self-support, into the great ocean of 
 active, energetic life, beyond thes cenes, and sorrows of 
 boyhood's years. Then you must stand at the helm, 
 and steer your own vessels, as they stem the tides, or 
 drift before the storms of life's trying realities. You 
 will, then, be commanding your own ships. Upon your 
 skill, and discretion will depend, largely, the safety, and 
 success of the eventful voyage of time. Then, study- 
 well the chart of life. Reject passion, as a pilot. Place 
 hope at the helm, with a firm grasp. Counsel the ex- 
 perience of age. Seek divine guidance. Shun the 
 wrecks, which have gone down, upon the rocks of 
 skepticism and infidelity; and, with main masts stream- 
 ing in the breeze, and white sails floating in the winds, 
 your ships will ride triumphantly into the heavenly 
 harbor, at last, amid the welcome hosannas, and sweet 
 hallelujahs of the saints, and angels in glory. 
 
 Use boyhood's days, as a watch-tower from which to 
 look out upon the world, as an interested spectator, and 
 listen, and learn its great lessons of light and love. 
 You are now forming characters upon which your future 
 manhood must be built, if built at all. Then rear, 
 within these fleeting years, monuments which will defy 
 the ravages of time. Live with a steady, stalwart aim 
 in view. Dispatch, with a noble daring, whatever you 
 find worth doing ; and leave that which is worthless to 
 the idlers, and dreamers along life's highway. Your 
 lives are in your own hands. They will be, largely, 
 what you make them. The warp of life has been 
 placed around the loom-beam for you ; but you must 
 weave in the woof yourselves. You must tramp the 
 
 treadles, with your own feet, and throw the shuttles, 
 
 7 
 
7<D A FIRM FOUNDATION. 
 
 with your own hands. The warp of life has been 
 given ; but you are furnishing your own woof. The 
 pattern has been left you ; but you are coloring its 
 figures, to suit your own tastes, and making its beauty, 
 after your own liking. Then, bring to your assistance 
 arms strong for the right ; working hands, and willing 
 hearts, in the conflicts of life ; and live, with eyes upon 
 the dignity of your present existence, and with hearts 
 hopeful of the grandeur, and glory of your future des- 
 tiny. And, so living, success will crown your, every, 
 worthy effort, and solace be the surcease of all your 
 earthly sorrows. 
 
 Boys, grow. You must grow, if you ever make 
 men. You must grow larger, grow wiser, and grow 
 better. There must be mental, and moral development, 
 as well as physical growth, if you ever amount to much 
 in the world. To be capable in business, you must 
 cultivate your mental faculties. To be loved, and hon- 
 ored in society, you must develop your moral forces. 
 And, to be truly good, and great in the world, you must 
 enlarge your spiritual powers. There must be a four- 
 fold growth in order to reach the highest, and holiest 
 type of manhood. Growth, culture, development is the 
 order of the day — the demand of the times in which 
 you live. And, the boy, who fails to grow, will also fail 
 to go to positions of trust and honor. Success will not 
 crown the efforts of his life. Neither will a rich reward 
 await him in the glory land. 
 
 Boyhood's years are the preparation period, for the 
 great mission of life. This is the time to lay a firm, 
 and faultless foundation upon which to erect a magnifi- 
 cent edifice in after years. A failure, here, may blast 
 
TRIALS AND TROUBLES. 7 1 
 
 every fond hope for the future, and destroy, as with a 
 withering simoon of sin, all the high and holy aspira- 
 tions of life. 
 
 Preparation is the price of success in life. Well 
 trained boys are as sure to succeed, as a well inflated 
 balloon is to rise, when the ropes are cut. Their ten- 
 dencies are upwards ; and when opportunities present 
 themselves, they must rise. The boys, who pave their 
 own way to success, will make the men, who will win 
 the prizes in the prime of life. 
 
 Boyhood's golden opportunities are on the wing. 
 They will soon sail past. Whatever is done, to improve 
 them, must be done quickly; for time is fleeting. 
 There is a germ in every boy's soul, which, if properly 
 cultured, will bud, and bloom, and blossom into a being 
 of eternal beauty. But, if no preparation, then no 
 prestige ; and, if no prestige, then, no pre-eminence 
 among the children of men. Boys should stretch their 
 limbs, and test their muscles, freely, in preparation for 
 the race of life. When manhood begins to dawn, upon 
 such a youth, his muscles will become more solid, his 
 mind more masterly, and his voice, losing the feminine, 
 will assume a masculine tone, which indicates the pres- 
 ence of the nobler qualities of manhood. 
 
 Boys have their trials and troubles, in which are 
 imaged forth the sterner struggles, and sorer conflicts 
 of after-life. These early trials are essential to the 
 proper development of youthful characters. They open 
 the way, also, to the earlier manifestations of wisdom, 
 and worth upon the part of our boys. And they are 
 constantly opening wider, and still wider, the portals of 
 their young hearts, so that the rich jewels of their souls 
 
*J2 BURDENED BOYS. 
 
 shine forth from their hidden depths, shedding their 
 brilliant luster upon the world, which stands waiting, for 
 their light, and their blessings. 
 
 Boys should not be, prematurely, bowed down with 
 the burdens of life. Fit the yoke to their years ; and 
 they will wear it willingly. Task them, according to 
 their time of life, and they will turn every day to good 
 account. But, burden a boy, unmercifully, and the 
 haunts of the idler, with the lounge of the loafer, will 
 be his fancied paradise. He will envy every silly son of 
 pleasure he chances to meet. His dreams, by night, 
 and his reveries, by day, will all lead him in the direction 
 of a vague, indefinite, aimless life. 
 
 But, boys ought to learn to work, if they can not learn 
 to love it. Activity is evidently essential to their con- 
 tinued health and happiness. Disease is at home, in 
 sluggish blood and motionless muscles. There is no 
 place in political economy ; or moral science for laziness, 
 levity or licentiousness. They are the triplet offsprings 
 of idleness. Time is on the wings of the winds, and he 
 who would grind his grist, by it, must set the mill-sails 
 at once. For, the loafer shall have no loaf; and the 
 laggard shall lose the race. Neither the wise, nor the 
 wealthy can help him, who will not help himself. So, 
 give your boys good tools , and put them to work, and 
 they will soon take pride in doing their work well. 
 They will soon be self-supporting. But, they must not 
 be too heavily tasked, or over-taxed, lest they tire of it, 
 and rebel against you. In every vocation of life, the 
 agent should be well suited to the action ; and the work 
 to the workman. 
 
 Boys are imaginative creatures. They are always 
 

 GREAT, AND GRAND THINGS. J$ 
 
 building castles in the air. They imagine they will do 
 great, and grand things, when they get to be men. 
 We hope some of them will ; for there are many such 
 things which ought to be done. Boys, let the imagina- 
 tion play. Give her full scope, and let her sail. Lend 
 her wings, and let her soar aloft, like the proud eagle, 
 and let her sing as she soars. And, if her muse makes 
 music for the world, by and by, just let the world, en- 
 tranced, stop and listen at her siren song, so sweetly 
 sung. It is perfectly natural that the glow of youthful 
 hopes should, in the morning of life's promising day, 
 make bright the coming years, with many deeds of noble 
 daring, and grand achievements. 
 
 Boys, be not too anxious to know, what future years 
 hold in store for you. This intense desire, which people 
 possess, to lift the veil that mantles the future, and force 
 forward the wheels of time to some coveted data, is no 
 less selfish than sinful. God has wisely ordered, that 
 we should walk in the light of the present, and the 
 knowledge of the past, leaving the darkness of our 
 futures to their own developments. He has promised 
 joy and gladness, all along the line of life. And it is 
 ours to work, as well as watch, while we wait patiently 
 for his blessings, from time to time. The dark problems 
 of duty, and the still darker problems of destiny are 
 solved only in the light of revelation. Faith in the 
 Gospel gives us light enough for the future. But, boys, 
 do not hasten to be men. Give yourselves plenty of 
 time to mature into manhood, ere you desert the ranks 
 of youth, and the files of boyhood-life. 
 
 Boys, the first false step is the most fatal step in life. 
 Early departures from the path of rectitude may be as 
 
74 THE FIRST FALSE STEP. 
 
 silent, and slow as the creeping shadows on the sun- 
 dials, yet they are the first movings of a mighty ava- 
 lanche of sin, which, if not stayed by divine power, will 
 bury your souls beneath an eternal weight of woe. 
 Your young lives should be perfectly free from loafing, 
 late suppers, midnight dissipations and all manner of 
 bad morals. Avoid the first steps, which lead to all 
 these excesses in sin. Cigarettes, cigars and saloons 
 seldom lead to success in life ; but often prevent it. 
 Tobacco burns up a boy's future capital ; and strong 
 drink destroys his hard-earned fortune, be it great or 
 small. Sin, like a swiftly flowing river, will bear you 
 rapidly down stream, when once upon its heaving 
 bosom ; and the farther you go, the less likely you are 
 ever to return. And, the violator of moral law can find 
 no exemption from its penalty, except by miracle, so 
 long as mind manifests itself through the medium of 
 matter. 
 
 Boys, do not form bad habits. They are costly and 
 hurtful. They are dangerous and demoralizing. The 
 cigar, or cigarette, costs more than a good periodical. 
 The wine cup is more expensive than a large library. 
 And, the time wasted, loafing, would soon make a first- 
 class scholar of you ; and give you an honorable position 
 in the world. 
 
 But, these habits are pernicious. They are also very 
 injurious. This is possibly the worst feature in the 
 case. Smoking is a terrible shock to the nervous 
 system — a shock that many persons can not long endure. 
 The use of strong drink is much more terrible. It not 
 only ruins health, but also debauches morals, dethrones 
 reason and destroys its victims, soul and body. It is 
 
DO NOT FORM BAD HABITS. 
 (See page 74.) 
 
CHAINS AND CHARMS. 75 
 
 putting the case in its mildest form to say, that the use 
 of narcotics is a foolish, filthy habit, which most men 
 regret having acquired ; and that the use of intoxicating 
 liquors is not only demoralizing, but also extremely 
 dangerous to boys. 
 
 But, again, these habits, once formed, are often 
 stronger than the strongest wills. In fact, they seldom 
 assert their authority, until they have complete control 
 of their subjects. Their chains are forged, before their 
 charms are felt. If you would not be governed by bad 
 habits, then form good ones ; for we are all creatures of 
 habit, and there is no neutral ground between the good 
 and the bad. 
 
 Boys, rum leads to ruin. Its devotees soon become 
 prisoners of poverty, and pensioners of want and woe. 
 Then, shun the drunkard's bowl, as you would flee from 
 the sting of the deadly viper. Do not suffer the purity, 
 of your boyhood-life, blasted by its blighting power ; 
 nor, the nobility of your promising manhood shadowed 
 by its withering curse. Shun the wine cup, as you 
 would the deadly fangs of the poisonous adder. 
 
 Boys, be constantly on your guard. Look well to the 
 entrance to life's citadel. Satan is daily sowing seed, 
 in every unguarded heart. These seed will spring up, 
 some day, and bring forth very bitter fruit, for your 
 souls to feast upon. It will also prove very difficult, for 
 you to learn the lessons, which will lead you to abandon 
 your evil habits in the future. Since, it is much easier, 
 you had far better avoid them in the present. To do 
 this, you will have to be careful about the company you 
 keep. Seek the society of the good, wherever you go ; 
 and you will always find warm hearts waiting to welcome 
 
j6 MORAL HEROES. 
 
 you to happy homes. Ever keep the windows of your 
 souls turned heavenward, if you would have them filled 
 with the joys, and flooded with the light of life. And, 
 you will be extremely fortunate, if you enter manhood 
 with good habits, vigorous health and a fair knowledge 
 of the ways of the world. 
 
 Boys, be brave. Be moral heroes. Dare to do the 
 right. March boldly to the front. Challenge your own 
 characters, and conduct to the contest for success. Look 
 not to luck for life. The wheels of fortune seldom turn 
 a coward to the top. Her fickle goddess, fain, would 
 let him fall, lower and still lower, in his follies. The 
 lazy luck-hunters, of the land, are so many leeches, 
 riding through life, upon the bent back of honest in- 
 dustry. You should not crave wealth ; unless you are 
 willing to work for it. Fortunes will not be found for 
 sale, in the great marts of the future. They must be 
 won, by the hands of industry or the heads of thought. 
 Brave boys are the order of the day — the wants of the 
 times. Not pugnacious little fellows, who want to fight 
 every boy they meet : but, little moral heroes, who have 
 the courage to say no, when tempted to do wrong, and 
 fortitude to hold the fort, when they are in the right, no 
 matter how fiercely it may be besieged by the enemy. 
 It is a royal road that leads to honor and renown. 
 
 Boys, rely largely upon yourselves. Depend much 
 upon your own efforts. Self-reliance is absolutely es- 
 sential to success in life. Conquer fate, and you have 
 won a fortune. For, fortune's favorite heir is a con- 
 queror ; not a coward. It is more manly to work, and 
 make, than to wish, and wait for a fortune. Money, 
 obtained by chance, comes easily and goes soon. Only 
 
A VICTIM OF BAD HABITS. 
 
 " The boy who smokes, swears, and loafs on the street*.' 
 
 (See page* 74, 75, and 81.) 
 
GOOD ADVICE. J J 
 
 those, who earn means, are likely to keep them long. 
 In their desperate dashes, for fortunes, some men dare 
 to be boldly dishonest, often involving their families in 
 irretrievable shame and dishonor. 
 
 Boys, allow me to give you a little good advice. 
 Never boast of your ancestry. It will be better, for 
 you to live so, that your descendants will be proud of 
 you. Select well your words, if you wish to say what 
 you mean ; and never mock at another's misery, or mis- 
 fortune. Do not follow after pleasure, to the neglect of 
 duty. Those who court her, exclusively, lose their 
 reason, and are ruined. He who would free himself, 
 from her vices, must stop his ears to her siren songs, 
 and listen to the counsels of the wise. 
 
 Boys, keep the holy sabbath-day. Do not steal time 
 from God. Your bodies need the rest, the sabbath 
 brings ; and your souls the religious influences, it exerts 
 upon those who keep it holy. There is no necessity for 
 sabbath-breaking ; and no benefit to be derived from its 
 desecration. Deal fairly, with God and man. Do not 
 be a fault-finder. He, who is never pleased, seldom 
 pleases others. Do not cover your vices, with the sem- 
 blance of virtue ; nor conceal your guilt, with the cloak 
 of righteousness. Be frank, and open in all your 
 actions. Toe the mark, at all times. Never dodge an 
 issue. Be a manly little man ; and face the music of 
 life, like a hero in the strife. It is what a boy says and 
 does ; and not the estimate others place upon him, that 
 measures his attainments, and marks his way up to 
 manhood's years. 
 
 Boys, keep out of debt. Pay as you go, if possible. 
 But, if forced to go in debt, meet your obligations 
 
yS PAY AS YOU GO. 
 
 promptly ; or render a reasonable excuse for failure, 
 without being called upon to do so by your creditor. 
 If you owe a man, never wait for him: to dun you. Be 
 first to speak of it, when you meet him, whether pre- 
 pared to pay him or not. This will relieve your own 
 embarrassment, and hold the confidence of your creditor, 
 until you can liquidate the debt. 
 
 Boys are the material, out of which, the men of each 
 succeeding generation are made. Every event, in boy- 
 hood-life, is shaping the character, and fixing the destiny 
 of the coming man. The boys, of to-day, will be the 
 men of to-morrow. The future men, of rank and in- 
 fluence, will come, largely, from the humbler class of 
 boys, who, by the dint of their own energies, will rise to 
 places of honor, and distinction among men : while 
 many of the boys, of wealthy and honorable parentage, 
 will become the degenerate sons of noble sires. The 
 sons, of rich men, rarely ever hold the legacy left them, 
 for any great length of time. Nor, do the sons, of 
 honored sires, often wear the mantles of their fallen 
 fathers. Boys, if you would rise to honorable distinc- 
 tion, cable yourselves, firmly, to the pillars of truth, 
 honesty and virtue : and, then, you may cast, success- 
 fully, your anchors of hope ; and rest, calmly, amid the 
 storms of life, while others go down to rise no more. 
 
 Boys, obey your parents. Obedience is the charm, 
 that warms all hearts. It binds together the obedient 
 and the obeyed. Such boys are kind to their parents. 
 They never add one sorrow to their affectionate hearts : 
 nor, one furrow to their silvered brows. Their conduct, 
 toward them, is such, that when, they are gone to their 
 long homes, the memories of mother, and father will be 
 
FILIAL OBEDIENCE. 79 
 
 the sweetest reminiscences of all the past. But, too 
 many boys soon refuse to walk, in the sunlight of parental 
 advice ; and stumble along, in the moonlight of their own 
 beclouded judgments ; or grope their way, in the mid- 
 night darkness of the evil counsels of others. My son, 
 honor your father, and be affectionate to your mother. 
 Anticipate their wants ; and they will be proud of their 
 boy. Deserve their confidence ; and you will be sure 
 to have it. Love them ; and you will share their love in 
 return. Be obedient to their every command ; and they 
 will lighten your burdens. The strongest, swiftest, 
 liveliest boy, of all, ought to bend his back, under the 
 burdens, and subject his will, to the wishes of those 
 whose right it is to direct his ways, and assign his work, 
 from day to day. 
 
 Boys, love, and care for your parents. This is your 
 duty. It should be your privilege, and your pleasure. 
 You are under many, and lasting obligations to them. 
 You owe them a debt of gratitude, and love that you 
 can never pay. The older they grow, the worse they 
 will need, and the more they will appreciate your careful 
 attention, to their words and wants. Let the silver 
 hairs, and silent hopes of their helpless years speak 
 loudly to your ardent love, of the parental care bestowed 
 upon you, when helpless, dependent babes. Then, 
 show your grateful appreciation, of their tender watch- 
 care, by many manifestations of filial affection. 
 
 Boys, never, so far, forget yourselves as to call your 
 father, " the old man," " the esquire " or "the governor" ; 
 nor your mother, " the madam," " the mistress " or "the 
 old lady." Such impudence is shamefully rude. All 
 good people will condemn your conduct. And, you 
 
80 KINDNESS AND COURTESY. 
 
 may, some day, bitterly condemn yourselves, for such 
 disrespect, shown the fathers and mothers whom you 
 ought to honor, and revere until death. 
 
 Boys, be kind and courteous to your sisters. Seek to 
 console them, in the hours of sorrow. Come to their 
 rescue, when danger threatens them. Assist them, in 
 times of need. Comfort them, at all times, with your 
 courtesies. Kindness and courtesy, toward your sisters, 
 will speak well for you, boys. The world knows, that 
 the brother, who gives his arm to a sister, as they walk 
 together, to and from the church, will never leave his 
 wife, to wend her way home alone. It also knows, that 
 the youngster, who does not see his sister seated, at 
 public gatherings, when without an escort, may mortify 
 his, neglected, wife, and, perchance, blush himself, to 
 see some stranger extend to her the courtesy, so justly 
 due from her careless husband. 
 
 The devoted brother, who kisses his saintly sister, 
 morning and night, as they meet and part, will feel its 
 sacred influence upon his own life, in after years. He 
 will reap its golden fruitage, when she sleeps beneath 
 the sods of the valley, and he has taken a lovely wife to 
 his bosom. For, with a heart early cultured to caresses, 
 he will always have an affectionate kiss to imprint upon 
 her fair cheek. Boys, these little courtesies, to your 
 sisters, are well calculated to soften your own hearts, 
 sweeten your dispositions and greatly increase the do- 
 mestic happiness of your after-life. 
 
 The affectionate solicitude, of a noble-hearted brother, 
 for a loving, and appreciative sister, is one of the pretti- 
 est scenes in boyhood-life. It is an exhibition of one of 
 the noblest traits of character, to be found in the hearts 
 
KIND AND COURTEOUS TO SISTERS. 
 (See page 80.) 
 
GATHERING FRAGMENTS. 8 1 
 
 of the rising generation. The youth, who deserves to 
 be honored, with the endearing appellation of brother, 
 from the lips of a loving sister, because of his fondness, 
 and fidelity to her, may well be trusted as a lover ; and 
 accepted as a husband, for he will prove a worthy, and 
 devoted companion through life. 
 
 Boys, stay at home. Spend your evenings, around the 
 hearth-stone. Anchor your hearts, in the home-circle. 
 Not to do so, may prove fatal to your best interests. It 
 would be sure to rob you of many happy hours and val- 
 uable lessons. For, the home is a school, for the devel- 
 opment of all the Christian graces and virtues. Its 
 wholesome discipline brings many blessings to young, 
 wayward hearts. It furnishes the balm, which pours 
 consolation into young and restless souls. And, the 
 farther we advance, in the science of home-life, the 
 larger, and lovelier are the lessons we learn. But, if the 
 home-circle is not what it ought to be, constitute your- 
 self a committee, of one, and set yourself to work, to 
 bring about a reformation. 
 
 The boy who spends, simply, his leisure hours, loafing 
 on the streets, is almost sure to end his life in sin and 
 shame. Then, do not stand around, on the street cor- 
 ners; sit about, on goods-boxes; loaf, around livery 
 stables, or lounge, around saloons. You will learn but 
 little, that is refining, and elevating at such places ; but 
 much, that is, both, degrading and demoralizing. And 
 you will gradually become shabby, and slouchy, like the 
 company you keep. Then, stay at home of nights, and 
 improve all your odd moments. Gather up the frag- 
 ments of time. They are well worth saving. These 
 precious moments make hours ; hours make days, and 
 
82 PERFECT LITTLE GENTLEMEN. 
 
 days make years. They are all-important factors, in the 
 solution of life's great problem. 
 
 Immortal destinies are couched, in the golden mo- 
 ments of boyhood-life. Perilous dangers lie hidden in 
 all the by-paths, over which it trends its restless way. 
 Pit-falls are beneath its feet; and halters above its head, 
 in all its wayward journeyings. Death hangs, like a 
 black-winged vampire, over the future history of all boys, 
 who turn their backs upon the sacred influence, of the 
 home-circle, and forsake the highway of holiness. 
 
 Boys, be gentle. Be civil, courteous and kind to every 
 body you chance to meet, along the highway of life. 
 The better class of boys are, all, perfect little gentle- 
 men. Boys, be polite. It will make a good impression 
 upon your own minds, manners and morals. A cheer- 
 ful "good morning" to those you meet, in the daily av- 
 ocations of life, will prove a means of grace, which will 
 make you a better boy. It will carry with it an inspira- 
 tion, which will brighten your hopes, and lighten your 
 work for the day. If you doubt it, just try it for a few 
 days. Happy greetings make the wheels of time run, 
 much more, smoothly with us all. Then let us be kind 
 and courteous, under all the circumstances of life. These 
 little civilities and amities are the secret avenues, which 
 lead to much of our happiness. Then, we should be 
 kind, and generous to all we meet. The boy, whose 
 courtesies win him a welcome wherever he goes, always 
 carries about, with him, a heart full of sunshine, with 
 which to make other hearts happy. There is a reflex in- 
 fluence in gentility. It is, even, more blessed to give, 
 than to receive, these little courtesies. May we, all, realize 
 the truthfulness of this statement in our own experiences. 
 
HAPPY HEARTS. 83 
 
 Boys, deal not harshly, with any one. But, especially 
 should you leave off all rudeness, and roughness, in your 
 intercourse with your mothers and sisters. They have 
 the strongest claims upon you, for your kindest words 
 and tenderest affections. They are your truest, and 
 most appreciative friends. They will be certain to re- 
 ciprocate your kind attentions, and thoughtful acts in 
 their behalf. This reciprocity, of interested affection, 
 is the hidden secret of many happy hearts, and harmoni- 
 ous homes. Such home-life is freighted with the grand- 
 est lessons of reciprocal love the world has ever known. 
 And it is this thought, more than any other, that leads us 
 to associate the idea of home with our ideal heaven. 
 
 But, genuine politeness, or gentility, is more than 
 mere outside polish. It is the rich perfume of a heart, 
 bubbling over with the purities of life. Nor is chaste re- 
 finement a mere renegade virtue. It is the embodiment 
 of all the graces, pertaining to chastity of character— 
 the rendition of the purest, and loftiest type of human 
 excellence. True courtesies are neither forced nor 
 formal. They are simple and sincere. Real compli- 
 ments come from the heart, just as they fall from the 
 lips. Let your words be free from deception; but 
 ladened with love. Your tenderest sympathies, and 
 heart-felt affection should ever be manifested toward 
 your lady friends. And, be sure your devotion to your 
 mothers, and sisters are real, not feigned. Do not leave 
 them to doubt your love ; but let them hear it from 
 your lips, and read it in your lives. 
 
 Boys, be chaste. Be pure in thought, word and ac- 
 tion. Avoid the use of vulgar and obscene expres- 
 sions. They will lead to profanity ; and pave the way 
 
84 HANDS, HEAD AND HEART. 
 
 to more fearful sins. Shun the wrong, you see in others. 
 Follow in the footsteps, only, of the true and the good. 
 Give expression to the good ; and there will, al- 
 ways, be development in the right direction. Repress 
 the wrong ; and you will constantly limit, and lessen its 
 influence over your lives. Shun the society of the vi- 
 cious and the vile. Cultivate, only, such virtuous habits, 
 as will be of priceless value, to you, in the practical de- 
 partments of life. 
 
 Boys, your education should embrace the hands, the 
 head and the heart. Its object should be to increase 
 knowledge, create a hatred for the wrong and develop 
 a love for the right. A well developed character is in- 
 debted to no accidental circumstances, for its existence. 
 You must keep the essence and essentials ; and not the 
 mere incidents, and accidents of life, prominently before 
 your minds, if purity and chastity is the result. Let the 
 purposes of your life be pure ; and your actions will cor- 
 respond with them, in the main. Great actions are the 
 outgrowth of great purposes. Your achievements will 
 be measured by your dispositions to do the right and 
 shun the wrong. Boys, you carry, in your hands, two 
 keys : one opens the door to success, and the other to 
 failure in life. Be very careful which key you use,- at all 
 times. 
 
 Boys, be honest. Honesty is the only perfect policy. 
 In life's harvest field, we will reap, as we have sown. 
 Honesty will win fame, and fortune for you, ere you 
 reach the riper years of manhood. There is a silent, un- 
 seen influence in an honest, upright life, that must be 
 felt for good. This influence acts, and reacts with magic 
 power. In fact, there are many silent, and unseen 
 
CAUSE AND EFFECT. 85 
 
 forces at work in the physical world. Among these are, 
 the adhesive, cohesive, capillary and attractive forces, 
 none of which are the less potential, because of their si- 
 lent operations. So it is, with the force of an honest 
 life. It is silent and unseen ; but not the less potent, 
 or positive in its matchless influence for good. When 
 minds come in contact, they are necessarily, though it 
 may be unconsciously, effected by each other. And, the 
 visible effect may be separated, by years, from the un- 
 seen cause; but still, it is not the less sure to follow. 
 Cause and consequence are inseparably linked together, 
 though there may be intervening years, or even cen- 
 turies. 
 
 Boys, be hopeful. Never give way to despondency. 
 Always expect more to-morrow, than you realize to-day. 
 Live in hope, that time will bring you rich rewards, for 
 all your toils. Labor to grow in favor, and advance in 
 honor with your associates, as the years roll by. Never 
 be satisfied with the attainments of the present. Let 
 the future, ever, be an improvement on the past. La- 
 ment any loss of love, and, always, lend a helping hand, 
 with a warm heart, to humanity's woes. You may need 
 sympathy, and assistance yourselves some time, before 
 you reach the end of your race. But, it is perfectly 
 natural, and right, that you should look at life, with your 
 young hearts full of hope. You may build many air 
 castles, which shall fade away from your youthful visions, 
 long before you reach the riper years of manhood. 
 But, if so, just let them fade. They did not cost you 
 any thing ; and you can soon build more, just as good, 
 and perhaps better. He, who never builds air castles, 
 is not likely to build any thing else. Hope is, always, on 
 
86 THE HAPPIEST OF THE HAPPY. 
 
 the wing, and out-flies expectation. He who anticipates 
 nothing, will realize but little. Hope is the light of the 
 future. 
 
 Boys, be happy. Let your youthful days be the 
 happiest of the happy. Boyhood-life should be full of 
 sweetest sunshine. Your young hearts ought to over- 
 flow with joy and gladness. The happy, buoyant boy 
 bears the burdens of his comrades. His sunshine ban- 
 ishes the shadows from their hearts. We like to see a 
 boy full of fun, and ready for innocent sport. For the 
 boy, who is too lazy to play, will always be too trifling 
 to work. But, the truly happy boy knows, that humility 
 is the most essential element to honor, charity the 
 grandest of all the Christian graces and the fear of the 
 Lord the beginning of wisdom. He has realized that 
 love to the Lord is a living fountain, in the heart, which 
 sends its sacred streams through the whole being, mold- 
 ing, and modifying the character for good, and con- 
 sequently for happiness. 
 
 Boys, be industrious. Do not loiter along life's 
 highway. It is a sure sign of laziness. Work first, 
 then rest, if you are tired ; if not, then, play or study. 
 Let the duties of the day be done, at once, then the 
 mind is free, and the lad at leisure. Always dispatch 
 business, in haste, and you will seldom be compelled to 
 hurry. Never think you, have all day, in which to do an 
 hour's work ; but, do it in exactly sixty minutes. This 
 rule is a sure sign of industry ; and will prove to be of 
 value to you through life. The ability, to do something 
 great, grows out of a disposition to do what you can 
 Constant employment will make men of you. Industry 
 is the stepping-stone to physical, mental, moral and 
 
JOLLY BOYS. 
 We like to see a boy full of fun and ready for innocent sport,' 
 (See page 86.J 
 
$ , 
 
BOYS LOVE TO PLAY. 87 
 
 spiritual worth. You should always be doing something 
 useful. We do not advocate degrading, or hard manual 
 labor, as a necessity to success in life : but we do insist 
 upon body-improving, mind-developing, heart-adorning, 
 and soul-sanctifying employments, as being absolutely 
 essential to the highest type of boyhood-life. 
 
 But, very few boys really love to work. Most of you 
 have a positive dislike for manual labor ; unless it is 
 something quite new, novel, or romantic to you. Or, 
 perchance, if it be something, that you can not do at all, 
 you will imagine you would enjoy it very much indeed. 
 
 But, boys, I can tell you what you do like. You, all, 
 like to play. It seldom gets too cold for you to enjoy a 
 good game of base, or ball, though the frost may bite 
 your heels and nibble your noses. It never gets too hot 
 for you to enjoy the liveliest sports, though the sun 
 should scorch and blister your hands and feet ; and 
 beads of perspiration should stand upon your foreheads, 
 and drench your bodies. It is play ; not work, hence 
 you enjoy it, too much to tire or complain. 
 
 Boys, educate yourselves. You can not afford to 
 grow up in ignorance. The object of an education is 
 not, simply, the acquisition of a certain amount of 
 knowledge. It is to prepare you to acquit yourselves 
 like men, in the great battles of life. It is designed to 
 make you good citizens, and useful men in your day and 
 generation. Then you should lay broad, and deep the 
 foundations of grand superstructures, which will supply 
 the necessities, and ward off the perils incident to a 
 painful pilgrimage, across the desert-wastes of time. 
 
 Boys, be men, when you attain to manhood's years. 
 Rise above the fatal habits of your fellows. Refuse, 
 
88 THE GOOD AND THE GREAT. 
 
 most positively, to place your lives under mortgage to 
 temptation and crime. Inform yourselves well, as to 
 satan's snares, and throw around your future lives all 
 the safeguards of morality and religion. 
 
 Boys, self-culture is the fountain source, from whence 
 all truly great achievements flow. You must search for 
 greatness, as for concealed gold. No one ever grew 
 great, without putting forth personal effort. If you are 
 too indolent to read, and reflect, you might just as well 
 bid a final farewell, to all hopes of future greatness : for 
 your social standing is already fixed, and your public 
 destiny forever sealed. Your future position lies far 
 down the vale of obscurity. You must be cultured, if 
 you would tread life's highway with honor, and win 
 laurels, in the active duties of some useful profession, 
 from a busy world. The laurels of life, which adorn the 
 old man's brow, were won during the days of his youth. 
 The crown of glory sits upon the aged head, because 
 the youthful feet remained in the ways of righteous- 
 ness. 
 
 Boys, you ought to improve on the lives of your 
 honored fathers. You ought to make bigger, and better 
 men, since your opportunities are, so far, superior. You 
 can not afford to close your eyes against the light, which 
 illumines your days ; and grope your ways, through the 
 dark empire of night. The conquests, of the world, 
 must not be so many blanks to those, who would 
 wreathe their own brows with the trophies of victory. 
 If you would be successful through life, and honored in 
 death, then, you must welcome the light whi' h has 
 blessed the good, and great of past ages. If the world 
 grows wiser and worthier, as the centuries roll away. 
 
COUNTER CURRENTS. 89 
 
 noble sons must become more than compeers of their 
 honored sires. 
 
 Boys, seek to excel in life's contest. Place your 
 marks high ; and, then, aim above them. Live with the 
 noblest purposes, and grandest achievements of life, 
 constantly, in view. Shun, as much as possible, the 
 counter currents of life ; and stem, manfully, the surg- 
 ing billows of opposition. You will find it no easy task, 
 to resist all the temptations which beset your pathways, 
 and be pure, noble-hearted boys, during all the days of 
 boyhood-life. There must be a rapid, and symmetrical 
 development of all your mental, moral and spiritual 
 faculties, if you ever ripen into mature manhood. The 
 world is, always, looking to its boys ; for they are its 
 hope of future greatness. Its eyes are on you to-day. 
 It expects great things of you in the future. Anticipate 
 its wants, and look well to its highest interests. Accept 
 only some laudable vocation, or calling in life. And, if 
 you would distance your fellows in the race, you must 
 run on a better track, and make faster time than they 
 do. You must contest eagerly and earnestly, if you 
 would win the prize of life. Then, 
 
 " Go up higher, noble, true boys, 
 
 Do not loiter long below ; 
 You'll be wanted at the summit, 
 
 Briskly, bravely upward go. 
 
 Go up higher, in your morals, 
 
 And in all things, day by day ; 
 And, step by step, climb the stairway, 
 
 Till the glory-crowning day," 
 
90 TRIUMPHANT TRUTHS. 
 
 Boys, study God's word ; heed all its solemn admoni- 
 tions, and claim all its precious promises. Let its 
 triumphant truths be filtered into your young hearts, 
 and absorbed by your youthful souls ; and its practical 
 precepts will shape your after-lives, and its preeminent 
 principles determine your future destinies. You should 
 never lose faith in the teachings of the Bible, regarding 
 the ultimate destiny of our race. You should never 
 make ship-wreck of your own souls, by closing your 
 eyes to the onward march of the good, and the great of 
 earth. They make the great mistake of life, who, 
 while young, in the heated visions of infidelity, scorn the 
 heaven-given heroes of earth, who live, and die for the 
 good of humanity. And they will one day realize it ; 
 when, with blasted hopes and blackened hearts, they 
 grope their way, through impenetrable darkness, without 
 a single ray of light to cheer them, as they traverse the 
 dark valley, and cross over the Stygian river of death. 
 Then deal largely in truth. It will prove animating, and 
 refreshing to your souls. It will purify your lives ; and 
 prepare you for death. For, its epistles are all freighted 
 with virtue, and ladened with love. 
 
 Boys, give yourselves to God, early in life, that you 
 may make men after his own heart. If still in sin, your 
 unbelief makes the Lord out a liar ; and there is sin 
 enough in it to damn the whole world. We do not have 
 to lie, or steal, or murder some one, in order to be lost. 
 " He that believeth not, shall be damned. " This un- 
 belief has its origin, not, as some feign to believe, in 
 the profundity of the head ; but in the wickedness of 
 the heart : not, in the brilliancy of the intellect ; but 
 in the blackness of sin-beclouded affection, Then, 
 
UNBELIEF. 
 
 91 
 
 never regard it an evidence of superior intellectual 
 power, to reject Christ and his cross. The wisest, 
 and best men, who ever lived upon earth, have hon- 
 ored him with their heads, and adored him with their 
 hearts. Give yourselves to Jesus, 
 
WOMAN-HOOD. 
 
 Chapter V. 
 
 The woman, with a loving heart, 
 Acts well, in life, a woman' s part. 
 She wields, o'er all, a magic power, 
 Felt most by manhood's heart each hour. 
 
 OMAN-HOOD is life in full bloom. 
 It is the flower of life, in all its 
 loveliness. It is the red rose of life, 
 in all its beauty and fragrance. It 
 is the magic charm of life, with all 
 its sweet enchantments. It is the 
 beau-ideal of life, in all its purity 
 and perfection. It is life full of light and freight- 
 ed with love, blooming with beauty and blushing 
 with charms. 
 
 Woman-hood is life, with a heart like an ^iolian 
 harp, responding to every gentle breeze, which 
 touches its tender chords of sympathy and affec- 
 tion, and making music for the world. Where- 
 ever you find woman-hood, properly developed, you 
 have a power that is potent for good. It may be on the 
 bleak sterile coasts of the North, the milder regions of 
 
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 B<? rr ■_ . 
 
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WOMANLY WORTH. 93 
 
 the temperate zone, or on the sandy, sun-burned soil in 
 the sunny land of the South ; no matter when, or where 
 it is you will find warm hearts throbbing in unison with 
 the highest, and holiest sentiments of the true, the beau- 
 tiful, the good. 
 
 Woman-hood is the real worth, the wisdom, the genu- 
 ine wealth which is found embodied in the perfectly de- 
 veloped female character. It is one of the purest, and 
 best things beneath the skies. Its primary elements 
 are not to be found in a woman's worldly accomplish- 
 ments, but in her Christian character. Woman-hood, 
 then, is more than mere worldly adornment. It adds to 
 this rich legacy, the still richer boon of spiritual endow- 
 ment; and sits a loyal queen upon its own legitimate 
 throne It never descends to the low level of humanity, 
 which would make it a toy for man, the idol for his van- 
 ity, or the victim of his lust. There is no higher attain- 
 ment, this side the spirit land, than that of a pure, 
 lofty, Christian woman-hood. Neither is there any 
 nobler being, beneath the bending heavens, than a beau- 
 tiful, beneficent woman. But all women do not possess 
 the prize of genuine woman-hood. Many of them fall 
 far short of its fadeless graces and crowning glories. 
 
 Womanly worth has its origin in the mind, its trend 
 through the heart and its terminus in the soul. A wo- 
 man, destitute of woman-hood, is a most pitiable object. 
 She is salt which has lost its savor — a light hid under a 
 bushel. Woman-hood itself demands a shield to protect 
 it, amid the dangers of life ; grace to strengthen 
 it, under the temptations of time ; faith to support it, 
 through the trials of earth, and religion to soothe its 
 sorrows, sweeten its joys and span the dark, and dismal 
 
94 WOMANLINESS. 
 
 chasm of its future, with the radiant bow of celestial 
 hope. 
 
 Womanliness is one of the chief characteristics of 
 woman-hood. This grace prevents women from aspir- 
 ing to any virtue, not common to their sex. Woman is 
 man's equal. She should not seek to be his superior, 
 nor consent to be his slave. The world wants a woman- 
 hood that will walk, side by side, with the noblest man- 
 hood, in the battles of life. Its most exalted sphere is 
 at the head of the society for the virtuous, the true and 
 the good of earth. Her ideal should be the highest 
 possible development of the domestic, and social ele- 
 ments of woman-hood-life. A pure, polite and polished 
 woman-hood wields the most powerful influence, felt in 
 the domestic circle. 
 
 " Without envy, strife or malice, 
 Home is woman's throne and palace ; 
 Mightier here, by far is she, 
 Than king, or monarch, e'er can be: 
 
 : ' In learning less, in body weakness, 
 But strong in faith and love and meekness ; 
 No warlike hosts, with flags unfurled, 
 Yet ruling men, who rule the world." 
 
 Modest, magnificent, matchless woman-hood is a per- 
 fect model of virtue, grace and elegance. Such woman- 
 hood is the admiration of men, the delight of angels 
 and the pride of the Lord. But, society has never been 
 able to build an impregnable barrier, or wall of defense, 
 around the Eden of such innocence and virtue. Nor are 
 there any flaming swords, at her golden gates, turning 
 
GENUINE WOMAN-HOOD. 95 
 
 everyway to ward off danger and disgrace, save it be 
 those of spotless purity and changeless chastity. For 
 virtue, rather than beauty, is woman-hood's best pledge 
 for safety. It is the golden panoply which overshadows 
 the pathway of innocence, through all its dangerous pil- 
 grimage. The wants of the age demand a virtuous, 
 vigorous, valiant woman-hood, that will shed increasing 
 light upon the surrounding darkness. 
 
 Beautiful, bewitching, wonderful woman-hood is queen 
 in all the broad empire of love ; and every heart of man 
 would gladly pay tribute to her righteous reign upon the 
 earth. But, beauty destitute of virtue is at once de- 
 throned. She is a flower without its perfume, a dove 
 devoid of her innocence, a nightingale which has lost 
 her power of song, a queen without crown or sceptre. 
 Virtue is woman-hood's royal dower. It is her richest 
 legacy. A woman may wear a rose without beauty of 
 tint, or variety of coloring ; but she never can possess 
 genuine worn, ^-hood, without purity of heart and chas- 
 tity of life. 
 
 Genuine woman-hood is full of womanly instincts. It 
 is overflowing with unconscious power. She, who wears 
 this royal crown, is the queen of many manly hearts. 
 Manhood, any and every where, readily bows to her 
 gentle sceptre of love. She binds, with a silken chord, 
 and leads, with a silver thread, the strongest, and 
 bravest among the children of men. The silent, and 
 unseen influence, of such women, is molding the char- 
 acter, and moving the generations of men to higher, and 
 holier lives. The prowess, and prestige of female 
 power is looming up grandly, and must be felt, and 
 feared by the enemy, in humanity's battles, for the 
 
96 A SCEPTERED QUEEN. 
 
 reformation of our race. Women excel men in sagac- 
 ity of perception, moral worth and social refinement. 
 Her every virtue has its influence upon mankind. Each 
 act of her life is a lovely star, in the heavens of her 
 moral firmament. Woman-hood is the unknown quan- 
 tity, or power, in the solution of the world's most 
 important problems. 
 
 Exalted woman-hood is the embodiment of life, in its 
 loveliest forms. Woman's heart is the altar from which 
 religion often goes out on its mission of mercy. She 
 lives over her life, again and again, in the lives of those 
 she loves. Without her benign influence, the lunar 
 light of the world would long since have waned away, 
 into utter darkness. Purity has ever been at home, in 
 her presence. Piety has been her guardian angel from 
 time immemorial. Virtue has always been her crowning 
 grace. Her beauty has been a bounty bestowed by 
 heaven itself. Music has been the melody of her soul 
 in all ages. And her presence has been the herald of 
 happiness, wherever she has gone in the world. Gentle, 
 amiable woman-hood is commissioned to purify society, 
 and anchor the hopes of a wayward world. 
 
 Affectionate woman-hood reigns a sceptered queen, 
 over the broad empire of consecrated love. Woman 
 lives but to love. Her love is the emblem, and instru- 
 ment of her power. Her influence flows from this 
 fountain, in four powerful channels : namely ; modesty, 
 mildness, gentility, and tenderness. And, when these 
 currents all strike a man, they strike to conquer. And, 
 when they overflow his soul, he bows an obedient sub- 
 ject to her mild sceptre. Woman as a sister, wife and 
 mother wields a triune sceptre, which renders her peer- 
 
HELPING HANDS. 97 
 
 less in power. Her love is man's comfort in sickness, 
 and his joy in health. Her society soothes his saddened 
 soul, and pours balm into his wounded heart. Her 
 mission seems to be to soften his sorrows, and save his 
 soul. To this end, she lives, and labors till her life's 
 work is done. 
 
 Fresh, and vigorous woman-hood is always lovely, but 
 loveliest with the first rose-bloom of summer, blushing 
 upon the fair cheek of youth and beauty. Young 
 woman-hood ought always to be strong and vigorous. 
 Its forms ought ever to be full of health and happiness. 
 Its chests should be well expanded, with lungs firm and 
 free. Its hearts should be large and liberal, sending 
 forth active currents of pure blood, ladened with life for 
 every member of the body. We live in the golden age 
 of the world's history. And every young lady should 
 resolve to do something for the elevation of her associ- 
 ates. Helping hands are humanity's most germane 
 assistants. 
 
 The world has not yet compassed the true aims, and 
 ends of a fully developed woman-hood. Woman, her- 
 self, has not yet realized her own peerless power. She 
 is comparatively ignorant of the wonderful influence she 
 possesses, and might exert for lasting good upon the 
 world. She has been content, hitherto, with too little 
 culture of both head and heart. Her life, in the main, 
 has been comparatively weak and worthless. Her in- 
 fluence, for good, has been so largely counter-balanced 
 by evil, that it has, so far, proved to be but the shadow 
 of what it might have been. Woman is, by right, the 
 mistress of the world ; and she oueht to assume the 
 authority, delegated to her by the divine Hand. 
 
98 BETTER IDEAS OF WOMAN-HOOD. 
 
 But, the world is getting better ideas of woman-hood's 
 sphere, and power as the ages roll past. Men begin to 
 recognize the fact, that women have minds of their own, 
 and are capable of thinking, investigating, forming and 
 expressing opinions for themselves, worthy of the 
 world's sincere consideration. They also begin to 
 recognize the fact that women have a right, and are 
 competent to take an active part in the advancements 
 which are being made for the civilization, and Christian- 
 ization of the race. But women's tears are often their 
 tacit, but most convincing arguments. They touch the 
 hard hearts of tyrants; and thus women rule the men 
 who rule the world. 
 
 Woman is wonderfully made. She is delicate in 
 structure, and beautiful in form. She is subtile in 
 thought, and serene in mind. But just look into her 
 devoted heart, and you will find the watch-work of love. 
 This is her time-keeper. She runs and regulates her 
 life by the beatings, and battlings of her loving heart. 
 With it, she wins her empire, hoards her wealth and 
 rules her household. Devoted love is the life-sphere of 
 a true woman. She stakes her all upon the affections of 
 her heart. Love is the instrument with which she over- 
 comes the most trying ordeals of life. With it, she 
 makes all her conquests sure ; and gains complete as- 
 cendency over the heart of man. 
 
 Woman is the world's best type of beauty. To her 
 belong earth's rarest charms and richest graces. Her 
 form is finished in symmetry. She is beauty's brightest 
 shadow. Her features are fashioned in perfection's 
 molds. She is a life-gem of beauty. Her movements 
 are the most artistic, and graceful the world has ever 
 
A RARE GIFT. 99 
 
 known. She is a mirror of beauty. Her voice is the 
 melody of winning words, set to the music of a loving 
 heart. She is a mine of beauty. Only let her life-char- 
 acter embody the essence of spiritual worth, and she 
 reigns beauty's fairest, and loveliest queen. 
 
 Fair young ladies, the Creator has clothed your forms, 
 and features with a beauty so rich, rare and ravishing, 
 that it softens all hearts and subdues all spirits. It ren- 
 ders it, almost, a necessity that men admire, and love 
 you. Your beauty wins, for you, flowery paths along 
 life's highway. It is a rich legacy. It wins admiration 
 from every beholder. It gains favor from every admirer. 
 It disarms the bitterest enemy. It weaves the golden 
 links in friendship's sacred chains ; and paves the way 
 to the highest seats in the gift of loyal loving hearts. 
 
 Female beauty is a rare, and priceless gift, which 
 brings its possessor under special obligation to God. 
 She should prize the gift most highly ; and manifest the 
 greatest gratitude to the Giver. She who revels in the 
 raptures of realized beauty, should be most devout in 
 demeanor, loveliest in life, holiest in heart and most 
 charming in character. For, one of the most ungrate- 
 ful beings, in the world, is the hopelessly haughty, and 
 heartless thing of beauty, whose head is lighter than 
 her heart. 
 
 Beauty, itself, is lovely, and ought to lead to virtue 
 and happiness. It should always administer to one's 
 pleasure and usefulness in the world. But young 
 ladies, though fair to look upon, you need not weigh 
 your beauty, of face and form, against genuine woman- 
 hood ; for you will always find it, woefully, wanting. 
 Physical beauty is worse than worthless, without a 
 
IOO MAN S IDEAL WOMAN-HOOD. 
 
 cultured Christian character, to acompany it through 
 life. 
 
 Beauty, like wealth, is a dangerous legacy. It has 
 ruined its devotees, by the thousands, in all ages of the 
 world's history. It makes some persons gay and giddy. 
 It renders others silly and senseless. It turns others 
 selfish and sensual. It, too often, leads to vanity ; and 
 vanity is the bane of woman-hood. It reigns but to 
 ruin. Beware, then, ye deluded devotees how you bow 
 at beauty's shrine, ere you become the hopeless victims 
 of heartless vanity. 
 
 Man's ideal woman-hood is always beautiful and love- 
 ly. Her figure is faultless, her movements most grace- 
 ful and her manners most charming. This ideal woman- 
 hood once mellowed into a ripe, rich fruitage is never 
 wanting in any of the elements of a lovely, laudable life. 
 Then, do not let your love of personal beauty be linked 
 so much with earthly desires, as with heavenly aspira- 
 tions, and it will ever prove a refining, and elevating 
 influence upon your lives and labors ; and your charac- 
 ters will be the outgrowth of spiritual beauty and love- 
 liness. 
 
 There is a beauty which all women may possess. 
 This beauty is seen in every honest face. It shines out 
 in every generous act. It is a part of every perfect 
 character ; and the charm of every charitable life. This 
 beauty sweetens the voice of sympathy, softens the 
 hands of charity and crowns the brow of fidelity. It is 
 the beauty of a soul cared for and cultured. It is the 
 beauty that will give a polished finish to all your actions, 
 a refined sweetness to all your manners and an outward 
 loveliness to your person and life. It is spiritual beauty. 
 
SPIRITUAL BEAUTY. IOI 
 
 This beauty of spirit is the most charming grace of cul- 
 tured woman-hood. It is a beauty that will win, and 
 wear the fadeless laurels of life. And she, who possesses 
 this rare grace, is a crowned queen who moves, like an 
 enchanting spirit, among her loyal subjects. 
 
 Then, young lady, if you can not be a star of beauty, 
 be at least a star of light — a star of love. Let a halo 
 of glory encircle your brow, and hover round your path- 
 way through life. Be a star of hope, to some benighted 
 soul — a polar-star to some wayfaring wanderer, out upon 
 life's tempestuous sea. 
 
 The truly beautiful woman is a mystery, a metaphor, 
 a miracle. She is a bud, in prosperity, full of sweetest 
 odors, perfuming the day. In adversity, she is an angel 
 of light, ministering in the darkness. Misfortune does 
 not daunt her courage. Pestilence does not quench her 
 love. And poverty does not blast her hopes. Every- 
 where she goes, her presence proves a blessing, and 
 her helping hand a healing power. Her affections, as 
 a wife and mother, furnish an inspiration which makes 
 her energies equal to any, and every emergency of life. 
 If, under the broad sunlight of a prosperous, and happy 
 voyage, the dark cloud of misfortune overshadows her 
 husband, she at once becomes his comforter and sup- 
 porter, abiding with firmness the bitterest winds of ad- 
 versity. So, often, she, who was but an ornament and 
 an expense in his prosperous days, is his solace and 
 support, when smitten by sudden calamity, or overtaken 
 by lingering disease. 
 
 But, the first woman was beautiful, and fair, indeed, 
 to look upon. She was fresh, and lovely as she dropped 
 from the Creative Hand. There was no mark of sin to 
 
102 THE FIRST WOMAN. 
 
 mar the contour of her fair face and faultless form. No 
 tear had ever dimmed the luster of her sparkling eyes, 
 or trickled down her blooming cheek. Her red, rosy- 
 lips had never quivered in the agony of despair, nor 
 curled in the bitterness of scorn. She was heaven's 
 first, best gift to man. She was an ideal beauty. Love 
 was the law of her life. She was free from sin and all 
 its fearful consequences. She was a model wife, stand- 
 ing, in all the innocence of her beauty and purity, the 
 compeer of a perfect man. Her hand was soft and 
 white. Her head was the home of intellectual thought ; 
 and her heart the seat of woman's purest, and fondest 
 affections. And Adam passed the grandest compliment 
 on Eve ever passed upon beautiful, affectionate woman- 
 hood when he said, The woman whom thou gavest to 
 be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 
 Beautiful, affectionate Eve ! so fair, so sweet, so lovely, 
 thou art the legator to the world of many millions of 
 fair daughters and noble sons. All honor to the fair, 
 but unfortunate, mother of our fallen race ! 
 
 Men prefer pretty women to almost anything else 
 that you can give them. Please pardon an illustration, 
 of this fact, from ancient mythology. The goddess 
 Discordia threw down, among the other goddesses, an 
 apple of gold with this inscription upon it — " Let the 
 fairest take it." Whereupon there arose a ' quarrel, 
 among them, for each one thought herself the most 
 beautiful. It was finally agreed, however, that the apple 
 should be awarded, by Paris, to one of the three su- 
 perior goddesses. So he was called, and they each 
 courted his favor, with a special promise. Juno proposed 
 to reward him with power, Pallas with wisdom ; but 
 
HAPPY HOMES. IO3 
 
 Venus promised him the most beautiful woman in the 
 world. It is hardly necessary to say that Venus was 
 pronounced the fairest goddess, and awarded the golden 
 apple. Paris soon sailed to Greece, with a great fleet, 
 and brought to Troy Helena, the world's most beautiful 
 woman, who was betrothed to Menelaus, King of 
 Sparta ; and hence ensued the fatal, but famous Tro- 
 jan war. 
 
 Woman is the central figure in every happy home. 
 The domestic circle is her lawful domain*. Here she 
 reigns, a genuine queen, over the hearts of those who 
 cluster around her gracious throne. The home is the 
 capitol of her boundless kingdom. It is the center of 
 her wide sphere of usefulness. She is peculiarly fitted, 
 by nature, to preside over a happy home. And, she 
 will ever reign an honored, and much beloved queen 
 over its rich and far-reaching realms. In its studio, she 
 will continue, while the world stands, to carve the model 
 statuary of her moral heroism. At its altar, she will 
 ever be found painting her peerless pictures, of spiritual 
 beauty, upon the tablets of other hearts. As a mother, 
 she becomes the gentle guide, the gifted genius and the 
 gracious guardian of her little loved ones. She is, then, 
 the hand, the head and the heart of her happy home. 
 Her hands are ever administering to the wants of her 
 household. Her head is always filled with domestic 
 thought. And her heart is constantly overflowing with 
 anxiety, and affection for her family. 
 
 Woman is the mistress of the model home. She is 
 its crown, and its glory. Here, she reigns, without a 
 rival, over all hearts. The joys of the model home 
 depend, not so much upon the place and its surround- 
 
104 THE MODEL HOME. 
 
 ings, as upon the character, and conduct of its inmates. 
 You might have a marble mansion, a beautiful park, a 
 lovely lawn and an exquisite flower garden, all sur- 
 rounded by a sea of luxuries, and yet the essentials to 
 home-happiness might be wanting. In the ideal home, 
 peace-offerings must be brought, to the family altar, by 
 each member of the household, love-flowers must bloom 
 and blossom, in every heart, and charity's rarest fruits 
 must ripen, in every life. This ideal home is usually a 
 quiet, secluded spot, beautiful without and harmonious 
 within — a place where, loving hearts are linked together, 
 by the strongest chords of domestic life. 
 
 This happy home-life has many lessons of love, for 
 young ladies. Like them, it is both delicate and sensitive. 
 Its springs of action are both secret and subtile. The 
 weight of a breath will snap its tender chords. The 
 slightest rudeness will bruise its delicate flowers. The 
 least bitterness will extract much sweetness from its 
 richest enjoyments. Home-hearts are armorless. They 
 have no covering to shield them, from the arrows of 
 those who ought to love, and protect them through life. 
 Deep, and deadly is the wound inflicted by a brother or 
 a sister, a parent or a child. 
 
 Woman is the primary element in social life. She is 
 the center of attraction, in the social circle. She should 
 make her influence, here, felt for good. She should let 
 love handle the social harp of life ; and its music will fill, 
 and thrill all souls with delight. And, she will soon 
 find herself surrounded, by a host of loving hearts. 
 Woman should make the most of all her opportunities ; 
 and tax all her powers, in order to exert the strongest 
 possible influence over those with whom she is associated 
 
THE SOCIA.L CIRCLE. IO5 
 
 in this life. She should never forget, that it is cultured 
 woman-hood which wields the sceptre of social, and 
 sacred influence over the hearts of the children of men. 
 And in order to exert this hallowed influence on her 
 social circle, a woman's society-life must be but the reflex 
 of her home habits. She need not attempt to deceive 
 the world, with reference to her real character, for she 
 will not long succeed. The opaque mask will soon be- 
 come transparent. If she would stand long, and high, 
 in the better circles of society, her public character must 
 be but the counterpart of her home-life. Such woman- 
 hood is a matchless power, for good, in the social world. 
 And, the higher, and holier the woman-hood, the wider, 
 and wiser the current of social influence, which finds in 
 it a pure, perennial fountain head. 
 
 The social circle is a young woman's throne. Here, 
 she may reign, supreme. Her influence, here, may be 
 more potent than that of princes. Here, she may 
 exercise sovereignty, no less powerful than that of 
 potentates, but much more elevating, and ennobling to 
 humanity. Young ladies, the social circle furnishes you 
 with a wide field for usefulness. Then, give much of 
 your time, and talents to social life. It will arm you 
 with a mighty power for good. It will give you a strong 
 hold upon hearts, that you ought to lead to the cross of 
 Christ. Your line of duty lies, largely, outside the realm 
 of literature and the fine arts. Human beings are 
 naturally more inclined to sociability, than they are to 
 intellectuality. Be preeminently social and you will win 
 many hearts. Remember, the queen of the social circle 
 is not always the beau, the belle or the beauty; but 
 often the charming little lady, who warms, and wins all 
 
106 VICES AND VIRTUES. 
 
 hearts, with her kind words, and evidences of persona! 
 interest. 
 
 Young ladies, you should always have the moral 
 courage to reprehend the vices, and recommend the 
 virtues of social life. However, your social conclusions, 
 you will find, are often at variance with your conscientious 
 convictions. But, we are some times compelled to 
 condemn, socially, when our hearts are full of commis- 
 eration, and charity for an unfortunate victim. We will 
 not say, that this is as it should be ; but, the good of 
 society seems to demand retribution, in most cases, 
 where its wholesome laws have been violated. 
 
 Woman reigns, a peerless queen, in the moral realm. 
 Her influence, and opportunities, in this sphere are truly, 
 and sublimely grand. Truly cultured woman-hood is the 
 hope of the moral world. To it may be ascribed the 
 very highest order of moral worth. A good woman 
 possesses a power which, when properly developed, ren- 
 ders her potent in her influence over man. 
 
 Young women must cultivate good morals, if they 
 would exert a benign influence over their male associates. 
 Their behavior must be becoming, their manners modest 
 and agreeable, their conversation chaste and refined 
 and their general deportment easy, graceful and digni- 
 fied. There should be a fitness in all they say and do, 
 if they would be truly good, and great in their moral 
 lives. But, if their manners seek for premiums, simply 
 in the shape of compliments ; and their morals have an 
 eye, only to social standing, their want of moral worth 
 will soon be made manifest, and their moral influence 
 will gradually wane to naught, if it does not sink below 
 zero. 
 
THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN. 
 
 This is the grace that gives her greatest power over others.' 
 
 (See page 107.) 
 
 10 
 
A CONSECRATED CHRISTIAN. IO7 
 
 Young men have erected a very high standard of 
 morals for young ladies, in comparison with their own 
 customs and habits. They will not recognize one of 
 them as a lady, if she chances to use tobacco, swear or 
 get drunk, much less will they countenance, or keep 
 company with her, if her character is questionable. 
 Young ladies, you ought to raise a standurd equally 
 high for young men ; and then cut short the acquaint- 
 ance of all who can not measure up to your righteous 
 standard. We have always heard that it was a poor 
 rule, that will not work both ways. And the good, of 
 both sexes, demands a reform along this line. The fact 
 is this ; young ladies, who smile with levity upon the 
 looseness of the lawless, the licentious or the libertine, 
 will themselves lower the dignity of their moral woman- 
 hood, and soon loose caste, and standing in society, even 
 in the eyes, and estimation of the vulgar and the vile. 
 
 A consecrated, Christian woman is a spiritual queen, 
 Women are, naturally, much more religiously inclined 
 than men. Loveliness of spirit is the emblem, and 
 instrument of a woman's gravest, and grandest con- 
 quests. This is the grace, that gives her the greatest 
 power over others. She who possesses it, in the highest 
 degree, carries in her bosom a charm that will change 
 the mind of a murderer, bind in bonds, softer than 
 velvet, the soul of a lover and enthrone her queen of 
 the spiritual sphere in which she moves. Such a spirit 
 throws a spell of enchantment over all kindred spirits, 
 and softens the hardest hearts wherever its sacred influ- 
 ence is felt. 
 
 Woman is the more attractive, in the eyes of man, as 
 her heart is cultured, and her soul brought under the 
 
108 LOVELY IN LIFE. 
 
 saving, and sanctifying influence of divine grace. And, 
 so man is elevated, in woman's estimation, as his moral 
 faculties are developed, and his spiritual powers conse- 
 crated to the service of his Saviour. And, the two 
 mutually exert over each other a higher, and holier 
 influence, as they advance in the divine life. 
 
 Young ladies, who are pure at heart and lovely in 
 life, naturally wield a wonderful influence over their 
 gentlemen associates. Consecrated, Christian wives, 
 also, exert a benign influence over their wicked hus- 
 bands. They restrain their evil tendencies, check their 
 unholy desires and subdue their dominant passions. So, 
 a sainted mother's influence may effect the life, and 
 destiny of her sinful son. In fact, every womanly virtue, 
 and grace has its sacred influence upon the world. And, 
 the vaulted heavens will one day ring, with woman's 
 praises, as they fall from the lips of those she has led to 
 Christ, through the influence of her spiritual life. 
 
 A truly pious woman is, the brightest star that shines 
 in a man's moral firmament. She is more — she is a sun 
 in the spiritual heavens of all, who bask in the sunshine 
 of her gracious influence, or walk in the sacred precincts 
 of the sunlight of her spiritual life and love. A man 
 may well turn to such a woman, as the perennial fountain 
 of his purest, and sweetest earthly joys. 
 
 Every worthy Christian woman, with her heart-wealth 
 and life-work, makes the world wiser and better. It is 
 not enough, that such a woman should pity the poor. 
 Her helping hand is trained to heed the pleadings of 
 her pitying heart. It cheerfully administers to the 
 needy, and destitute around her. It is as soft as silk to 
 the fevered brow of the sick, upon whom it is lain in 
 
POTENT POWERS. IO9 
 
 love. Her words are ladened with comfort, for the 
 despondent ; and her heart full of hope, for the un- 
 fortunate of earth. She lets a sense of duty sink deep 
 into her sincere soul, and runs her life through on that 
 line, exerting at all times a salutary influence upon the 
 lost souls, of men and women, with whom she is asso- 
 ciated in this world. She lets her own hope rest, 
 securely, upon the Rock of Ages. She proves as true 
 to her Saviour, as the sun to his course in the heavens ; 
 and the world necessarily respects her person and 
 honors her life. It awards her a place among the great, 
 and the good of her sex, and she takes her stand, along 
 by the side of the leading women of her day, beautiful, 
 and lovely in her spiritual life and power. 
 
 Woman-hood's purest, and most potent powers, then, 
 are the outgrowth of mental, moral and spiritual culture. 
 A woman is a reigning queen, only, when the mind is 
 clear, the heart pure and the soul sufficiently sanctified 
 to lift it to a throne of light and love. Cultivation, that 
 carries us away from our fellows in point of interest and 
 affection, is neither refined nor genuine. True culture 
 gives sympathy, and encouragement to every form, and 
 function of a laborious life. And, a soft, silvery voice, 
 giving orders to a servant, indicates a well-bred woman ; 
 while a meek, and modest spirit, and bearing toward all 
 persons, point to a truly cultured, and refined lady. 
 
 The sexes are closely related. And, this relationship 
 is broader, and deeper than we are likely, at first 
 thought, to imagine. The masculine, and feminine ele- 
 ments are the two grand, primary, principles in human 
 beings. These elements are absolutely essential to the 
 existence of our race. They mutually electrify, elevate 
 
IIO RELATION OF THE SEXES. 
 
 and refine each other. Men, and women live for one 
 another, rather than for themselves, or for those of their 
 own sex. This was doubtless the design of the Creator, 
 when he made them male and female. For, many of 
 the most potent, and benign influences, brought to bear 
 on human lives, grow out of this mysterious relationship 
 of the sexes. Generous manhood naturally, and neces- 
 sarily bows, with due deference, before female worth and 
 consecrated woman-hood. And, instinctive woman-hood, 
 just as naturally and necessarily, looks up with reverence, 
 and devotion to the magnanimity, and manliness of 
 noble manhood. This is true alike in civilized, and 
 savage life. However, the influence increases, with the 
 progress of civilization and Christian culture. The 
 noblest of men, and the most noted women in the world, 
 are most powerfully influenced by this sexual relation- 
 ship. They recognize, most reverently, each others 
 presence ; and entertain the highest regard for each 
 others well-being and happiness. At the same time, 
 every thought, with reference to each other, is both pure 
 and chaste. The matronly woman, who has drained 
 the full cup of life's richest experiences, adores man, as 
 the best image of his Maker to be found on earth. 
 While the magnificent man, at whose feet the honors 
 and trophies of the world have been placed, turns away 
 from them all to worship at the sacred shrine of a worthy, 
 wifely woman-hood. 
 
 The influence of the sexes over each other, then, is 
 potent for good, in proportion to the degree of moral 
 refinement, and spiritual culture which exists. Man's 
 ideal woman-hood is found, neither in the fair saint, nor 
 yet in the fancy sinner — not in the drudge, neither in 
 
SPECIAL INFLUENCE. I 1 1 
 
 the toy — but in that cultured companionship which gives 
 him a helpmate, who is his equal, in all the elements 
 essential to their highest mutual enjoyment. In her, 
 he finds all the wonted graces, and perfections which 
 adorn the character, and honor the life of exalted 
 woman-hood. 
 
 This accounts for the special influence which the sexes 
 exert over each other. All young women ought to pos- 
 sess sufficient force of character, to enable them to ex- 
 ercise an influence over their male associates, strong 
 enough to keep them from becoming lawless, reckless 
 rowdies. So, every wife ought to wield an influence, 
 over her husband, potent enough to redeem him from 
 all the vices, and vulgarities into which he may have 
 fallen. And, every mother ought to hold her sons so 
 closely, and firmly to her maternal heart, that she might 
 shield them, at all times, from the snares, and pit-falls 
 which beset their pathways on the right and the left. 
 
 Young ladies should watch, with anxious solicitude, 
 the progress of young gentlemen, in the respective vo- 
 cations to which their lives are wedded, and upon which 
 their fate, fame or fortune is suspended. A word 
 wisely spoken, by one of them, is well calculated to ani- 
 mate the inactive, encourage the despondent heart, and 
 lead to success, where failure would otherwise be inev- 
 itable. The hours which a young lady spends, in the 
 society of a young man, should prove an inspiration to 
 him. The influence she exerts should tend to elevate 
 his morals and refine his manners. And the words 
 she speaks, to him, should make him more active, and 
 energetic in the laudable pursuits of life. 
 
 Every wise young woman will exert a wonderful in- 
 
I I 2 WOMAN S INFLUENCE. 
 
 fluence over the young man, to whom she is betrothed 
 for life. She will encourage him, in his intellectual pur- 
 suits, electrify his efforts to obtain wealth, second his 
 endeavors to rise to worldly honors, throw the whole 
 weight of her boundless influence upon his moral nature 
 and, angel-like, through her humble petitions, at a throne 
 of grace, enlist heaven in the interests of his immortal 
 soul. Such a young lady is crowned with the royalty 
 of true woman-hood ; and she will never rest contented, 
 until her lover wears the badge indicative of his loyalty 
 to all the claims of noble manhood. 
 
 The wife, who understands thoroughly her husband's 
 business, and is deeply interested in the same, is a 
 constant inspiration, forcing him to act well his part on 
 the stage of life. In fact, all women exert a powerful 
 influence over some one. The influence of a servant- 
 girl may be just as potential, in her sphere, as is that 
 of a queen, in her more exalted, and enlarged circle 
 of society. Women are weak creatures ; but they wield 
 an influence that is potent for good, or evil wherever 
 they go. Their influence is absolutely wonderful. This 
 influence wants to be clothed with executive authority, 
 then, it will exert the resistless power of full grown 
 woman-hood. 
 
 Woman-hood is on the up grade in this country. The 
 ways of women are advancing, with the progress of the 
 age. A lady must, now, have force of character, or she 
 is, sadly, deficient in one of the most essential elements 
 of modern woman-hood. The education of women is 
 rapidly improving ; and they are fast entering new fields 
 of labor. Our best colleges, and universities are open- 
 ing their doors to them ; and all the learned professions 
 
THE TERMINUS OF TIME. II3 
 
 are inviting them to enter, and compete with their 
 brothers for the honors, and emoluments of life, which 
 they offer to the successful of both sexes. These 
 changes are, constantly, calling for the culture of new 
 forces in the female character. Women are wisely, and 
 rapidly entering the arena of literary life. Hence, their 
 latent energies find ample scope for activity and enlarge- 
 ment. In the broad realm of education, woman has al- 
 ready left the secret imprint of her head, and the sacred 
 impress of her heart. 
 
 Every young lady should determine to do something, 
 for the advancement, and elevation of her sex. She 
 should, at least, resolve to possess the rarest virtues, and 
 richest graces of true, and exalted woman-hood. It is 
 not enough, that the young women of any generation be 
 what their mothers were. They must be more than their 
 equals. The spirit, of each successive age, demands of 
 woman a higher order of character and life — a more 
 vigorous, virtuous and valiant woman-hood. The princely 
 car of progress, bearing woman to a higher life and a 
 holier destiny, rolls grandly on, with many a sweep, and 
 curve toward the terminus of time. 
 
 To young woman-hood, the future is ever radiant and 
 fair. The rain-bow of hope hangs, visibly, upon the 
 brow of all life's gathering storms. But, she, too often, 
 finds life, like a lovely lane through which we hasten, 
 hoping to reach fairer scenes beyond, only to pass out, 
 at length, into a bleak and barren waste. To woman, 
 the voyage of life is most uncertain. Reverses in 
 fortune, or deprivation, by death, may leave her, at any 
 time, to the mercies of a heartless world. She ought 
 to be prepared for any, and every emergency of life. 
 
114 HEALTH IMPORTANT. 
 
 She should have something to which she might turn her 
 hands, successfully, at any time, for a livelihood, if it be- 
 comes necessary. 
 
 Health is of paramount importance to woman-hood. 
 All the active duties of life are dependent upon physical 
 strength, for their performance. There is but one way, 
 for a woman to use the force of a faultless character, to 
 the best possible advantage ; and that is through the 
 medium of a well developed physical body. There are 
 just five, avenues through which the enemy may enter, 
 and capture the citadel of life. These are the brain, 
 bowels, heart, lungs and urinary organs. If any of these 
 parts are weak, or diseased, give them special attention, 
 and you may prevent premature death. Wisely used, 
 the world will use women well. It will make them 
 healthy, happy and useful. It will lead them where 
 angels keep watch, and ward over them in every good 
 word, and work in which they engage. 
 
 Dress is a reforming, and refining agent, when not 
 carried to excess. It adds much to the beauty, and at- 
 tractiveness of women, when worn in modesty. They 
 owe it to themselves, and their friends to dress neatly 
 and nicely. And, if able to afford it, it is proper, and 
 right that they should dress handsomely, or even ele- 
 gantly, if they choose to do so. The Creator is a lover of 
 dress. The beautiful robes, with which he has adorned 
 nature, attest this fact. Every flower has its rich, and 
 varied hues ; every fowl of the air, has its lovely shade 
 of coloring, and every star, in the heavens above us, is 
 veiled in the brilliancy of unfading glory. In fact, all 
 nature is mantled in matchless beauty, and crowned with 
 radiant glories. 
 
DRESS REFORMING AND REFINING. I 1 5 
 
 But, women should dress becomingly, and comfortably, 
 so as not to injure the body, corrupt the morals, or 
 degrade society. Ladies, if you have any concern about 
 your health, and happiness in the years to come, do not 
 suffer the damp winter winds to bathe your bare arms, 
 kiss, wantonly, your naked necks, or visit, rudely, snow 
 white bosoms, veiled only in gossamer gauze. Do not 
 wear heavy weights around your slender waists, if you 
 would be free from weak backs, and wakeful nights in 
 after-life. Young ladies, keep your feet warm and dry, 
 the head well protected from the damp dews of night 
 and the entire body comfortably clad, on all occasions, 
 and you may be healthy, and happy for years to come. 
 If women would always dress thus, the bloom of youth- 
 ful beauty would linger, lovingly, upon their fair brows, 
 and the roses of health remain, long, upon their blush- 
 ing cheeks. 
 
 Women want to learn, that dame fashion, with all her 
 gleam and glitter, is no crown of glory ; but the queen 
 of folly, who numbers her subjects by the millions. 
 The votaries, at her shameful shrine, are from both 
 sexes ; and their numbers are legions. There is but 
 little, if any real pleasure for her deceived devotees. 
 Her victims may be seen, among the suicides, on every 
 hand. Remove the false mantle which has fallen, like a 
 glittering, gorgeous canopy, over the fashionable world, 
 and you will find aching voids in the bleeding hearts of 
 the millions of crushed, and criminal sons, and daughters 
 of old dame fashion. 
 
 All women want to be happy. It is the one prevalent 
 desire of the female heart, in which all other desires 
 center. It is, with too many persons, regardless of sex, 
 
Il6 HAPPINESS. 
 
 the sum, and substance of life. They seek for it, as for 
 fine gold. But, as a rule, when happiness comes, at 
 all, it comes unsought. The most favorable circum- 
 stances, and the most faultless lives do not, always, 
 bring this coveted prize. Its existence does not depend 
 so much, upon our environments, as we are likely to 
 imagine. Women, in the humbler walks of life, often 
 possess richer minds, exhibit sweeter spirits and mani- 
 fest much more magnanimity of soul, than do some who 
 revel, the year round, in the luxuries of wealth and the 
 most magnificent surroundings. Women simply want 
 to make the best possible use of life's opportunities, in 
 order to be holiest here, and happiest hereafter. They 
 want to make happiness a secondary consideration, 
 through this life, that they may be infinitely happy, in 
 the life to come. They want to cultivate a cheerful, 
 buoyant, hopeful spirit at all times : for, the most morbid 
 and moody minds are, under all circumstances, unfitted 
 for earthly enjoyment ; much less are they prepared for 
 heavenly happiness. Such people drown present pleas- 
 ures, in the sad memories of past miseries, or the dread 
 anticipations of future misfortunes. 
 
 And yet, happiness is not all reserved for heaven. 
 Our hands, and heads are full of means calculated to 
 compass the end ; and our hearts, and homes ought to 
 glow with joy, and gladness here on earth. The true 
 philosophy of life is found, in the faithful discharge of 
 every known duty; and happiness follows, as a legiti- 
 mate result. To forget present duties, in future and 
 far-off visions, is to forfeit enjoyment already at hand, 
 for anticipated happiness, which may never be reached. 
 
 Enjoyment will not always make its appearance, in 
 
BUSIEST AND BEST DAYS. I I 7 
 
 the way we wish it to come. Our plans, and purposes 
 must often be defeated ; and our hopes, and harvests 
 occasionally blighted and blasted, before we can be 
 completely happy. The legitimate labors of life, alone, 
 will bring unalloyed happiness. And, those, who are 
 not willing to pay the price, need not hope to win the 
 prize. We may all be happy, if we will only buckle on 
 the whole armor of life, and let no misfortune weigh us 
 down to the earth. The happiest hours, of woman- 
 hood-life, are its holiest hours. The days which bring 
 most light, and sunshine, to a woman's soul, are her 
 busiest, and best days on earth. The swift-winged 
 years, which fill our own lives fullest of joy and glad- 
 ness, are those in which we shed most light upon the 
 pathways of our fellow pilgrims, as they cross, with us, 
 the desert wastes of time. 
 
 The truly happy woman has a warm, and welcoming 
 heart, that lights her fair face with sunshine, amid the 
 darkest scenes, and softens her helping hands to tender- 
 ness, in the most trying ordeals of life. She always has 
 a pure, serene spirit ; chaste in thought, calm in conduct 
 and submissive in manners. She has a heart that melts 
 at others' woes : and a soul that rejoices in the joy of 
 others. 
 
 Human life is always in motion. Its movements 
 should ever be in harmony with the surrounding scenes, 
 which are calculated to drive back the drifting clouds of 
 gloom, and light up the soul with the radiant glories of 
 the noon-day sun. 
 
 But, some people are never happy. In fact, they are 
 very unhappy, because they multiply a few molehill 
 troubles into myriads, then magnify the same, into 
 
Il8 MOLEHILLS AND MOUNTAINS.- 
 
 mountains ; and sit down in their dark shadows, to weep, 
 and wail over the woes of their own melancholy imagi- 
 nations. Do not allow yourselves to look on the gloomy 
 side of life. If the sun is down, then look at the moon 
 and stars. If the earth is dark turn your eyes toward 
 heaven. Others are unhappy, because they are un- 
 healthy. Sorrow reaches the soul, through the afflictions 
 of the body. And, the chidings, and fears of the spirit, 
 like the chills, and fever of the body, shake, and shatter 
 our vital powers to their very center. Health, and 
 happiness, as a rule, go hand in hand. A woman must 
 be hale, and hearty, if she would be cheerful and 
 happy. 
 
 Happiness, when sought for its own sake, is a coy 
 bird, always near, but ever eluding your anxious grasp. 
 Follow it up ; and, like the rainbow it recedes as you 
 advance. Attempt to lay your hand hastily upon it; 
 and it bounds away, like the wild gazelle of the moun- 
 tain. You can never capture it. You need not ex- 
 pect to enjoy its blessings, save in the discharge of 
 life's arduous duties. The only way to obtain happiness 
 is, to seek for holiness. They are twin sisters, and as 
 inseparable as the three graces, faith, hope and charity. 
 Then, live a holy life, and you will be supremely happy ; 
 if not in this world, then in the world to come. 
 
 All women ought to be industrious. Laziness leads 
 to ignorance and effeminacy, neither of which can make 
 a woman more womanly ; or, in any way, add to her 
 real worth, or elevate her ladyship. The active do- 
 mestic duties of life, faithfully discharged by a young 
 woman, do not render her unlady-like, in the estima- 
 tion of sensible people ; but they rather add grace, and 
 
WORKING WOMEN. II9 
 
 dignity to her nobility of character. Every young lady 
 should acquire a perfect knowledge of all domestic du- 
 ties. They should be able to order, or cook a good 
 meal, at any time, without stopping to consult their 
 cook-books or annoy their neighbors. But, too many 
 young ladies are leading lazy, listless, lounging lives. 
 Such idle, indolent creatures can never develop into a 
 virtuous, fruitful, and generous woman-hood. Work, in 
 a great measure, makes the woman. The fearless 
 women, who have dared to do, with their might, what 
 their hands found to do, have been the strong, brave 
 and honored women, whom the world has recognized 
 among its greatest benefactors. 
 
 Work is the primary element in woman's success : it 
 is the grand, molding influence of her life. There are 
 many means which she may use, as secondary elements 
 to right living ; but constant employment, in some suit- 
 able avocation or profession, is, preeminently, the pri- 
 mary essential to permanent prosperity, and happiness 
 for woman. Her fairest virtues bloom, and blossom 
 only in the cultured garden of ceaseless activities. Her 
 choice fruitage grows, only upon the bended boughs 
 of ardent industry. Her richest, and rarest treasures 
 are to be found, only in the hands of life-long labor- 
 ers. Women should not be slaves. Toil demands too 
 much of a woman's time. Hardships burden her heart 
 too heavily. But, legitimate labor lengthens her days, 
 and crowns her life with glory and honor. 
 
 A woman, with nothing to do, is simply the shadow 
 of what she ought to be. She is doffing her nobility 
 of character, day by day ; her strength of mind is con- 
 stantly growing weaker, and she will soon be a helpless 
 
120 THE INDUSTRIOUS HOUSEKEEPER. 
 
 imbecile, with her hopes all hanging upon the charities 
 of others, or lying forever blasted, at the shrine of pas- 
 sion's controlling power. Such women, too often, allow 
 the world to steal away their heedless, and hollow 
 hearts. Young woman-hood wants strength of wing, 
 and power of endurance to enable her to bear life's 
 long, and lofty flight. And, intellectual, and manual 
 labor are absolutely essential to the acquisition of this 
 power. 
 
 Woman's work is both arduous and unending. She 
 can always find something else to do. There are a 
 thousand and one things which draw upon her time and 
 energies, that are never taken into consideration by the 
 majority of men. Hence, the general impression, among 
 them, that women have a comparatively easy time house- 
 keeping. Let the man, who thinks his busy house- 
 wife's work light, and of little importance any way, 
 just change places with her for a few days, or even 
 share, daily for a time, the many burdens she bears, and 
 he will soon sing a softer song, that will soothe, rather 
 than sadden her aching heart. The industrious house- 
 keeper eats but little idle bread. We have just re- 
 turned from the garden with a mess of peas picked 
 with our own fingers, made up the bed and straightened 
 up the room, with our own hands, and we are ready 
 to testify to the fact, that woman's work is no child's 
 play, to say the least of it. But industry, upon the part 
 of woman-hood, is one of the safeguards to virtue, with 
 all its kindred graces ; while idleness is an open door 
 to vice, with its long line of vulgarities. The spindle, 
 and the distaff have shielded many a fair maiden, from 
 the fatal snares of the tempter, 
 
WOMAN S NATURAL ENDOWMENTS. I 2 I 
 
 Every woman should have some means of self-sup- 
 port. This would give them more independence. Such 
 women would not feel forced to accept the first offer of 
 marriage, for fear the second chance would never come. 
 The best way for a woman to be of real service to the 
 world, when denied the privilege of being an honored 
 wife and loving mother, is to devote herself to some 
 useful calling or profession, which promises a support 
 for herself, and a surplus for those who may be de- 
 pendent upon her. With her hands, her head, or her 
 heart, she ought to be prepared for any, and every 
 emergency of life. But, so far, woman has been denied 
 the privilege of entering many fields of activity, and 
 usefulness for which she is eminently qualified, by her 
 natural endowments. There are over two million wage- 
 working women in this country, who support them- 
 selves ; and some of them, their husbands and children, 
 with their own hands. Many of them might make a 
 living much easier as clerks, book-keepers or school 
 teachers, if they had only prepared themselves for these 
 positions. 
 
 Women were made to love, and be loved. The 
 strength of a woman's affection is naturally very great. 
 She often loves with an irresistible force or impulse. 
 Her entire being is involved in her affections. Her 
 love should be as the love of an angel. Her bosom 
 should beat, only, in response to worth of character, 
 beauty of soul and excellence of life. She should not 
 waste her affections on worthless objects. She should 
 not allow herself to love the impure, or immoral of either 
 sex. She may pity the corrupt, pardon the offender 
 and sympathize with the unrighteous. She may also 
 11 
 
122 SUNSHINE AND SHADOWS. 
 
 admire elegant dress, charming manners and per- 
 sonal beauty. But, a true woman's love is too precious 
 to be wasted on anything short of its legitimate object — 
 wealth of mind, and worth of morals. Such a woman 
 will not flirt, but deal fairly with her lover. She will 
 manifest a candor that will win his confidence, and an 
 integrity that will never betray his trust. 
 
 Woman wants a cultured heart. Her wealth is treas- 
 ured there. Her secret power lies hidden there. Only 
 let her heart bloom, and blossom as the rose, even in 
 the bleakness of winter, and she will prove to be a beau- 
 tiful oasis, in the dreary desert of life. And, just as she 
 cheers, and comforts other hearts, will she win the ad- 
 miration of those around her, and wield her matchless 
 influence over the lives of the worldly and wicked. A 
 woman, without love in her heart, is like a world without 
 a sun ; or, rather, like a night as dark as a myriad of 
 nights in one. Love is life's ruling element. Without it, 
 faith is wanting, hope is aimless and man is miserable.. 
 Love is humanity's sun, bright and beautiful in the morn- 
 ing ; warm, but welcome at the noon-tide, and soft, and 
 soothing in the evening of life's long, and yet lengthen- 
 ing day. Love blends young hearts in blissful unity ; 
 cements the same in middle age, and seals them one for- 
 ever, as they near the peaceful shores of eternity. 
 
 Woman-hood, destitute of love, as a religious principle, 
 is necessarily imperfect. The sentiment of love may 
 be well developed ; and love, as a passion, may reign 
 supreme ; but without the sacred influence of divine love, 
 in the heart, and over the life of a woman, there will be 
 but little sunshine, and many shadows across her 
 checkered pathway through this wicked world. 
 
SOCIAL SISTERS. I 23 
 
 Young woman, be a sister to your brothers. Let them 
 feel the full force of a sister's life. Be a social sister, 
 and they will seek, rather than shun your society. Be 
 their guardian angel, and they will always honor your 
 presence. Be a loving companion, and they will give 
 you their confidence, and love in return. Mutual good, 
 as well as mutual pleasure, must be the result of such 
 sisterly interest. If your brother chances to be younger 
 than yourself, then prove to be his tenderest, and most 
 sympathetic friend ; and he will readily accept you, as 
 one of his wisest, and most worthy counsellors. Do not 
 hesitate to take him into the very best circles of society ; 
 and then see that he forms the most desirable acquaint- 
 ances. Cultivate, in this way, his manners, if you would 
 not, in after years, deplore his morals, and mourn over 
 his follies and misfortunes. But, best of all, young men 
 believe that the best sisters make the best wives. And 
 they are exactly right. 
 
 An affectionate sister's charms, over a dovoted 
 brother's life, are both subtile and sublime. Then, sis- 
 ter, shield your brother from the sinful of your own sex, 
 with the sweetest, purest example of woman-hood-life. 
 Let him find, in you, the grace you would have him seek 
 in another. Let your life so elevate his ideal of exalted 
 woman-hood, that he will select a perfect queen for his 
 wife. 
 
 Women ought to exercise a great deal of common 
 sense in all the ways, and walks of life. More of this 
 valuable article would, wonderfully, improve the conduct 
 of many of them, regulate their tempers, and keep them 
 within the limits of prudence and propriety. Common 
 sense gives a woman self-control. Every young lady, 
 
124 PRUDENCE AND PROPRIETY. 
 
 in the land, should mount this throne, and reign a queen 
 over her own passions and powers, if she ever hopes to 
 reign successfully over the heart, and home of another. 
 The struggle for self-control may be severe ; but, if so, 
 the victory will only be the greater and the grander: 
 and the chief glory of woman-hood can never be yours 
 without this victory. The true mission, of the young 
 woman, is a high and holy one ; and she should not 
 spend her precious moments in the idle frivolities of the 
 day. She should make her life radiant with every social 
 virtue, and beautiful with those simple adornments, with 
 which nature is so prolific. 
 
 Women ought to move, through the world, like a 
 band of music, making melody for all they meet on the 
 highway of life. They should move with as little friction 
 as possible. Heated bearings are hard on the minds, 
 and hearts of women. They soon wear away a woman's 
 feeble energies; and a break-down is the reasonable 
 result. The wheels of life must be kept cool, if we 
 would run, on heaven's schedule, over the track of time. 
 Women should move, like golden lamps on the silvery 
 sea of space, if they would have their lives shine like 
 morning stars and melt the hearts of others, like songs 
 sung by sainted seraphs. Worth, and wisdom are two 
 golden wings, upon which such a woman may sail suc- 
 cessfully over the sunny, or sombre sea of life. If 
 sorrow beclouds her pathway, out of the darkness will 
 come jewels to crown her brow, beacons to guide her 
 feet and stars to light up her pathway to the better 
 world. The gathering clouds will often roll back, 
 before the sunshine of her presence, and the shad- 
 ows flee away, chased by her animating smiles. Her 
 
WOMEN WANT TO MARRY. 1 25 
 
 courtesy is a coin, current in all countries. It is more 
 valuable than much fine gold. It is the circulating 
 medium, among friends and strangers, in every land on 
 the globe. 
 
 Virtue is a woman's crowning grace. It is her chief 
 ornament. A virtuous woman is the guardian genius of 
 unprotected manhood. The victims of vice are always 
 wanting, either in the quantity, or quality of their 
 virtues. There is a loose, lazy sort of virtue which 
 courts vice, and then too readily yields to its vile seduc- 
 tions. And, when such an unfortunate one falls, she is 
 too often shunned by her sisters as a viper, while they 
 receive her vile seducer, into their society, and laud, and 
 lionize the heartless libertine, who would just as willingly 
 rob them of their virtue. But, there is a virtue which 
 always commands respect — a virtue that readily subdues, 
 and conquers vice. It is the virtue of a pure, generous, 
 devoted, spiritual woman-hood. Such virtue will vanish 
 the enemies' every overture ; and strengthen its walls of 
 defense, in every victory. 
 
 The wisest, and best women in the world want to 
 marry. It is right that they should have such desires. 
 God intended that they should become wives, and 
 mothers of their own choice. But, they know that 
 marriage is one of the most important steps a woman 
 ever takes. Hence, they are very careful in selecting 
 companions for life. They are sure the spring of ardent 
 affection has been touched, by the finger of a congenial, 
 loving spirit, before they consent to enter the alliances 
 of matrimony. This is indeed the manifestation of 
 wisdom, upon the part of any woman. 
 
 Young lady, when you find a man, whose life's de 
 
126 SUITABLE COMPANIONS. 
 
 meanor fills your ideal of manhood, and whose soul 
 responds to the yearnings of your own true love, you 
 have found a man who will make you a good, kind hus- 
 band. Your characters will blend in perfect harmony: 
 your lives will mingle together, like two streams of run- 
 ning water, and flow on with a common purpose, toward 
 a similar destiny. Such a union is replete with the 
 richest, ripest joys the earth can yield. 
 
 The marriage day throws its sunshine, or shadows far 
 down the pathway of a blessed, or blighted life. Wed- 
 ding bells, too often, ring out the funeral dirges of 
 happiness, rather than the merry peals of consummated 
 love. United hearts should always beat in perfect har- 
 mony. For, where the music is discordant, love will 
 never rule the wedded life. There must be harmony, 
 if there is happiness, in this sacred relation. The 
 married life ought to be the purest, and happiest of all 
 lives. The married relation is the nearest, and should 
 be held as the dearest relation we sustain to each other 
 on earth. Its debts are the most binding, and its duties 
 the most sacred pertaining, solely, to this life. The two 
 lives should' sweetly blend together, in a love in which 
 they would both be lost in one. 
 
 The wise wife has no secret to conceal, from her hus- 
 band. She always admits him to her fullest confidence. 
 Neither will she ever betray the confidence he reposes 
 in her, or whisper to others the little wrongs of which 
 he may be guilty. 
 
 The newly married couple stand in the vestibule of 
 real life, anticipating, it may be, the joys of the near fu- 
 ture. Marriage will take them, by the hand, and lead 
 them into life's great temple of active duties, where the 
 
SELECTING COMPANIONS. I 27 
 
 lavishings of love will soon be followed, by the disci- 
 pline of distress and the experience of self-denial. In 
 this relation the two stand, face to face or side by side, 
 in the great battles of life. Their passions, and their 
 powers come in daily contact. Their inclinations, and 
 aspirations lie side by side ; or else, they cross each 
 other, in the struggles of life. Their propensities, and 
 prerogatives press against each other, to please or 
 plague, to cheer or chide, to help or hinder in the race 
 of life. Their tastes, and tendencies will either blend 
 in concord, or rankle in discord. Their union will 
 either be congenial, and a happy one ; or it will prove 
 an unnatural, and a disagreeable one. 
 
 If a young woman wants stability, and force of char- 
 acter, a man might as well trust the winds, bestow his 
 affections upon the vanishing rain-bow, or wed the 
 swiftly flying clouds, as to hope for happiness at her 
 hands. While, on the other hand, many of the fairest, 
 and purest blossoms of woman-hood have withered, and 
 wasted their sweetness, on the desert air, simply for 
 want of a true hand to pluck, and a faithful heart to 
 praise them through life. 
 
 In selecting companions for life, human heads should 
 always wait the propelling power of loving hearts. 
 Then, there would be fewer divorce suits in our courts. 
 The heart, as well as the head, must be consulted, if the 
 union be a desirable, and happy one. Let love lift her 
 silver voice, and manifest her sweetest spirit, in every 
 department of married life, and that life will be blessed, 
 and blissful beyond its own power of expression. The 
 duties, and obligations, growing out of this sacred re- 
 lationship, should be carefully studied and faithfully 
 
128 THE BEAUTIFUL BRIDE. 
 
 discharged, by all who would share its richest rewards, 
 and enjoy its choicest blessings. 
 
 A woman is seldom happier, and never lovelier, than 
 when decked in her bridal robes. She is then the center 
 of attraction, to the young and the old, to friends and 
 strangers. She is the gayest of the gay, and the hap- 
 piest of the happy. Her life, at length, is crowned with 
 love's gilded bow of promise. Her snow-white brow is 
 wreathed, with the garlands of fairest beauty. And her 
 happy heart beats high, with hope, as she anticipates 
 the rapturous joys of coming years. None are happier 
 now, or more hopeful as to the future of life than she, 
 save it be the fortunate bridegroom, who knows that he 
 has gotten the best end of the bargain. But, why not 
 be happy and hopeful! She is indeed a being of beauty, 
 and of promise. Her sweet spirited face, in its wonted 
 innocence, her dark brown eyes, with their silken lashes, 
 her rose-bud lips, and teeth of pearl crown her the 
 queen of beauty. Her form, and features are all those 
 of a buoyant, beautiful bride, upon whose soft, and 
 gentle brow sits a coronet of love. 
 
 Women ought to read a great deal. They can not 
 afford to do otherwise. The young lady, who leaves 
 school, with a fixed purpose to devote her time, and 
 talents to the further development of her mental, and 
 moral faculties, will gradually gain strength, and force of 
 character, by reading good books, until she will finally 
 take her place, among the truly learned, useful and 
 honored women of her *ge. 
 
 Young ladies, read much ; but do not read solely for 
 pastime. Read rather for profit — for information. Read 
 history, science, medicine, law and theology, if you 
 
NO NOVEL READING. I 29 
 
 would feed the mind and soul, and develop a pure, ex- 
 alted woman-hood. But, in all your reading, do not 
 neglect the Bible. For, of all the good books, it is the 
 best adapted to the culture of both the head, and the 
 heart of woman-hood. And, there is nothing deeper, 
 broader, fuller or more comprehensive than the glorious 
 Gospel of Christ, in which there is such infinite power 
 to strengthen, and sustain nobility of character and 
 purity of life. Shun novels, as you would the dark 
 shadows of the deadly upas tree. They are but the 
 advance guards of an invading army, which will kill 
 out every generous emotion, and womanly instinct of 
 the soul. 
 
 That reading is worse than worthless, which does not 
 teach one to think, establish opinion, deepen sentiment, 
 form character and give direction to the general current 
 of life. Then, young ladies, do not give the golden 
 moments of your young lives to the silly, senseless 
 novels of the day : but rather aspire to something no- 
 bler and grander ; and store your minds with the great 
 lessons of life, which are absolutely essential to the ex- 
 istence of true, noble and generous woman-hood. The 
 day is coming, and may not be far distant, when women 
 will be no less proud of having never read a useless 
 novel, than some men are, to-day, of the fact, that they 
 were never under the influence of intoxicating liquors. 
 God speed the dawning of this desirable day! A 
 woman's life should not be a tragedy; neither should it 
 be a farce ; but a grand and glorious reality. The 
 books you read will give course, and current to the 
 thoughts, and purposes of life. The fewest of novels 
 are pure and good ; while most of them are positively 
 
I30 HOW, AND WHEN TO TALK. 
 
 pernicious, and demoralizing in their tendencies. The 
 indiscriminate novel reader is, or soon will be, a nerve- 
 less, nonsensical nuisance, fit neither for the position of 
 wife nor mother. 
 
 Women should learn to converse well. She, who 
 cultivates her conversational powers, will be a leader in 
 society circles. For, in all the broad realm of social 
 culture, there is nothing that will yield a richer reward, 
 for the amount of capital invested. Cultured, oral dis- 
 course is freighted with the most exquisite pleasure; 
 and its entertainments are far superior to any enchant- 
 ments, brought about through the devices of art. The 
 accomplished conversationalist bears a passport to the 
 best society, wherever she chances to go. But, the 
 oracles of the lips must instruct, as well as amuse, if 
 they prove beneficial, and give us a hold upon the hearts 
 of our hearers. 
 
 The gift of gab, or a game at gossip, is not cultured 
 conversation. Conversation, properly so called, is a 
 special blessing, to those women who cultivate it ; for 
 it is theirs to teach the talkers of the world how to 
 talk ; and then, they enjoy it supremely themselves any 
 way. Improved conversational powers widen a woman's 
 field of influence, and lengthen her lease on life. 
 Words are the invented vehicles of thought ; and 
 thought is .often delicately tinged, in its shadings, or 
 beautifully tinted, in its colorings, so that a sound judg- 
 ment, and a clear perception are absolutely essential to 
 the successful selection of suitable words to convey fully, 
 and forcibly certain important ideas. Oral utterance, 
 destitute of clear cut ideas, is shorn of its wonted 
 strength ; and rendered comparatively powerless, though 
 
WOMAN S EDUCATION. 131 
 
 it be brim full of music, and sparkling with scintillations 
 of light. Ladies, be earnest, and sincere in your con- 
 versations, and you will be effectual talkers. Express 
 yourselves with ease and elegance ; and you will be lis- 
 tened to with interest and admiration. Avoid, scrupu- 
 lously, the use of slang words and phrases ; and it will 
 give an air of refinement to your conversations, which 
 will elevate you, in the estimation of all your hearers. 
 Do not confine yourself, too much, to your own calling, 
 or occupation, lest it should become monotonous to 
 your auditors. People will not long tolerate a monop- 
 olist, in the social circle ; so, be sure to give others an 
 opportunity to talk a little, while you talk much. 
 
 Vanity, egotism or selfishness will spoil a woman's 
 conversation more than a want of talent, or deficiency 
 of utterance. They render her tedious and wearisome, 
 even to her best friends, and unendurable to all others ; 
 and, hence, such a conversationalist is usually left alone, 
 as soon as courtesy will permit, to be avoided as much 
 as possible in the future. 
 
 Every woman should be well educated. A woman's 
 education is the polishing of a rough diamond ; or the 
 purifying of fine gold. The mind, of a truly educated 
 female, is a treasury of priceless gems. Her heart is a 
 flower-garden, with many roses of love in full bloom. 
 And, her soul is a richly freighted cargo of Christian 
 graces. Woman only wants this trio of powers, prop- 
 erly cultured, and she is an angel of light, love and life 
 on the earth. 
 
 There is a broad field for the women of the future, 
 who wish to enter the literary world, if they will only 
 prepare themselves for their work. There is no reason 
 
132 DIFFERENT FACULTIES. 
 
 why they might not take the lead, ere long, in letters 
 For woman's intellect is strong and vigorous ; her per- 
 ceptive powers quick and penetrating, and her genius 
 lofty and daring. There is a wide difference, it is true, 
 between the male, and female minds ; but, this difference 
 is found in the nature, texture and quality, and not in 
 the faculties themselves ; nor yet, in their several rela- 
 tions to each other. 
 
 The average strength of every mind is the sum total 
 of power found in its several faculties. The intellect- 
 ual faculty, as a rule, owing to a more extensive culti- 
 vation, is much stronger in man, than it is in woman. 
 But, the same may just as truthfully be affirmed, of 
 woman's superiority over man, when reference is had 
 to the moral faculty. In fact, we also find woman far 
 in advance of man, if we refer to the social, and relig- 
 ious faculties of the mind. Then, when we sum up the 
 whole matter, we find woman's mind, as a rule, stronger, 
 and much more reliable than man's. Hence, a woman's 
 judgment is not only more intuitive, but also more 
 comprehensive than a man's, other things being equal. 
 She summons, to her assistance, a sanctified conscience ; 
 so that, when facts are stated, she at once receives her 
 impressions, of right and wrong, and readily reaches 
 her fair, and final conclusions ; while he, too often, leaves 
 conscience, in the background, and relies, solely, upon 
 a long course of logical reasoning for his uncertain con- 
 clusions, which may, or may not be the legitimate off- 
 springs of false premises. 
 
 A sound judgment, a symmetrical character and a 
 sanctified life are, all, dependent upon the proper culture 
 of each, and every faculty of the mind ; so that, no one 
 
MANY MONUMENTS. 1 33 
 
 ol them will hold a balance of power. In this respect, 
 woman is man's peer. She has erected many monu- 
 ments, to her genius along this line, which will stand 
 the test of ages. Her mind has mastered, readily, the 
 most abstruse sciences, led to victory the most valiant 
 armies and governed, successfully, the mightiest na- 
 tions of the earth. Woman has, also, shown a clear- 
 ness of foresight, a quickness of perception and a 
 solidity of judgment, which makes her opinion, among 
 business men, a matter of gravest importance. A wife's 
 intuitive acumen, to many husbands, is the utterances 
 of an oracle. They will never disregard the advice of 
 their wives, when great interests are at stake. The 
 fact is this, a woman's plans are usually practicable. 
 The first-class woman has a well balanced judgment, a 
 rich store of common sense, an ample fund of ready 
 tact and a large capacity for successful management. 
 
 Woman, then, is not a worthless being. She speaks, 
 and angels lend listening ears to her soft accents, of 
 love and mercy. She wields her magic pen, and the 
 world hangs enraptured, with the music of her song. 
 She acts the part of a loving sister, and the most grate- 
 ful benedictions rise from the couch, of the sick, and 
 suffering of earth ; and heaven comes down, to crown 
 her the honored queen of charity's lovely empire. 
 
 But, above all, women should be religious. While 
 you are making preparations for time, you should not 
 neglect the more important preparations for eternity. 
 While you lay up, so much, for this life, be sure and 
 treasure up something for the life to come. When you 
 start for heaven, do not look back, with a longing 
 heart ; neither linger, nor loiter by the way. Religion 
 
134 FEELING AND FAITH. 
 
 is not merely renunciation — it is much more. It is 
 not simply negative ; but also positive good. The 
 Gospel, in its purity and power, tenders life for a look, 
 to the lost of earth. And faith's first view, of the Son, 
 saves the soul, and seals it God's for time and for eter- 
 nity. " He that believeth hath eternal life." Ascend- 
 ing faith finds its counterpart, in descending life, 
 
 The essential thing, in the religious life, is to be sure 
 and safe. We can not be too certain of our accept- 
 ance with God. It is better that we live in doubt, when 
 there is no danger, if such a thing be possible; than 
 that, we die in despair, self-condemned and self-doomed. 
 An experimental knowledge of its acceptance, with 
 Christ, is the only safe landing for the soul, that is, at 
 sea, sailing upon the troubled waters of life. We want 
 a personal acquaintance — an experimental knowledge 
 of Jesus, " whom to know aright is life eternal." Reader, 
 do you know Christ, personally, in the pardon of your 
 sins ? or, are your hopes of heaven all to prove vision- 
 ary, and your dreams of happiness to vanish forever, as 
 the mists of the morning ? 
 
 Feeling, as well as faith, is an important factor in our 
 religious life. It is well that we should be both hope- 
 ful, and happy in our services of love. For otherwise, 
 we lay on our own hearts, the heaviest burdens of life. 
 We weigh ourselves down, and wear ourselves out wor- 
 rying over ills we can not cure, or evils which will never 
 overtake us. The load on such a shoulder is light in 
 comparison with the burden on the heart. The mission 
 of the Gospel is, not so much to lighten the loads of 
 life for the mind and body, as to lift the weights of sin, 
 and grief from our aching hearts and burdened souls. 
 
WORRY AND WORK. I35 
 
 Religion comes with rest for the inner, rather than for 
 the outer man. It brings peace to the heart, rather 
 than pastime to the hand. It tenders rest from worry, 
 but not from work. It bids us rest in God's ways, and 
 work out his will, that we may be happy here, and get 
 home to heaven hereafter. 
 
MANHOOD. 
 
 Chapter VI. 
 
 The manly man, of moral -worth, 
 
 Stands peerless among the powers of earth. 
 
 ANHOOD is life, in its meridian 
 glory. It is life, in the zenith of 
 its power. It is life, crossing the 
 vernal equinox of time. Manhood 
 is life, in its most active, and en- 
 ergetic works. It is life, fully 
 launched upon its mysterious voy- 
 age across the uncertain sea of 
 time. It is life, with sails spread, 
 pennants hoisted and vessel well manned, moving out 
 grandly over the ocean of time, toward the eternal 
 shores. 
 
 Human life is a stern reality, embodying much more 
 of fact than fiction. It is not merely an earthly exist- 
 ence. It is a golden thread, running through the warp 
 of time and eternity. Life, in its unregenerate state, is 
 beset by dangers on every hand. Evil haunts its path- 
 way through time ; doubt shrouds its swiftly flowing 
 
 days in darkness, and an uncertain destiny stands 
 (136) 
 
LIFE IS A VOYAGE. 137 
 
 sentinel, at the end of its race. But, the Christian life, 
 like a book of fiction over which we laugh and cry, re- 
 joice and remonstrate, grows more, and more mysterious, 
 as it nears its finis ; but finally winds up, just as we 
 would wish it to close. God's ways are wonderful, and 
 his works past finding out. He measures manhood by 
 its merits ; and rewards it accordingly : so, none of the 
 real gains of life will be lost in death. Life's progress 
 for time and eternity, then, is in proportion to our meek, 
 and manly efforts to live right, while in the flesh. 
 
 Man's earthly life is a dangerous voyage. The sea 
 he navigates is strewn, from shore to shore, with ship- 
 wrecked souls. No man knows just what the future has 
 in store for him. Unexpected dangers may lie at the 
 very door-way of the next dawning day ; while antici- 
 pated troubles may recede, like the deceptive mirage of 
 the desert ; so that, we will not overtake them, through 
 all the long journey of life. Time bears us on, like a 
 swiftly flowing stream, toward the great ocean of eter- 
 nity The silver, or sombre sea, over which we sail, is 
 both deep and wide ; but wisdom will win, for us, a 
 successful voyage. Only launch your vessel, wisely, 
 with Jesus as her Pilot ; then, give her wings to the 
 winds, and let her sail in triumph for the heavenly 
 harbor. 
 
 Life is a battle. Foes beset us, on every side. We 
 must wage a continual warfare, against the powers of 
 evil ; if we would win life's grandest victory. Evil 
 passions must be controlled. Evil habits must be sub- 
 dued. Evil principles must be overthrown ; and life, 
 itself, consecrated to the highest, and holiest aims and 
 ends, if we are ever crowned immortal victors, and 
 12 
 
I38 LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN. , 
 
 welcomed, conquerors from the conflicts of earth, to the 
 courts of heaven. 
 
 We stood, one day, upon the brow of Lookout Moun- 
 tain. The vision was magnificent, beyond description. 
 The queen city, of the South, lay in fair view to the 
 North. The smoke from her hundred furnaces, and 
 factories rose in graceful wreaths skyward. The lofty 
 steeples, of her many magnificent churches, pointed 
 their glittering spires heavenward. Her golden glories 
 glittered, in the bright sunlight of a lovely day. The 
 Tennessee River, in her horse-shoe bend, rolled grandly 
 by, on her swiftly sweeping journey to the ocean of 
 waters. 
 
 On this historic mount, one day, 
 The boys, in blue, met the boys, in gray, 
 And fought, amid vollies long and loud, 
 The famous "battle above the clouds." 
 
 This is a fit emblem of life's best fought battles. They 
 are fought most successfully above the clouds of sin ; 
 and beyond the shadows of doubt — far up the spiritual 
 mount, whose brow is ever crowned with the golden 
 light of the Sun of Righteousness, where the soldiers of 
 the cross can look out, without an intervening cloud, 
 upon the fair prospect of the future, and read their titles 
 clear to mansions in the skies. 
 
 The true Christian man has the heart* of a moral 
 hero. This is the fountain, whence flows his real nobil- 
 ity of character, and worth of soul. A heroic heart is 
 a host, in fighting life's bloodless battles. There is no 
 victory, but sure and sore defeat, for the moral cowards 
 of earth. Only let the Christian warrior wield the word 
 
UNFINISHED BATTLES. 1 39 
 
 of God, as the weapon of his warfare through life, and 
 heaven shall be his home, when he passes beyond the 
 chilly river of death. 
 
 The earth is full of unfinished battles. Many true 
 principles lie prostrate in the dust, to-day, which will as- 
 sert their power, and shine with their wonted glory 
 to-morrow. Life is a ceaseless warfare. The din of 
 carnal, and the clash of spiritual arms are to be heard, 
 in every soul struggling for victory over self and sin. 
 Terrible conflicts are being waged, within and without. 
 Armies of virtues are being swept from the stage of 
 action, by the death-dealing siroccos of vice. And, in 
 their turn, the minions of vice are falling, before the 
 victorious armies of virtue and truth. The battle of 
 ballots is, often, more important, than the battle of 
 bullets. It takes moral heroes to gain a glorious victory, 
 over the concentrated powers of evil, at the polls. 
 
 This wicked world is a great battle-field, of warring 
 interests. Hopeless defeats, and triumphant victories 
 are the events of the ages. Every inch, of vantage 
 ground, is hotly contested. But, still the world is, con- 
 stantly, growing better. It is making some long, and 
 many rapid strides toward the dawn of its brightest day. 
 In this age of periodicals, the wickedness of the world 
 is laid bare to our inspection : it is even paraded before 
 our eyes. And, this is doubtless the reason some people 
 conclude, that it is growing worse, all the time ; and 
 lose sight of the good things of the present, in looking 
 to the receding past, for its golden age. Such persons 
 are blind to the fact, that this happy period lies, some- 
 where, in the heaving bosom of the hopeful future. 
 
 Young man, to-day finds you just entering upon the 
 
140 THE FAIR FUTURE. 
 
 threshold of active life. Real life, or life in earnest, lies 
 just before you. But, the volume of the future is sealed 
 to your eyes. On its massive lids, you may imagine 
 you see the pretty pictures of fancy, fame or fortune. 
 From its gilt edges may gleam the golden dreams of 
 your fondest hopes. But, all in vain you will strive to 
 loosen its silver clasp, and read its unknown contents. 
 Time, alone, can reveal its many mysteries, and interpret, 
 or translate its prolific pages. And, none but God can 
 reverse its sentences of life and death. 
 
 The vivid imagination, of young manhood, naturally 
 paints the most charming pictures, upon the lovely can- 
 vas of the fair future. Life, to all such sons of pleasure, 
 is too apt to seem but a pleasant pathway, under sunny 
 skies, amid silvan shades and through the most enchant- 
 ing scenery. But, in order to a promising future, young 
 men must manifest certain essential elements of char- 
 acter. They must be intelligent, to command esteem. 
 They must possess integrity, to win public confidence. 
 They must be industrious, to accumulate wealth. They 
 must practice economy, to save their income. They 
 must display energy, to surmount obstacles. They must 
 give evidence of efficiency, to prove themselves equal 
 to their opportunities. With these characteristics, they 
 can not be inferior men : neither can their lives be 
 failures. As sure as effect follows its legitimate cause, 
 so sure will such a character bring, to its bearer, a bright, 
 and glorious future. Such men must win a commanding 
 influence ; and rise to social superiority, among their 
 fellows. A man must be rated by his relative character ; 
 for without character, his manship is gone. He is a 
 savage, without sympathy — a man, without moral man- 
 
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES. 141 
 
 hood enough to raise him above the low level of the 
 animal creation. With such a person, policy is more 
 potent than principle. Young men, do right, though it 
 subjects you to social ostracism, and exposes you to the 
 anathemas of your former comrades. A good character 
 is a thing of special promise. It is a tree covered with 
 the fairest foliage, and freighted with the richest fruitage. 
 
 Life's moments are fleeting. They come, and go like 
 the fast falling snow-flakes, which melt ere they light 
 upon the earth. Young men, these golden opportuni- 
 ties ought to be well improved, as they pass. There is 
 entirely too much drift-wood, on the ever rushing tide of 
 time. Much refuse, and waste material is borne down, 
 by the ever surging stream of time, from regions remote 
 to realms unknown. Every man's life consists of two 
 parts— the past, a dream — the future, a hope. And 
 every life has its mile-stones, which mark into epochs of 
 special interest, to the individual, the pilgrimage from 
 the cradle to the grave. Manhood's years roll, rapidly, 
 on toward the bourn, from whence no traveler ever re- 
 turns. This is the most fleeting period of our earthly 
 existence. Then, do not live, as though you had a long 
 lease on life; but, as if every day might be your last 
 on earth. 
 
 Life, like the leaves of the forest, has its time for fad- 
 ing. But, only let it wear the glory of autumnal grace, 
 in its waning hours, and there will be no occasion for 
 regrets. We should rather rejoice, when the setting sun 
 throws back his beams of beauty on a life crowned with 
 glory and honor, at its close. The hopes of a harvest 
 have been realized ; and there should not be a murmur. 
 A home in heaven has been gained ; and there should 
 
142 FAILURES BRING FORTUNES. 
 
 be no lamentations. There are just three wicks in the 
 lamp of life — breath, blood and brain. Mash the head, 
 stop the heart or close the lungs, and every wick is 
 darkened; and the lamp of life has lost its last ray of 
 light, But, it is the province of grace, if we will but 
 use it, to whiten us for the harvest, ere Providence 
 thrusts in the sickle, to reap us down in death. 
 
 Life is a volume full of lessons, well worth our pe- 
 rusal. But, it requires much time, and more talent to 
 solve, successfully, some of its most difficult problems. 
 This book records many failures, which might bring for- 
 tunes, but for the forgotten fact, that some other vessel 
 was wrecked upon the same treacherous strand. Ex- 
 perience is a most excellent instructor. The garnered 
 experience, of ages, constitutes the sum of human wis- 
 dom. But, the fool fails to learn even in this school. 
 The wise man profits by the failures of his fellows ; and 
 avoids the repetition of his own follies. The book of 
 eternity will doubtless reveal the fact, that myriads of 
 souls have been lost, because they closed their eyes to 
 the light of life, held up to them in the experience of 
 others, who went down to death, along the same line 
 over which they traveled. 
 
 Life is freighted with lessons of love. We need only 
 look, listen and learn. Every thought leaves its im- 
 print, on the mind. Every emotion modifies the spirit. 
 Every evil passion paralyzes the soul. The world beats 
 its grand, onward and upward march all around us ; and 
 we should seek to learn every lesson it leaves on record, 
 for fallen humanity. They will teach us to make the 
 best possible use of our leisure moments, which are gems 
 of gold, when properly garnered. They will stock our 
 
SACRED OBLIGATIONS. I43 
 
 storehouse of knowledge, with articles of inestimable 
 value. They will teach us to think for ourselves. 
 Thought is necessary, to the successful solution of the 
 profound problems of life, in every age of the world's 
 history. Thinkers are always in demand. Thought is 
 the power behind the throne. 
 
 Life carries, with it, the most sacred obligations. All 
 men are duty bound, to think certain thoughts, to speak 
 certain words and to perform certain acts, during life. 
 No man is exempt from filling a useful, and honored 
 mission in this world. We can neither face, nor fly 
 from a consciousness of obligations disregarded. Like 
 the Omnipresent Spirit, a sense of duty is always present 
 with us. No matter where we go, or what our environ- 
 ments may be, still, it pursues us to the end of life. 
 Though the wings of the winds were given us, that we 
 might speed us to the uttermost parts of the earth, 
 even there would a sense of duty discharged, or of ob- 
 ligations disregarded minister to our pleasures, or mock 
 at our misfortunes. Should we flatter ourselves, that 
 the darkness of death will cover up these neglected ob- 
 ligations, it will be but to find the blackness of night, as 
 the light of day, to quicken our consciences to a live- 
 lier sense of duty performed or neglected, which com- 
 fort or condemn us, in time and through eternity. 
 
 Nothing adds more to the beauty, and grandeur of 
 a human life, than the conscientious performance of all 
 its sacred obligations. The lofty flights of genius 
 may be more rapid and romantic ; the forerunners of 
 fortunes may be more facetious and fascinating; but 
 they are both incomparable to the worthy achievements 
 of a fervent, and faithful devotee, at the shrine of his 
 
144 PURITY OF LIFE. 
 
 conscientious convictions of duty. The hastily gathered 
 garlands of genius will soon wither away. The fame 
 of fortunes, found in a fortnight, will as speedily turn 
 into vanity. But, the ever ripening fruits of the consci- 
 entious character-builder, and duty-performer will never 
 perish. They will be a source of constant enjoyment 
 in this life, and bring a rich reward in the life to come. 
 
 Infinite is the sphere of life's arduous duties. Every 
 honored station, and honorable calling is full of them. 
 And the manliest thing, a man can do, is to faithfully 
 discharge all the obligations which rest upon him. And, 
 he who deviates from the path of duty, to hang his 
 hopes upon the smiles, and flatteries of the rich and 
 aristocratic, or the fickle favors of the masses, richly de- 
 serves the doom of the dishonored, and despised of 
 earth. The sweet associations around us, the providen- 
 tial environments of the age, in which we live, and the 
 over-arching heavens above, all, invite us, through the 
 discharge of Christian duty, to higher and holier lives. 
 
 Purity of life is absolutely essential, to the higher 
 order of manhood. The wheels, within the clock, must 
 be in good order before the hands, on the dial plate, can 
 point out the exact hour of the day. So, the heart, 
 within a man, must be pure and holy, before the actions, 
 without, can move, as proper index fingers, around the 
 great dial of time. He is happiest, whose heart is 
 holiest, and whose hand is most charitable. He is 
 wisest, who treasures up holy truths, and lays up 
 heavenly treasures. 
 
 Every young man should have a definite purpose, 
 and a well matured plan for action, in life, before he is 
 twenty-one. Then, each day something should he done, 
 
PROPER PREPARATION. 1 45 
 
 in the execution of his well-laid plans, and the promo- 
 tion of his long-cherished purposes. And, all his 
 energies must be utilized, with accuracy, if he would not 
 defeat the efforts of his own life. He must recognize 
 the facts, that experience, and perseverance are the 
 prime secrets to success ; that prosperity is the offspring 
 of industry and frugality ; while caution is man's ablest 
 counselor, and hope his guardian genius ; conscience his 
 most faithful monitor, and a noble purpose his conquer- 
 ing power. 
 
 Young men, -be progressive, in your ideas and efforts. 
 But, remember, that progress must contend against 
 prejudice ; that passion lies across every upward path, 
 and that ignorance stands, in battle array, at every en- 
 trance to the temple of truth. Reformation tends to 
 righteousness ; but the road, leading to peace, is red 
 with the blood of contending foes. There will be con- 
 flict, until we reach the realms of glory, and rest 
 together, on the banks of eternal deliverance. 
 
 Young man, seek, early, to know your calling for life. 
 Then, devote yourself to a thorough preparation for its 
 arduous duties. If you decide to be a farmer ; resolve 
 to be a first-class tiller of the soil. If you choose the 
 mercantile business, be a merchant of the first waters. 
 If you practice medicine, be eminently proficient, in 
 your profession. If you enter the law, be a legal light, 
 in your practice at the bar. Or, if you are called to the 
 Gospel ministry, prove yourself a worthy workman, 
 properly presenting the sacred truths to saint and sinner, 
 in season, and success will crown your efforts through life. 
 
 Manhood is the embodiment of many of the nobler 
 attributes of humanity, well developed. Character is 
 
I46 A TRINITY IN UNITY. 
 
 the object of all true discipline. Hence, that occupa- 
 tion, or calling is best for a man, which strengthens most 
 all the weak points of his character. Any honorable 
 profession, or laudable vocation, if properly filled, will 
 give strength, and grace to all the essentials of true, 
 and tried manhood. The elements of a desirable char- 
 acter, then, should be cultivated, early and earnestly, by 
 all men, no matter what their environments may chance 
 to be. Manhood must have a firm foundation upon 
 which to erect a grand symmetrical character. For, 
 character has reference to a man's heart-life. Only let 
 the young man stand forth, in the beauty and strength 
 of his Christian manhood, and he will soon be crowned 
 a moral hero, and his character will be unimpeachable. 
 
 Our ideal manhood is a trinity in unity. It is three 
 in one — a perfect body, a well-stored mind and a sincere 
 soul, all, consecrated to Christ and his service. He 
 who represents this model manhood must, himself, be a 
 man among men. He must possess that pageantry and 
 power, which alone are subservient to the more manly, 
 and generous deeds, and developments of life. Many 
 a man is ranked as a noble man, who cares far more for 
 his own comfort, than he does for the discomfort of 
 others. But, our ideal manhood regards the rights of 
 others, even, in the most trivial matters. All well-bred 
 persons think of others occasionally, rather than of them- 
 selves exclusively. And, while servility may be the 
 shame, genuine politeness, and manly courtesies are the 
 glory of young manhood. Such gentility has patience, 
 discretion, judgment, and moral principle to stamp it 
 with lasting stability, ancf over-arch it with gems of 
 staunch and sterling value. 
 
MANLINESS. 147 
 
 Young man, be manly. Do not go whining, and 
 whimpering through life, like a spoiled lad. The world 
 laughs at such men. Do not be disappointed, if you 
 are occasionally defeated, in the battles of life. Be, 
 only, the more independent and self-reliant. In this 
 busy, bustling world, learn to lean, largely, upon your 
 own strong arm, for success in life. Be willing to work 
 wherever the Lord of labor bids you toil ; and, ere long, 
 fortune will favor your efforts. But, the fate of the fault- 
 finding coward is already fixed. Fortune will never 
 smile upon his ugly sneers and snarls. 
 
 No man should murmur at his lot in life. Murmur- 
 ing 'makes sweetness bitter, and intensifies bitterness. 
 The murmurer mixes Marah with all God's mercies. 
 A man had much better be cheerful : for cheerfulness 
 has a charm, which is, to character, what motionless 
 moonbeams are to the peaceful waters, of the placid 
 sea. But, circumstances have more, than principle, to 
 do in shaping the character of many men. Some, how- 
 ever, rise above their surroundings ; while most men 
 succumb to their environments. 
 
 Manliness means more than mere manners. It has 
 to do with motives, morals and manhood. We like a 
 manly man — a moral hero — one who can look upon the 
 banner of the advancing foe, listen to their martial 
 music, and then meet the war-like hosts, in deadly con- 
 flict, with the firmness and fortitude of a moral mon- 
 arch, among men. Such a man will seek to satisfy the 
 demands of his own cultured conscience, rather than to 
 please a precarious world. 
 
 The manly man will manifest a manly bearing, to- 
 ward all men. He makes the best of every thing, as it 
 
I48 THE HIGHEST AND HOLIEST TYPE. 
 
 comes. He meets the morning, as a wakeful friend; and 
 greets the evening, as a warning watchman. He wel- 
 comes the night, as a refreshing angel, and hails the 
 day, as another opportunity for grand achievements. He 
 salutes the sunshine, as the harbinger of wealth ; and 
 faces the darkest cloud, with a cheerful smile, as he 
 views its silver lining. 
 
 Young men, you may expect to be judged, more fre- 
 quently, irom your outward bearing, than from your in- 
 ner life. Your manners will mark the estimation, in 
 which you are held, by the world. The world is prone 
 to take a man, for what he feigns to be, rather than for 
 what he really is, any way. It too often views, simply, 
 the superficial, rather than the solid contents of men. 
 And, from this imperfect view, it forms its estimate of 
 them. So, you see, young man, that your chances for 
 success, in either case, will, of necessity, depend, largely, 
 upon your manly bearing toward others. 
 
 But, the manly man, the earnest, generous, noble man, 
 always, draws on our admiration, and merits our warm- 
 est congratulations. His manliness of spirit, nobility of 
 bearing and gentility of manners, place him before us, 
 as the highest, and holiest type of Christian manhood. 
 For he is the manliest man, of all, whose mental, and 
 moral worth is supplemented, with supreme love to God, 
 and a world-wide charity for his fellow-men. Nature 
 links her lines of grandeur, to those of grace, in crown- 
 ing such a character, with innate manhood, wonderfully 
 developed. The noble traits, of this model character, 
 like loadstone, never lose their attractive force. And, 
 like the beauties of nature, should always prove a means 
 of grace. 
 
MORAL MANHOOD. 1 49 
 
 Young men should cultivate the loftiest sentiments, 
 and harbor the purest thoughts. Such, only, will con- 
 tribute to their social standing and moral manhood. 
 They must be the champions of virtue and truth ; if 
 they would stand, the confessed benefactors of their fel- 
 lows. The Waterloos and Thermopylaes of earth are 
 fought, largely, by the souls of men, in their struggles, 
 for victory, over sin, the most deadly of all foes. 
 Moral manhood demands the highest, and purest type 
 of moral heroism. The bravest soldier, on the field of 
 carnage, may prove to be the most dastardly coward, 
 found upon the great moral battle-field of life. The 
 grandest heroes of earth, are those who contend most 
 nobly, and fight most bravely upon life's great moral 
 battle-fields. 
 
 A man, wholly destitute of morality, is worse than a 
 savage, without sympathy. A dark cloud of sin hangs, 
 as a deepening, dismal shadow, upon his dejected brow. 
 His manhood is all gone. He lives, no longer, under 
 the sacred influence of the Holy Spirit. This merciful 
 messenger strives with him no more. The glow of hope 
 will never return, to grace his cheeks. The beam of 
 faith will never, again, brighten his eyes. The smile, of 
 love, will never more gladden his lips. 
 
 A man's associates bespeak his moral status. Char- 
 acter, like water, seeks its own level. If your morals 
 are not what they ought to be, it is your privilege to 
 reform. Such a reformation will meet its, strongest, 
 opposition, in your own appetites and passions. It will 
 require, some, moral heroism, to accomplish this work. 
 But, it can, and must be done ; or, soon your passions, 
 and pleasures, will overpower your purposes and control 
 
I50 MORAL HEROISM. 
 
 your lives. The sooner this work, of reformation, is ac- 
 complished, the easier the task, and the more satisfac- 
 tory the results. But, all reformations, which stop short 
 of a religious life, fall far below that ideal picture, which 
 heaven presents, as a model after which all men should 
 copy. Life, to the mere moralist, must be a constant 
 struggle, between the powers of good and evil. The bat- 
 tle is always raging, and the result is ever uncertain. To- 
 day he may conquer ; but, to-morrow he suffers defeat. 
 To-day he is the victor ; to-morrow he is the vanquished. 
 To-night he sings the victor's song ; but. to-morrow 
 night he beats a coward's, shameful, retreat. He, only, 
 is morally safe, who is religiously strong. But, do not 
 become discouraged, if you do occasionally fail : only, 
 try the harder, to succeed the next time. Temporary 
 defeat, often, paves the way to permanent victory. 
 
 Be a man of positive convictions. Do not be con- 
 trolled by human passions and impulses. Noble, native 
 manhood, once bent upon good deeds, holds to its gen- 
 erous purposes, placing a meager estimate upon the 
 offers, and eulogies of the world. Always have the 
 moral manhood to shun the social customs, which have 
 dragged so many young men down to darkness and to 
 death. Integrity is one of the central pillars, in the 
 stalwart character of upright, moral manhood. Be a 
 man, at all times, under all circumstances, and in all 
 places. Always be a man. Mix, and mingle with men, 
 only, to make them wiser and better. 
 
 We love to see a young man, in the freshness of 
 youth, with sparkling eye, and elastic step, making his 
 way to an honorable position in the world. We rejoice 
 to see young men standing up in defense of the right ; 
 
SIN, SELF AND SATAN. 151 
 
 and, if possible, defeating the wrong. True manhood 
 demands much moral courage. The moral man is a 
 hero, with magnetic power. He carries, with him, a co- 
 herent, and commanding influence, that is contagious 
 among men. His fortitude inspires the weak, and 
 wavering ones to deeds of noblest daring. And, hence, 
 he soon marshals an army of heroes for the right ; who, 
 under the banner of truth, march boldly to the front,' 
 and lend helping hands in lifting higher, and still higher, 
 the moral standard of the world. A leader, like this, 
 pours the light, of his life, upon other hearts, that they 
 may look to the right ; and gather comfort, and courage, 
 in their struggles, for the mastery over sin, self and 
 satan. The truly moral man, in his panoply of truth, is 
 armed for the conflict. His faith is in fair dealing, with 
 men, and firm devotion to God. 
 
 Manual labor has developed some, of the finest, 
 specimens of manhood, the world has ever known. In 
 fact, manhood's cardinal virtues are but the outgrowth 
 of legitimate, and long continued burden-bearing. Many 
 of the noblest traits of human character can, only, be 
 acquired, and properly developed, in the actual expe- 
 rience of the work-shop, or its equivalent. Men, who 
 have never bowed the back, under the actual burdens of 
 life, know nothing of the purpose, patience, promptness 
 and perseverance which ought to characterize all men, in 
 their struggles for victory, in the battles of life. Nor, 
 have they ever learned the all-important lessons of self- 
 control, self-denial, self-encouragement and self-preser- 
 vation, with a score of other lessons no less valuable, 
 which can, only, be learned, in the self-taught school of 
 experience. The school may make the scholar ; but, 
 
152 MAN A MENTAL BEING. 
 
 work makes the man, whose purpose is never puerile, 
 and whose heart never loses hope. 
 
 There is a world of work for some one to do. Young 
 men, will you husband your energies, and lend a helping 
 hand ; or, will you stand idly by, with folded arms, and 
 look on while the industrious millions of earth move the 
 mighty machinery, which draws the world on, toward the 
 golden dawn of a brighter, and better day ? Young 
 men, it would be wise, in you, to utilize the powers you 
 possess ; and use them only when, and where they will 
 prove a blessing to mankind, and an honor to God. 
 
 Man is a mental being. He may well magnify the 
 might of his mind : but, he should not forget the author 
 of his existence. Mind is the mightiest power known 
 to man — possibly the only power in existence. We 
 mean, by this statement, that all powers are possibly 
 traceable directly to the uncreated mind, of him, who 
 created, and controls all matter, as well as all other 
 minds ; and hence is the true source of all power. The 
 material organs of the body, employed by the mind, are 
 mere mediums of communication, by which its mani- 
 festations are made susceptible to the material world. 
 The human body is influenced by four kinds of forces — 
 chemical, mechanical, vital and mental. The chemical 
 and mechanical forces are essential, and powerful in their 
 ministrations, to the efficiency of the other powers of 
 our being. But, the vital, or life force is a distinct 
 power, in the body ; and the true source of its preserva- 
 tion, growth, and reproduction. While, the mental 
 force determines the intellectual, moral and spiritual 
 status of the man. Our thoughts govern our actions ; 
 and our actions fix our destinies. 
 
RECEPTIVE AND RETENTIVE. 1 53 
 
 Thought and action are the massive pillars, upon 
 which our characters, and lives are resting. They are 
 the sure, or sandy foundations, upon which our hopes of 
 success, in life, are built. They are the inevitable fore- 
 runners of fortune, or failure ; of victory, or defeat in 
 this world. The mind, then, should always be master to 
 the man. Then, he may hope to obey the laws of his 
 being. For, he, who scrupulously follows the dictates of 
 his own conscience, is ever advancing toward his own 
 ideal of righteousness. Such a man will prove loyal to 
 his convictions of duty ; fulfill faithfully his contracts, 
 and meet cheerfully all his obligations. He thinks, and 
 he thinks with precision. Then he acts, and acts from 
 conviction. And, he who thinks wisely, and acts well 
 his part in life, is moving, with the mighty currents of 
 faith and hope, toward the lovely land of Beulah. 
 
 The mind wants to be receptive, and retentive, in 
 order to prove available and valuable to its possessor. 
 Brain-force requires a reserve of power, to give buoy- 
 ancy to its exercises, and rhythm to its richest, and 
 rarest productions. Mental functions require nerve- 
 tension. Agreeable employment stimulates the nerve 
 forces, while it taxes the physical, or mental powers. 
 Hence, the power of endurance is, so much, greater, 
 when the task is a pleasant one. The head may be 
 trained, and treasured with good things, just as readily, 
 and successfully, as either the hand or the heart. A 
 man's actions may be worse, but his life is never better, 
 than his thoughts. The mind is the man, in miniature. 
 The one is the outgrowth of the other. The mind is, 
 also, man's beast of burden ; and his success, on earth, 
 
 depends largely upon the manner, in which it is driven 
 
 13 
 
154 LEADERS OF THOUGHT. 
 
 along the highway of life. But, the wise man need not 
 be arrogant. He should not regard himself, as the de- 
 pository of knowledge. Let him recognize the rights 
 of all men ; and do homage to the judgment of his su- 
 periors. Yet, we should all think for ourselves. We 
 should be the custodians, of our own capital stock. 
 We should have thoughts of our own, and dare to 
 utilize them. A man's thoughts are his agents. And 
 his words are vehicles upon which he conveys them 
 to others. 
 
 Man should be a close student. He should learn the 
 practical lessons of life, from every passing event. He 
 should study nature, in the dewy eve ; under the light 
 of the silver moon, and beautiful stars, as well as in the 
 broad sunlight of the day. The leaders of thought, on 
 almost every line of investigation, have unlocked, with 
 their silver keys, the golden gates of knowledge : and 
 they bid us follow them, through the labyrinths of an- 
 cient, and modern lore, until we are numbered among 
 the learned of earth. The man, of thought and research, 
 soon stamps indelibly, upon his own features, the evi- 
 dence of intellectual greatness. 
 
 Young men, seek wisdom, as you would search for 
 fine gold. Be wise, and you will be great and good. 
 It is true, the heart, rather than the head, is the seat of 
 true wisdom. Yet, there must be a union of head, and 
 heart-power to give vigor, and vitality to human char- 
 acter. The mind must act, in harmony with the heart, 
 before the full force of the soul can be manifested. 
 Those who have large heads, usually, have loving 
 hearts. Men, who are truly great, are most liberal in 
 their views, and charitable in their feelings. They are 
 
SEEK WISDOM. 1 55 
 
 entirely free from that narrow-minded bigotry, and ec- 
 centric egotism, which always brands the brainless man. 
 The wise man recognizes the fact, that wise men, often, 
 differ in opinion. He knows, that opinion is the offspring 
 of thought ; and, like its progenitor, must forever roam, 
 in the realms of the free, to be fruitful of good. Opin- 
 ion can never be chained. It is a child of freedom. 
 Expect others to cross your opinion ; for they will be 
 sure to do so, any way. Honor them for the manhood 
 of free thought, and the fearless expression of their own 
 views. This great diversity of opinion demands uni- 
 versal charity, in all our dealings, with our fellow men. 
 Let the heart, that is hasty to condemn others, halt, and 
 hear the sentences passed upon its own conduct and 
 conclusions. Then it will be better prepared, to throw 
 the broad mantle of charity over the frailties, and frivol- 
 ities of mankind. 
 
 The wise man will take in the meaning of the vast 
 movements of his day, and keep well abreast with the 
 times in which he lives. He will grasp, with a master's 
 hand, the real import of passing events ; look into polit- 
 ical platforms, and study well the religious creeds of the 
 world, and thus become a leader among the masses. 
 The noblest manhood consists in the broadest, and most 
 comprehensive views of life. Just, and generous man- 
 hood goes abroad, governed by the wisest, and most 
 philanthropic principles, to bless mankind, at large, with 
 its light and its love. 
 
 But, after all his research, man knows but little at 
 most ; and, his limited knowledge is very imperfect. 
 The sage, himself, is but a sedate signal, without a se- 
 quel, in wisdom's wonderful temple. The wisest of men 
 
I56 A SEDATE SIGNAL. 
 
 do not, even, know themselves to perfection. Phrenol- 
 ogy is doubtless a true science ; but none can interpret, 
 definitely, all its mysterious hieroglyphics. Life, itself, 
 is undefinable ; and death one of the darkest mysteries 
 to man. Yet, they are among the most solemn realities 
 of time. Young men, never reject the truth, then, 
 simply because your feeble minds can not fully compre- 
 hend it. There are a thousand things that you must 
 accept, without perfectly understanding them. Your food 
 is digested; but you can not tell how. You can sail, 
 serenely, over the sea ; but you can not fathom its for- 
 lorn caverns. The compass conducts you across the 
 pathless ocean ; yet, you can not explain the secrets of 
 its magnetic attractions. Just so it is with the divine 
 chart, and compass given to guide us across the track- 
 less sea of life. We can not fathom all its sacred truths ; 
 though we may sail successfully by its light, into the 
 haven of eternal life. The mind of man is neither en- 
 larged, nor enriched, by rejecting revealed truth, though 
 the seal of secrecy may not be broken, to unbosom to 
 him the whole of infinite wisdom. 
 
 Young men, make money ; but be sure you make it 
 honestly. If the manner of operation, and the means 
 employed be proper and right, money making is per- 
 fectly legitimate. There is, however, a foggy region 
 lying right between fair, and fraudulent dealing, which 
 is always tempting, and dangerous to money makers. 
 Beware of the slightest departure from the rules of rec- 
 titude, and right suggested, by your better informed 
 judgments, and urged, by your highly cultured con- 
 sciences. A man must labor for means, before he can 
 properly appreciate them. As a rule, money, that comes 
 
TRIFLES AND TREASURES. 1 57 
 
 easy, goes soon. Fortunes, usually, go as they come. 
 Most men of worth, and wealth have been, early, given 
 some useful employment. Many of these were or- 
 phans, whom want forced to work. In early life, they 
 buckled on the laborer's armor ; and won great victories 
 for themselves, in their respective vocations. And now, 
 they are among the wealthy, and worthy men of the 
 world. 
 
 But, young men, be not over ambitious to gain wealth. 
 Ambition is a blessing, if all its purposes are honor- 
 able, and all its ends legitimate. But, if there be sordid 
 and selfish motives, prompting to action, it is a great, 
 and grievous curse. For, all our actions are formative 
 influences, tending either to meanness, or manliness of 
 character. Our manhood must not be sacrificed, to 
 money making, but, built up, along with our fortunes. 
 The two should rise, side by side ; but, if either fails let 
 it be the fortune ; for character is, infinitely, more im- 
 portant than wealth. Earthly riches can never compen- 
 sate, for the forfeiture of spiritual blessings. But, many 
 persons, like the rich young ruler, who came to Jesus, 
 prefer the trifles of earth, to the treasures of heaven. 
 The riches, of time, have more charms for them, than 
 the rewards of eternity. 
 
 The wheels of fortune, ever, move with the rolling 
 years. Do not make haste, to get riches. Be patient. 
 Plow and plant, water and weed, work and wait for the 
 harvest. But, do not fail to enjoy the blessings of to- 
 day, in your, intense, anxiety to reach those of to-mor- 
 row. Do not envy those, who outrun you, in the race 
 of life. Jealousy is a green-eyed monster. It is the 
 deadly upas of, both, the social and business circles. 
 
158 WISER AND WEALTHIER. 
 
 It poisons the, very, atmosphere we breathe, and ex- 
 tracts many of the sweets, from all the vocations, and 
 callings of life. Be above, and beyond these petty lit- 
 tle jealousies. They would rob you, of your manhood ; 
 and embitter your whole being. Like the cancer, they 
 eat and grow fat, on what they consume and destroy. 
 Grow wiser, as you grow wealthier. 
 
 Young men are the wheels upon which the world 
 moves. They are the prime factors of success, in every 
 age of the world's history. When the young men, of 
 any generation, fight manfully the battles of life, their 
 labors tell, for good, upon the progress, and prosperity 
 of the years which follow. Young men are, rapidly, 
 being ushered into positions, of great responsibility ; and 
 places, of the most sacred trust. They, already, sustain 
 the most important relations to society, at large. They 
 are just on the eve of assuming the reigns of govern- 
 ment. They will soon be at the helm of the ship, of 
 both church and state. The interests of humanity de- 
 mand, that they be able to fill, with credit and honor, 
 the several positions, to which they may be called. 
 Young men, you can not attach too much importance, 
 to the proper qualifications for the positions, toward 
 which you are, so rapidly advancing. The possibilities 
 of young manhood are, now, within your grasp. The 
 paths, which lead to honor and renown, are still before 
 you. Do not throw away the one ; and forsake not the 
 other, that you may sow a few wild oats, and reap a 
 harvest of tears. 
 
 The noblest purpose of young manhood is a fixed 
 determination to leave the world better, as a consequence 
 of having lived in it, for a few fleeting years. To do 
 
THE WORLD MOVES. 1 59 
 
 this, young men must not circumscribe their benev- 
 olence ; or chain their charity, to the church of their 
 choice ; but, send them abroad, on their missions of 
 mercy, over this wide, wide world of want and woe. 
 Young men, only resolve, in the strength of your vigor- 
 ous young manhood, to go forward in the right, and you 
 are sure to succeed. Allow no obstacle to impede your 
 onward march, or side-track your through train, and you 
 will find imaginary mountains dwindling into insignifi- 
 cant mole-hills, as you approach them, in your manly 
 march toward the goal of manhood's noblest achieve- 
 ments, and grandest victories. Never become discour- 
 aged. God will remove all the difficulties, which cross 
 your pathways, as you approach them, in the name of 
 his Son and your Saviour. He will bridge every river, 
 that you can not swim ; tunnel every mountain, that 
 you can not climb, and plant an oasis in every desert, 
 that you can not cross without his interposition, in your 
 behalf. 
 
 Young man, the world moves; and you must move, 
 with it, or be buried, in the fossil remains, of your own 
 failures^ and follies. Changes, for the better, both in 
 church and state, are constantly occurring. Progress is 
 the world's watchword, and the voice of wisdom warns 
 every young man, to keep well abreast with the times 
 in which he lives. 
 
 Young men, shun not, neither despise, nor disparage 
 manual labor. It is a blessing to our race. He, who 
 shirks or shuns its tasks, can not share its full benefits. 
 Many of the beatitudes of life are the offsprings of 
 drudgery. Leisure, and luxury bring, with them, a com- 
 bination of circumstances, which the strongest are, often, 
 
160 APPEARANCES. 
 
 powerless to control. These environments may lead 
 their subjects, to excess in all manner of sin. But, a 
 man's failures, in life, are not always attributable to his 
 environments. They are, often, the result of a shiftless- 
 ness, which fails to make any thing out of its surround- 
 ings. 
 
 Young men, appearances do not cultivate true worth, 
 or noble manhood. It takes realities to make a man, 
 the world over. Nothing, short of nobility of character, 
 is entitled to this honorable appellation. True man- 
 hood does not consist in figure, form or fashion. Its 
 make-up is of entirely different material. It consists, 
 chiefly, in contents, conduct and character. There is far 
 more genuine manhood in what a fellow really is, than 
 there can possibly be, in any thing which he may merely 
 appear to be. Then, young man, live a life, whose priv- 
 ileges are peerless ; and whose purposes are paramount 
 to all appearances ; no matter how great the sacrifices 
 required, or how unremitting the toils to be endured. 
 Such a life lies through noble deeds ; leads to honor- 
 able distinction, and, ultimately, ripens into venerable 
 old age. 
 
 Manhood's real worth lies in its innate nobility, and 
 not, as some imagine, in birth, wealth, rank or power. 
 These are all naught, without a reliable character. It 
 is the man who dignifies the office, not the office 
 the man. It is true manhood, which consecrates wealth ; 
 and not wealth, that honors manhood. Neither is a 
 man's character to be found, wholly, in the powers of 
 the head. Its chief functions are found, in the affections 
 of the heart. Neither is it the external, so much as 
 
SOUR AND SURLY. l6l 
 
 the internal, that defiles, and degrades the man, rob- 
 bing him of his fair name and prospective fame. 
 
 It is not manly to praise oneself, even, if praise is 
 justly deserved. It bears the semblance of conceit ; 
 and lowers one in the estimation of others. Let your 
 neighbors laud your good works ; then strangers will 
 give credence to the truth. Do not always be harping, 
 that you may hear the echo of your own voice. It be- 
 comes burdensome to others ; and they will not give 
 you credit, for what you have done. Let your works 
 praise you ; and no one will question the truthfulness 
 of their words. 
 
 Young men, make no false pretensions, For, time 
 will tear the musty mask of hypocrisy, from the shoulders 
 of every vile pretender. The coming judgment will 
 reveal the hidden secrets of all hearts. Eternity will 
 search the souls, and right the wrongs of all men. 
 Heaven is the grand center, toward which all our 
 thoughts, and affections should constantly gravitate. 
 Only let the head-light, of the Gospel, shine brightly 
 upon our pathways, through life, and our steps will lead 
 us to glory, and to God. 
 
 This world is a mirror, in which every man may see 
 himself, as others see him. If his face is turned toward 
 the world, aglow with love and sunshine, this mirror will 
 give back its compliment of peace and good will. But, 
 if he frowns upon every body he meets, it will simply 
 reflect his own sour, surly visage back into his own eyes. 
 Let a man laugh at the world ; and the world is going 
 to laugh back at him: or let him enter into sympathy 
 with it, and he will find it in sympathy with him. Love 
 is the latent lever of life. It will win, and lead the 
 
1 62 CHARACTER VERSUS CATECHISM , 
 
 world. It moves, unseen, the most cogent forces oi 
 time. It is far superior to tact, or talent. But, people 
 are not always what they feign to be. Every virtue is 
 counterfeited ; and many vices are whitewashed. Let 
 yours be a lovely, untarnished life. 
 
 A man's character ought to be the counterpart, to the 
 boy's catechism. And, unless he changes his creed, the 
 one will be a faithful exhibition of the other. Character 
 is the image of the inner man. Reputation is the 
 shadow of the outer life. Yet, a man's character, and 
 nature are not identical. Neither are they always alike. 
 Character may be developed, either, along the line of 
 one's natural inclinations, by giving expression to such 
 inclinations ; or, in the oppisite direction, by opposing, 
 and repressing the primal nature, of our selfish impulses. 
 So, you see, two similar natures may be developed, into 
 widely different characters. Or, two dissimilar natures, 
 into similar characters. So, character may be better, or 
 worse, than the nature from which it is developed. It 
 may prove itself, by an artless expression of the natural 
 tendencies, where they are good ; or improve itself, by 
 a wise repression of the same, where they are evil. 
 Neither is a man's outer life, always, in harmony with 
 his reputation. Men are often reputed to be, what they 
 are not. They have a name to live, when they are 
 dead. And some times, a man's reputation will sink 
 below zero, when the thermometer is held in the hands 
 of jealous, cold-hearted enemies, though his outer life be, 
 comparatively, pure and good. Reputation is what a 
 man appears to be ; but, character is, just, what he is. 
 
 Man is his own architect. True, he is an earth-born 
 being ; but, not, necessarily, a subject of circumstances. 
 
MAN HIS OWN ARCHITECT. 1 63 
 
 He need not fall a victim, to his own environments : but, 
 may become the victorious architect, of his own decisive 
 destiny. A man's surroundings may blight his highest 
 hopes, wither his innate ambitions ; and rob him of the 
 last vestige of his noble manhood ; or, they may be 
 made subservient to his best purposes, and grandest 
 achievements in life. They may become stepping-stones, 
 upon which, by the dent of his own manly exertion, he 
 rises to reach the lofty pinnacles of fame, fortune and 
 favor with God and man. Circumstances, apparently, 
 the most favorable, often, fail to lift young men, into 
 seats of usefulness ; while surroundings, thought to be 
 the most forbidding, frequently, elevate them to places 
 of honorable distinction. He, who wills to be good and 
 great, can always find a way, to carve out, for himself, 
 a grand, and glorious destiny. 
 
 Young men, certain lines of conduct lead, inevitably, 
 to success in life ; while others, just as surely, end in 
 failure. For instance, you may always depend upon 
 honesty, industry and economy to bring you a fortune ; 
 but you can never trust to trickery, chance or strategem 
 for, even, the necessaries of life. You should be honest, 
 from principle ; and you will find it the best policy, in the 
 end. It can never be true expediency, to sacrifice the 
 right to the wrong. Nothing is expedient, that is not 
 strictly legitimate. Expediency is the offspring of right 
 — the rule of rectitude, industry and economy. 
 
 Young men, keep out of debt. If possible, pay as 
 you go. If you find your business involving you, call a 
 halt. If you can not make the landing, safely, do not 
 begin to borrow money ; but stop at once. To dive 
 deeper, in debt, will only increase your difficulties, in the 
 
I64 UTILIZE THE FUTURE. 
 
 near future. Indebtedness is a hard master to serve. 
 It is, indeed, a cruel, and tyrannical despot. The debtor 
 is often a slave to his creditor. His very life is, some- 
 times, in his hands. Nothing, that he has, can he call 
 his own. He labors ; but is not allowed to live, off of 
 the fruit of his own toil. He sacrifices his own, and his 
 family's comforts, to fill the coffers of another, and re- 
 ceives no thanks in return. You should be industrious ; 
 and use economy, in all things, if you would prosper, 
 and lay up something, in store, for after-life. Waste 
 nothing, and you shall never come to want. A failure, 
 anywhere along the line of life, may forfeit your fortune ; 
 unless, you take advantage of your mistakes. They 
 furnish, favorable, opportunities for improvement. It is 
 futile, to look, longingly, to the past, and grieve over 
 your follies. The future is, still, before you. Utilize it, 
 as it passes by, on tireless wings ; for it, too, will soon 
 be gone. Be prompt in business. This will insure 
 confidence, and lead to success. You can not afford 
 to be negligent, or indifferent, in the, smallest, affairs 
 of life. 
 
 Decision is an important trait of character. It is the 
 presiding judge, over every personal court. It is the 
 chancellor, who settles all questions of personal doubt ; 
 and maintains order, and decorum in the mental " sanc- 
 tum sanctorum." Decision receives, and bestows in- 
 numerable, and inestimable favors. Without it, we would 
 starve, with our coffers full of gold. We would perish, 
 without it, while life is offered, without money, and with- 
 out price. Indecision is man's disparaging adversary. 
 It weakens his purposes, and wastes his time ; loses 
 opportunities, and accomplishes nothing. It is an 
 
ACTIVITY. 165 
 
 enemy, to his best interests. Then, decide, promptly, 
 the questions of life. Promptness places us on time, to 
 grasp every opportunity, that presents itself. A lost 
 opportunity is a worthless thing. Decision, energy and 
 dispatch make the world move. The man, who pos- 
 sesses them, will make his mark among men ; no matter 
 what his calling, or environments may chance to be. 
 
 Activity is an, essential, element to success. The 
 arduous duties of life demand the orderly, and earnest 
 exercise of all our latent energies. Order; and earnest- 
 ness mean efficiency in action ; and inevitably lead to 
 success in life. Work for wealth ; and wait for results. 
 Never grow impatient. Plant, and plow, and trust the 
 Giver of all good, for the increase. Remember, God 
 has his century-plants ; and they will bud, and blossom 
 at his bidding. He, often, holds, the best laid schemes 
 of men, in check for a time, that his own divine hand 
 may be, the more fully, recognized, in the bountiful 
 harvest that follows. 
 
 Industry is another essential to success. Young men, 
 be industrious, if you would obtain wealth. The lazy 
 man's gold is in the rainbow ; his silver is in the moon, 
 and his mansions are, all, castles in the air. His hopes 
 take wings and fly ; his resolutions run away, and his 
 expectations die. Laziness never did have any luck, 
 except that of the loafer, or the lounger. Luck, and labor 
 are antipodes. They have no affinity, for each other. 
 Luck is a lazy, lying loafer, lounging around, waiting for 
 a legacy, he has never merited. Labor is a lovely lad, 
 who lays the heaviest loads upon his broad shoulders ; 
 and his industry leads to leisure, and luxury in after 
 years. Luck looks to chance, and is sorely disappointed; 
 
l66 HONOR AND VIRTUE. 
 
 while labor leans on character, and realizes his most 
 sanguine expectations. 
 
 Honor is an, essential, element in manhood. He, 
 who possesses it, bears about, in his soul, a priceless 
 jewel. His faults, and follies are few, and far between. 
 Honor is founded upon principle ; not upon personal in- 
 terest, and is the outgrowth of virtue, rather than the 
 offspring of vice. Virtue, and honor were Roman 
 gods ; and the temple of honor could only be reached, 
 through the temple of virtue. A high sense of honor 
 is an, unmistakable, evidence of genuine manhood. 
 But, if not virtuous, then never proclaim yourself an 
 honorable man ; for honor is anchored to virtue. You 
 must be virtuous, if you would be honorable. A noble, 
 virtuous life is the beau-ideal of the truest, purest and 
 most honorable manhood. In such a life is found a 
 loving, loyal heart, that ever beats true to its solemn 
 vows. 
 
 Young man, bend every energy of your being, in car- 
 rying out your honest convictions. Get in the line of 
 work, for which you are naturally fitted; and then, let 
 the heavens fall rather than leave it. Be diligent, and 
 you will be delighted in your life-pursuit. But, you 
 should not be buried in business. A part of your time, 
 and talents belong to the Lord. Do not overestimate 
 wealth. It is not the most valuable thing you can pos- 
 sess. It confers neither peace of mind, nor purity of 
 heart. Do not overestimate your own ability; and 
 never take, to yourself, the honor belonging to another. 
 Be not over ambitious, or avaricious ; for either will stint 
 your soul, and sap the substance from your manhood. 
 Do not galvanize your actions ; or whitewash your works. 
 
NASTY NOVELS. 1 67 
 
 If they are pure gold, their value will be reduced ; and, 
 if counterfeit, they will be valueless still. Be not egotist- 
 ical. Egotists are too ignorant, to know their own lit- 
 tleness. Be cheerful, through life. You are not the 
 denison, of a dark dungeon. The dignity, and destiny 
 of your manhood may meet the divine approbation. 
 God gives you the sunlight of life; and you ought to 
 be happy. The charm of cheerfulness is, to a change- 
 less character, what the motionless moonbeams are to 
 the peaceful waters, of the placid sea. 
 
 Young men, read neither novel, skeptical nor infidel 
 literature. It will only inflate your heads, and poison 
 your hearts. It can make you, neither wiser nor better ; 
 but may blight your lives, and damn your souls. Shun 
 these little, yellow-backed novels, as you would the 
 poisonous tarantula, or the deadly adder. They will 
 soon sap the mental manhood, from your heads ; the 
 moral, from your hearts, and leave you worthless wrecks, 
 wedded to dime novel reading. Most novels, like many 
 Sunday papers, are not censors of public morals ; but 
 caterers to the perverted taste of the public. These 
 nasty, naked novels ; and this obscene, and obnoxious 
 literature, the vile productions of skepticism and infidel- 
 ity, like so many lewd, and licentious devils, are to be 
 seen floating, leisurely along down the sin-polluted 
 stream of time, toward the yawning gulf of perdition, 
 with their millions of devotees. Read, only, such books 
 as will have a tendency to develop the mental, elevate 
 the moral and enrich the spiritual faculties of your im- 
 mortal souls. A man may make his own fortune, or 
 mold his own future. He may account his life a fact, 
 or a fiction. He may see more in the fables of Esop, 
 
168 THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC. 
 
 than he does in the feasts of the Gospel. But, God's 
 laws are, both, inviolate and immutable ; and he, who 
 aspires to the highest type of manhood, must keep his 
 commandments, and walk in his precepts. 
 
 Young men, be temperate in all things, and at all 
 times, if you would develop the highest type of phys- 
 ical, mental and moral manhood. For, perfect man- 
 hood forbids excess in any thing, at any time. Nervous 
 power is absolutely essential to all bodily functions ; 
 and, if wasted on one or more, it must, of necessity, be 
 deficient in all others. Do not indulge, even moder- 
 ately, in the use of strong drink. With all the restric- 
 tions which are thrown around the liquor traffic, in our 
 country, it is the great evil of the day. It is the deadly 
 Upas-tree of the world, that is throwing its withering, 
 blasting, blackening, damning shadows over all the na- 
 tions of the earth. Give free license to the liquor traffic, 
 and it would soon drench, and doom, and damn our en- 
 tire race. Young men, rally around the Prohibition 
 standard, where, alone, there is safety for yourselves, 
 and others ; and spare, oh spare ! your beloved country 
 the shame, and disgrace of strong drink, coming gen- 
 erations the evils, and infamy of being the offsprings of 
 a nation of drunkards and heaven itself the melting 
 tears of blasted hopes. 
 
 All men exert, more or less, influence upon their fel- 
 lows. Silent influences, are, often, most potent. The 
 wordiest people are not always the wisest. A world 
 of wisdom lies, beyond the world of words. The sage, 
 often, means more than he says. The stillest waters 
 are found, in the depth of the sea. The burdens of 
 the heaviest hearts are borne in silence. The deepest 
 
INFLUENCE. 169 
 
 love flows slowest, but longest. Silent lips are some- 
 times most impressive. The purest joys are the under 
 currents. Kindness, and contentment are the soft, si- 
 lent showers, which refresh, and invigorate the growing 
 soul of generous manhood. 
 
 Every man exerts an influence, for weal or woe, upon 
 some one else. We are all touching our associates, on 
 every side of life. And we may be helping to shape 
 the characters, and fix the destiny of some, who are 
 entire strangers to us. A man's plans, and purposes 
 may all revolve around himself, as a common center ; 
 and yet, within and without their orbits, will appear con- 
 centric circles, enclosing other agents, and effecting 
 other interests. His influence may be as silent, as the 
 sunshine ; but, that will not make it the less salient. 
 It may be unconsciously exerted ; but, that will not 
 render it the less potential. We are all surely, though 
 it may be silently, saturating the very atmosphere, 
 around us, with the secret, and subtile influences of 
 our lives. 
 
 Young man, be social. Society has claims, upon you, 
 which should force you to enter her circles, and help to 
 wield her golden scepter, for good, over all classes, and 
 conditions of the human family. The very best young 
 men should take the lead in society, shrinking from 
 naught, but bad morals. Pay society your just dues ; 
 and you will be amply rewarded, for all your sacrifices. 
 Do not demand social recognition, until you have 
 placed society under some obligations to you. Scorn 
 to be a beneficiary, where you have conferred no favors. 
 But, let the society, you enter, be free from vulgarities. 
 Let it be pure and potent, seeking to elevate and refine, 
 14 
 
I70 MODESTY THE MAIN-SPRING. 
 
 rather than to pet and to pamper. Let it feast its 
 guests, on the rarest, social dainties, rather than fill 
 them, with the choicest culinary viands. If you would 
 be a potential element, then be social ; but, if you want 
 to be a powerless factor; just exclude yourself from so- 
 ciety — be a helpless hermit. 
 
 Simplicity is a crowning grace in the manners, and 
 movements of cultured young gentlemen. The aspiring 
 young man can neither afford to be foolish nor foppish, 
 in the display of his mannerisms. The exterior acts, 
 and artifices, of the true and trustworthy gentleman, 
 are but fair exponents of his inner, and artless life. 
 
 Young men, be modest. Modesty is the main-spring 
 of a manly character. It gives evidence of motive, 
 and manliness in our conduct. Manhood's manliest 
 mien is molded, in modesty, and clothed with mercy. 
 You would do well to adorn your characters, with all 
 the gentler graces of cultured refinement; for along 
 with the stronger, nobler, grander graces, they are in- 
 dispensable to the highest, and purest type of modern 
 manhood. 
 
 Gentleness makes a great man greater, and a strong 
 man stronger. Subdued strength, always, embodies an 
 additional element of power. There is a reserve force 
 in it, that gives confidence, and insures success. Se- 
 renity of soul is the outgrowth oi severe discipline — 
 the offspring of self-control — and not, as many suppose, 
 a constitutional characteristic. Any one may become 
 gentle, in manners, and lovely, in life, under proper self- 
 restraint, and continued discipline. But, in the develop- 
 ment of the highest order of manhood, every talent 
 must be well cared for, and every grace properly cult- 
 
GALLANTRY. 1 7 I 
 
 ured. Natural ability may grovel in the dust ; but 
 cultivated genius will revel among the stars, and com- 
 mune with the angels. 
 
 Young men, be gallant. Your sex is naturally more 
 given to gallantry, however, than to generosity or judg- 
 ment. Remember, these make a good mixture ; and 
 this mixture makes a marvelous man. But, where men 
 are wanting, in any of these essentials to true manhood, 
 we ought to be generous enough to attribute it to 
 empty heads, rather than to evil hearts. 
 
 Young men, be brothers to your sisters. Give them 
 your first, and best thoughts. Show them that atten- 
 tion, and courtesy that you do your sweethearts. Let 
 the interest, you manifest in their welfare, be the 
 measure of your affection for them. If a sister is just 
 entering the social circle, see that her associates are 
 gentlemen, of pure minds and perfect morals. Consti- 
 tute yourself the custodian of her good name ; and 
 shield her from the temptations, of the vulgar and the 
 vile, who are attempting to counterfeit virtue, in their 
 social lives. Always, enter into their enjoyments, as far 
 as possible ; afford them the assistance of your judg- 
 ments, in all matters of interest, and accompany them, 
 on all public occasions, unless they have suitable escorts. 
 These little acts of courtesy, to your sisters, constitute 
 the poetry of life. Their memories will tune your 
 hearts, in after days, to heavenly harmonies. Such 
 manly conduct, toward your sisters, is calculated to 
 quicken your throbbing hearts, and unseal the deepest 
 fountains of their latent love. 
 
 Young men, seek the society of your sisters. Court 
 their friendship and confidence. Spend a great deal of 
 
172 GAIN, IN GOLD. 
 
 your leisure time, in their presence. These associations 
 will be two-fold, in their effects. While your presence, 
 as guards and guides, shield, and protect them from 
 the wicked, and wayward of your sex, their influences, 
 over you, will be constantly reforming, and refining your 
 characters, and introducing you to the best society of 
 their sex. The society of pure sisters, always, tends 
 to make virtue more lovely, and vice more loathsome, 
 in the eyes of truly devoted brothers. Many of our 
 purest, and most perfect men owe their escape from the 
 temptations, incident to young manhood-life, to the af- 
 fectionate companionship of their pious, and devoted 
 sisters. 
 
 Young men, be virtuous, if you would be great and 
 good. You owe as much to your female associates. 
 Your own personal interests demand a virtuous life. 
 Virtue may be far below par, in the estimation of the 
 vulgar and the vile, who would lower the standard of 
 morality, to a level with their own vicious, and depraved 
 natures : but, a strict adherence to its precious princi- 
 ples must, ever, command the highest encomiums of 
 praise, from the good, and the great of earth. 
 
 A misuse of this world makes men miserable, both 
 here and hereafter. Gain, in gold, does not, neces- 
 sarily, give joy, and gladness to the soul. Happiness is 
 a coy maid ; whom, you must not appear to woo, if you 
 would be sure to win. She ever eludes the grasp, of 
 her flattering pursuer. She will not be wooed, for her 
 wealth ; nor won, for her own worth. She will consent 
 to be yours, only, at wisdom's shrine, where all is laid 
 upon the altar of duty. She will become your bride, 
 only, when you use wisely th,e good things of this world, 
 
CHARITABLE CHARACTERS. 173 
 
 in preparation for the world beyond. Then, if you 
 would be, comparatively, happy here ; and, supremely, 
 happy hereafter, cultivate, assiduously, all the Gospel 
 graces. Let the grand principles of sincerity, integrity 
 and fidelity shine out, in your lives ; and shun, as you 
 would the worst of enemies, deception, duplicity and 
 infidelity. 
 
 Be charitable, young men. Be not merely passive ; 
 but, also positive characters. Give, as well as receive, 
 blessings. To be good is noble ; to get better is nobler ; 
 but, to do our very best, in the battles of life, is the 
 noblest thing of all. Let us do all the good we possibly 
 can. Charity's deeds often double, in their doing-; and 
 when they do, the larger share, always, comes back, to 
 bless the doer. In fact, there are two blessings, in each 
 gift of charity ; and the greater is for the donor, if given 
 in the proper spirit. He receives the largest blessings, 
 who most liberally bestows blessings, upon others. He 
 finds most solid comfort, who, most willingly, comforts 
 those around him. He experiences the sweetest joys, 
 who, constantly, brings joy to the hearts of others. 
 And, he is happiest of all, who never loses an opportu- 
 nity to make others happy. 
 
 Remember, young men, that the pathways of others, 
 though not parallel with your own, are not the less 
 rugged ; that their tasks, though lighter than yours, are 
 not the less laborious to them. Such reflections are 
 well calculated to increase your patience, lighten your 
 loads and double your charity, for other people. In 
 fact, the more a man mingles, among his fellows, the 
 more cosmopolitan he becomes. He is the more dis- 
 posed to show a kind regard for the rights of others. 
 
174 A man's love. 
 
 Charity adopts a much more comprehensive creed, and 
 a more concise code of morals, than is to be found else- 
 where. She grants the greatest liberty, without license ; 
 but demands equity, at the expense of justice. Charity 
 has a large heart, and a liberal soul. 
 
 Man is, naturally, an affectionate being. He may not 
 love so tenderly, and devotedly as woman : but, his af- 
 fections are certainly not less intense or vigorous. A 
 man's love, for a woman, is simply unconquerable. He 
 will ride, recklessly, upon the billowy bosom of the 
 mighty deep ; climb, fearlessly, the rugged mountains ol 
 ice ; traverse, heedlessly, trackless forests ; cross, cheer- 
 fully, burning deserts, and, bravely, face danger, disease 
 and death, that he may share her love, and comfort her 
 life. Young men, prove faithful in your love affairs : for, 
 nothing lingers longer, or lies heavier, on the human 
 heart, than a load of lost love. 
 
 Young men, get married. It is not good for a man, 
 to live alone. 
 
 The bachelor's life is one of strife, 
 
 Anger, tumult and toil ; 
 And, hard is the way of those, who say, 
 
 " We'll not give our gold for a smile." 
 
 But, happy the man who, if he can, 
 
 A loving wife provides ; 
 And, in this way, the toil of the day, 
 
 And the labor of life divides. 
 
 Think, dreary bachelor, when all alone, 
 
 How changed your lot might be ; 
 If you'd but essay, to let in a ray, 
 
 That would cause wan darkness to flee. 
 
 
THE BACHELOR'S LIFE. 1 75 
 
 Now, just relent, you'll never repent 
 
 The act, that sets you free ; 
 For, with love inlaid, the hands of a maid 
 
 Golden floods will lavish on thee. 
 
 He is but half a man, at best, who has no wife to share 
 his joys, divide his sorrows and throw sunshine, with 
 her love, into the darkest scenes of his life. Young 
 men, marry early : for the best years of your love will 
 be, the years of your youth. Gain the love of a good 
 woman ; and retain it through life, and you will add, to 
 your own moral force, a power that will be felt, for 
 good, wherever you go. Bachelors seldom, if ever, 
 make a success of life. They live, with no one to love 
 them, and die, with none to lament their loss. And men, 
 who have bad wives, are almost sure to prove failures. 
 A man can easily make the mistake of his life, in select- 
 ing a companion. So, choose wisely, if you would 
 choose well, the wife of your youth and years. 
 
 Young men, by all means, accept Christ, as your 
 personal Saviour. Your highest interests demand as 
 much. A man's final rejection, or acceptance of Christ 
 forecasts the verdict of life or death. In this sense, he 
 writes his own sentence, for the final judgment; and 
 thus becomes the arbiter, of his own eternal destiny. 
 The trouble is this, men add reason, to reason, still re- 
 jecting Christ ; while women, simply, believe and are 
 saved. Christianity is a, common-sense, system of 
 moral ethics. It does not require a philosophic mind, to 
 solve its practical problems, or master its spiritual 
 lessons. Its principles become peerless ; and its precepts 
 priceless, when accepted, by faith, to the savage as well 
 
I76 A LIVING, LOVING SAVIOUR. 
 
 as to the sage. Young man, your future weal, or woe 
 hangs pivoted, on the decision of a moment. Happi- 
 ness here, and heaven hereafter, if you decide for 
 Christ : or revelry now, and ruin eternally, if you reject 
 him, to the end of life. 
 
 The Christ, who comes to save you, comes as a living, 
 loving Saviour, human in sympathy, but divine in power, 
 to lift all the burdens of sin, and sorrow from your 
 aching hearts, and set your souls at perfect liberty in 
 his love. The religion, he tenders you, is a divine re- 
 ality. It is something that can be felt, in the hearts, and 
 seen, in the lives of his followers. The possessor can 
 truthfully say, "I know in whom I have believed;" and, 
 the observer can see the brightest evidences of faith, in 
 such a soul, as clearly as the sunshine can be seen, 
 mirrored on the face of the crystal waters, beneath, or 
 above him. But, the most brilliant career, of sin, will 
 inevitably end, sooner or later, in shame and disgrace ; 
 while the pathway, of the just, shineth brighter, and 
 brighter, even unto the perfect day. 
 
 A man should not receive truth enough to save his 
 soul, ten times over ; and still live in sin. He should 
 not give the assent of his mind, to the truths of the 
 Gospel ; and, then, withhold the acknowledgment of 
 his heart. He should not hold the truth, in unrighteous- 
 ness, but in holiness. Such men approve of the way of 
 life ; but continue to travel the road, that leads to death. 
 Their own consciences condemn their actions ; and they 
 will be forced to say amen, to their own condemnation. 
 The seed of Gospel truth, lodged in the mind of man, 
 wants to be quickened, by the warmth of the Spirit ; and 
 moistened, with the dews of divine grace, if it ever 
 
A FOUR-FOLD REVELATION. I jy 
 
 germinates, springs up and bears fruit, to the salvation 
 of the soul, and the glory of God. 
 
 God's revelation, to man, is four-fold, in its mode of 
 communication. The spirit breathed into him, at his 
 creation ; the unfoldings of human history ; the teach- 
 ings of nature, and the gift of the Bible constitute a full, 
 and perfect revelation, which leaves our race without 
 excuse, if they reject the Christ of the Gospels. But, 
 if men would, only, heed the admonitions of their hearts, 
 and the overtures of heaven, they would all accept 
 Christ, and be saved. The law of conscience is funda- 
 mental. It underlies all other laws. Without it, the 
 execution of statutory law would be impossible ; and 
 constitutional law would be a dead letter. The heart is 
 a judgment hall, where the conscience arraigns its 
 subjects, and forces them to hear evidence, for and 
 against their conduct, as it chances to prove good or 
 bad. And from its just, and righteous verdict there can 
 be no appeal. 
 
 Young men, you ought to love God supremely. The 
 gift of his Son voices the love of the Father to the 
 world. This love shines, like the light of life, to all 
 men ; for, it is the union of all the heavenly graces, in 
 one divine element. This element of love, as a great 
 religious principle, is the very essence of our holy 
 religion ; the parent of all its graces, and the citadel of 
 its strength and glory. When this love is deeply seated, 
 in our hearts, its fruits are, always, manifold in our lives. 
 It reveals a warm welcome, to every heart ; and sends a 
 flood, of light and joy, into every home it enters. It 
 gives, in the same grateful spirit, that it receives. It is 
 the hope of human hearts, and the life of longing souls. 
 
1 7 8 
 
 THE HEAVEN OF HEAVENS. 
 
 To the consecrated Christian, love is the normal condi- 
 tion of life. He ever lives in an element, and breathes 
 the atmosphere of love. He grows, with its growth, 
 and matures, with its maturity. His life is perfected by 
 love. 
 
 When we contemplate Jehovah, as our just Judge ; 
 and the avenger of all sin, we can but fear, and fall be- 
 fore him, crying for mercy: but, only, let us see him, 
 once, as our heavenly Father, and our fearful forebodings 
 are banished forever ; and, in our hearts, are kindled 
 the sunlight of heavenly hopes. He walks wisely, who 
 is guided by God's law, and guarded by his love. Such 
 a man deals fairly, and faithfully with his Maker. He 
 makes equitable returns, and annual settlements with 
 the Lord, as a wise Stewart. He is religiously just, lest 
 he should be found guilty of gross embezzlement, in the 
 day of final accounts. In his love and devotion, to God 
 and man, he rears a monument to his manhood, lasting 
 as eternity, and high as the Heaven of heavens. 
 
 u 
 
MOTHERHOOD, 
 
MOTHER-HOOD. 
 
 Chapter VII. 
 
 77*,? mother, with maternal devotion, 
 
 Has a love, as deep as the depth of the ocean. 
 
 OTHER-HOOD is life lost in love. 
 It is life in its fruitage. It is life 
 multiplied. Maternity brings, with 
 it, a joy of the sweetest, a love of 
 the purest, and a care of the ten- 
 derest type, known to the human 
 heart. Mother-hood carries, with 
 it, a sacredness peculiarly its own. 
 The happy mother smiles, in calm 
 contentment, upon the tiny infant, which lies cradled in 
 her maternal arms. 
 
 Mother-hood is the child's ideal heart-home, where 
 virtue dwells, the graces reign and love-flowers bloom, 
 and blossom the whole year round. It is the conse- 
 crated altar, upon which noble sons, and devoted daugh- 
 ters, daily, place their peace-offerings of love and de- 
 votion. The mother sways the empire of young hearts ; 
 and guides the crafts of young lives. Her mission is 
 one of love and mercy. She, who rocks the cradle, 
 
l80 THE WORD, MOTHER. 
 
 helps to rule the world. The mother's heart should be 
 a sacred refuge for her beloved boy, from all the snares 
 of life; for, that same heart is the holy sanctum for her 
 darling daughter, who is ever shielded by its love and 
 watch-care. 
 
 Mother-hood sits on the throne, at the fountain-head 
 of life ; and presides over the first years of our exist- 
 ence. The world is cradled in maternal arms. The 
 race is matured on the maternal bosom. The mother 
 holds, in her hands, the secret springs of influence, 
 which govern the nations. She molds the minds, which 
 move the world. 
 
 Around the word, mother, cluster many of the tender- 
 est, and most hallowed associations of life. Mother is, 
 and ever has been, a most sacred word, to the children 
 of men. It lies on the heart of childhood, like dew- 
 drops on the rose of summer, only to refresh and invigor- 
 ate. It lingers, in the memories of after years, to de- 
 velop, and sustain the virtues of its own planting, in 
 early life. It links the cradle to the crown, when age 
 stands, hopefully, on the brink of time, anticipating a 
 happy reunion, with sainted mothers, in the glory land. 
 We all love to think, of a mother's tender watch-care — 
 her long night vigils; and her marvelous, and match- 
 less love felt for us; for in this love, we find a full 
 fountain of life, that is truly refreshing, and invigorating 
 to our souls. All the glories of manhood, should bow, 
 in reverence, before the sacred memories of a sainted 
 mother's consecrated love. 
 
 The mother sustains one of the most responsible re- 
 lations to humanity, at large, known to Christian civili- 
 zation. Her influence, through her sons and daughters, 
 
THE CONSECRATED MOTHER. 151 
 
 soon tells, for weal or woe, upon the destinies of em- 
 pires. Her heart is the charming center — the fixed 
 focus of human affections. And, the last, and lowest 
 step taken, by a prodigal son, is the loss of love for 
 the devoted mother, whose heart, still, bleeds over his 
 worthlessness. The boy should never forget his moth- 
 er's love. A grateful son has a strong hold, upon the 
 maternal heart. He is the mother's pride, and promise 
 through life. He may be her first-born, the son of her 
 happier days. It may be his privilege; and should be 
 his pleasure, to provide for her, during the evening of 
 her earthly existence. But, oh ! how terrible the thought, 
 and how wretched the lives of those sons, who, by their 
 profligacy, have drained a mother's cup of happiness, 
 to its very dregs ; and so embittered her life, as to make 
 her long for death, to release her, from the shame, and 
 disgrace, which their sins have brought upon her. Mid- 
 night, sometimes, mantles the mother's soul, in the very 
 noon-tide of life ; and her, long cherished, hopes are, 
 forever, blighted and blasted, because of the fall of her 
 first-born son. The somber scenes, of sorrow, surround 
 her, on every side ; and her soul refuses to be com- 
 forted, because of his sinlul life, or shameful death. 
 
 The mother gives her infant, its existence. She re- 
 ceives it to her beating bosom, when it enters the 
 world. Her affections are, at once, entwined about her 
 darling babe. Under her gentle influence is molded, 
 its personal character. She superintends the develop- 
 ment, of its young life ; and the unfoldings of its im- 
 mortal mind. The consecrated mother, often, does the 
 important work, of her life, unseen, and unsung by the 
 world, save in the nobility of her sons, and the superior- 
 
l82 THE YOUNG MOTHER. 
 
 ity of her daughters. She is passed by, little heeded, 
 in the busy marts of life ; but, when she sleeps, beneath 
 the sod of the valley, these polished shafts will rise up, 
 to call her blessed ; and, then, the world will revere 
 the name, and honor the memory of the good mother. 
 
 There is no love like that of the young mother's, who 
 bows, in silent sympathy, over the suffering form, or 
 bends, in joy and gladness, over the sunny face, of her 
 first-born babe. The soft sunshine, of her maternal 
 love, seems to foreshadow the silvery stream of life, 
 down which the innocent infant shall float, to the shore- 
 less ocean of endless joys. Such a mother's fondest 
 hopes, often, lie cradled, in her maternal arms ; and 
 her most sacred moments are spent, in its behalf, at 
 the foot of the cross of Christ. 
 
 The young mother, watching tenderly over her dying 
 child, as its little life slowly, but surely ebbs away, or 
 plaintively mourning, over the new-made grave of her 
 first-born babe, is one of the saddest scenes, in the dark 
 catalogue of human woes. The silent shades, of death, 
 have mantled the cherub brow, of her innocent baby, 
 and the young mother mourns, with streaming eyes, and 
 a bleeding heart. Her sweetest memories were her 
 saddest mementos, of her darling babe. But, she will 
 soon realize, that she is but the richer, in hope, for hav- 
 ing loved, and lost an offspring. For, God will answer 
 her, oft-repeated, prayer; though it be in a way, she 
 did not anticipate. 
 
 " Oh ! keep, then, my darling, sent down from above, 
 'Neath the arms of thy mercy, the wings of thy love ; 
 So pure, in life, so meek, and so mild ; 
 May it ever be thus, with my beautiful child." 
 
15 
 
THE CHRISTIAN MOTHER TRAINING HER CHILD. 
 
 (See page 183.) 
 
CHRISTIAN MOTHER-HOOD. 1 83 
 
 The Christian mother, begins, early in life, to train 
 her children for heaven. She seeks, earnestly, a heav- 
 enly Father's assistance. She spares no pains, to gain 
 all the vantage ground possible, while their hearts are 
 young and tender. The health, and happiness of her 
 offspring is her daily care. The weal, or woe of their 
 future lives bears, heavily, upon her loving heart. She 
 teaches them, that the road, leading to the throne of 
 grace, lies open to all ; and, that the gate, to eternal 
 life, swings wide upon its golden hinges, at the slight- 
 est touch of the penitent's hand. 
 
 Christian mother-hood embodies in itself, and exerts, 
 sooner or later, even upon the more reckless sons and 
 daughters, a salvable influence. The wild, wayward boy 
 wanders far out, in the ways of a wicked world. He, 
 even, learns to scoff at religion. He grows hard, and 
 heavy in sin : but, at length, sickness overtakes him, and 
 sorrow comes in upon him, like a flood. His soul is 
 dark and desolate : then, like the vision of an angel, the 
 image of his sainted mother stands before him. Her 
 soft hand is laid, "once more, in love, upon his fevered 
 brow ; her tender voice falls, again, upon his listening 
 ears, and the precious memories, of yore, bring a flood 
 of tears to his weeping eyes. At last, a mother's pray- 
 ers are answered. For, her lost son has sought, and 
 found pardon from his mother's God. 
 
 But, equally powerful, for evil, is the example, and in- 
 fluence of a wicked, worldly-minded mother, over her 
 tender, confiding offspring. Such mothers lead their 
 children, into the broad, deep, rushing current of world- 
 liness, which empties into the bottomless abyss of eter- 
 nal woe. There are many cogent reasons, why moth- 
 
184 MATERNAL DUTIES. 
 
 ers should all be Christians. They are the fountain- 
 heads of the households, of our country. They ought 
 to be exemplary, and Christ-like, in all their lives. 
 Mothers must live religious lives ; if they would go to 
 heaven, and take .their children with them. Heaven 
 pity the home, with a Christless mother ! It is a lost 
 paradise ; or an earthly pandemonium. Mothers do 
 much to make, or mar the characters of their children. 
 
 The true mother is every thing, to her helpless, little 
 children. She shrinks from no duty ; is equal to every 
 emergency, and willingly becomes nurse, doctress, 
 teacher, companion and guardian to her tender offspring. 
 Most mothers are faithful, in the discharge of maternal 
 duties, along these lines of life. In fact, many of them 
 go far beyond what duty, or even the highest interests 
 of their children demand ; and become absolute slaves, 
 and drudges for boys, and girls, who ought to be light- 
 ening their heavy burdens, with helpful hands, and 
 cheering their aching hearts, with welcome words, rather 
 than lounging round the house, or loafing on the streets. 
 But, mothers are, often richly rewarded, for all their 
 fidelity and watch-care. For, every step taken, in after- 
 life, by the gallant son, or queenly daughter, which re- 
 flects honor upon the mother, sends a thrill of joy, 
 through the throbbing, maternal heart, that proves a 
 perfect feast to her soul. It is a right royal honor, to 
 be the noble mother of an illustrious son, or a fair, far- 
 famed daughter. Such a mother may well be proud of 
 her offspring. The best proofs, of her own royal worth, 
 are most readily seen, in the greatness, and grandeur 
 of her honored children. 
 
 But many mothers are faithful, in the discharge of 
 
THE BOY WILL BE WHAT HIS MOTHER MAKES HIM. 
 (See page 185.) 
 
THE CRADLE ROCKERS. 1 85 
 
 maternal duties, in proportion to the pleasure, which 
 they derive therefrom. While some are, wholly, incom- 
 petent, for these arduous duties. They absent them- 
 selves, entirely too much, from the home-circle. They 
 are ignorant, as to what their children eat, wear and 
 read, as well as to character of company they keep. 
 The result, often, is tainted purity, spoiled manners or 
 polluted souls ; and, hence, silly, saucy or sensual boys 
 and girls, who prove a nuisance to society, or a curse to 
 the world. 
 
 The history of the world proves, that the bane, or 
 benediction of nations rests, largely, in the hands of the 
 mothers of their rulers. For, her wise, and good kings, 
 the world is indebted to the gfood, and wise mothers : 
 but, for the wicked, and wayward rulers, to the wayward, 
 and wicked mothers, who gave them birth. Then, the 
 mothers of the land have much to do, with the peace, 
 and prosperity of any people. The cradle rockers have, 
 ever, been rocking the world. They have rocked it into 
 many, bloody, revolutions ; as well as through many, 
 glorious, reformations. And, they will continue to rock 
 the world, for weal or woe, till time shall be no more. 
 They ought to rock it in hope. They ought to rock it 
 for Jesus. They ought to rock it, roundly, for heaven. 
 Mothers, let all your cradle songs be but the sweetest 
 lullabies of love, and life to the world ; and it will soon 
 be won for Christ. The mothers, who are rocking the 
 future rulers of the world, rock, at the same time, the 
 destiny of future ages. 
 
 Mothers ought to be wise, and well-informed women. 
 The helpless, and dependent state of their children 
 gives them grand opportunities to mould their minds, 
 
1 86 MATERNAL DISCRETION. 
 
 and shape their destinies for good, if they are, only, 
 competent to the task. There is a great difference in 
 children. One child is naturally timid, and should be 
 encouraged to greater activity and assurance. Another 
 is full of energy ; and a little too much inclined to be 
 forward; and needs to be tamed down, and taught the 
 importance of good deportment. One requires a re- 
 ward ; the other demands discipline. The rod would be 
 ruinous, in one case ; but it is the, only, means of salva- 
 tion, in the other. Maternal discretion is, absolutely, 
 essential, to the successful government of children. 
 Mothers must be discreet ; and always on the alert, to 
 know just how to control their households well and 
 wisely. They must be well abreast with the times, to 
 meet the wants, and administer, successfully, the laws of 
 maternal love. It requires tact and talent, nerve and 
 energy, to properly develop, and successfully discipline 
 the opening faculties, of a growing family of promising 
 children. 
 
 The model mother is a crowned, and sceptered queen. 
 Her reign is unrivalled. Her empire, of influence, is 
 eternal. Her presence is a constant inspiration, to her 
 children, while she lives ; and her memory is most 
 sacred, when the beautiful flowers bloom, above her 
 sleeping dust. Her queenly graces are reproduced, in 
 the lovely characters of her cultured daughters ; and the 
 force, and fervor of her life finds its counterpart, in the 
 famous lives of her kingly sons. Her maternal love is 
 a magnetic power, which always attracts her child home- 
 ward and heavenward. Her loving smiles are the sun- 
 light, of its existence. She may die, during its infancy ; 
 yet, that love will live, and charm its heart, amid all the 
 
THE MODEL MOTHER. I 87 
 
 varied scenes of a long, eventful life. The child's vision, 
 of mother, let it be in fancy, or in fact, never fades from 
 the soul. The wayward wanderer, in all his journeyings, 
 never passes beyond the over-shadowing arch, of such a 
 mother's benign influence. Let him roam, through the 
 waving forests of the western wilds, sit down, amid the 
 silent glaciers of the distant north-land, or stand, upon 
 the gentle slopes of the sunny South, yet, ever and 
 anon, thoughts, of a mother's love, will steal softly into 
 his soul ; and, in the reveries of memory, he lives, over 
 and over again, the happy days of his childhood-life. 
 Now, he feels the warmth, of the maternal cheek, 
 against his own fair brow. A mother's fond kiss is im- 
 printed on his little, rosy lips. The tender embraces, of 
 her loving arms, draw him closer to her beating heart: 
 and all the hallowed associations, which environed child- 
 hood's happiest days, seem more sacred to him than 
 ever before. But, when he wakes from his reveries, to 
 realize that he has been dreaming of the past, the 
 dearest of all, to his aching heart, are the many precious 
 memories of a model mother's life and love. The esti- 
 mable character of this model mother, as a rule, per- 
 petuates itself, in the lives of her offspring. Her gentle 
 graces live in, and adorn the lives of her devoted 
 daughters, long after her consecrated head has been 
 pillowed, in the dust of death. 
 
 The mother's ministry is one of mercy. It should be 
 a most sacred one. She should shed rays of light, and 
 love all around her hearth-stone. Her daily ministra- 
 tions should be so many blessings, to all the hearts in 
 her happy home. Her home should, ever, be a house 
 of mercy. And realizing, in a measure at least, in her 
 
1 88 FOND MOTHERS. 
 
 maternal ministries, the merciful ideal of mother-hood, 
 she will certainly reap the rich harvest of her fondest 
 hopes. 
 
 Fond mothers make the saddest mistakes of their 
 lives, when they propose to sacrifice everything, for the 
 pleasure, and happiness of their daughters. They are 
 sure to rue the day, when they took upon themselves all 
 the hardships of domestic life ; and denied themselves 
 all the social, intellectual and religious privileges af- 
 forded them, that their daughters might appear to better 
 advantage, in the, so called, higher circles of society. 
 Such mothers soon become servants, if not slaves, to 
 silly, selfish, hateful and haughty misses, whose lady- 
 ships have lost all love, for their toil-worn, and self- 
 sacrificing mothers. This is not as it should be. The 
 mother should remain mistress, of her own house and 
 home. She should retain her position, as the lady of 
 the household, at all hazards ; and maintain her author- 
 ity, with becoming dignity ; and honor to the last. Then 
 she would be recognized by the daughter, in her true 
 light. She would doubtless be owned, and revered, as 
 her guardian angel, not merely from a domestic stand- 
 point, but more especially, in the social, literary and 
 religious circles of life. This would be far better, for 
 the mothers ; and infinitely better, for the daughters of 
 our land. 
 
 There is nothing comparable to a true mother's love, 
 for a prodigal son, or a disgraced daughter, except our 
 heavenly Father's love, for a lost, and ruined world. 
 There is, in this type of maternal love, a tenderness 
 truly pathetic ; and an endurance, that transcends all 
 other affections of the human heart. Selfishness can 
 
THE CHARM THAT ENCHANTS. 1 89 
 
 not chill, worthlessness can not weaken, neither can base 
 ingratitude stifle the affections of the, ever loving, ma- 
 ternal heart. The true mother will surrender every 
 pleasure, sacrifice every comfort, endure any hardship 
 and share the deepest disgrace, if need be, for the sake 
 of her dishonored son, or degraded daughter. The 
 father may disown, brothers and sisters may desert the 
 disgraced one, but the mother's love lives on, and lives 
 ever, hoping that her lost child will yet be reclaimed 
 and saved. She remembers the sweet innocent smiles 
 of infancy, the merry chants of childhood and the open- 
 ing promises of youth ; and it is impossible to convince 
 her, that her boy, or girl is wholly unworthy of her 
 maternal love and solicitude. 
 
 None but a mother's heart can sympathize with a 
 wayward, wandering boy : and none like a mother's love 
 can lead, or lure him back again, to the paths of peace 
 and safety. The devoted mother holds, in her gentle 
 hand, the mystic key, that unlocks the prodigal's hard, 
 and stony heart. She carries, in her bosom, the charm, 
 that enchants his seditious soul. She embodies, in her 
 life of love, the sequel of a better day, and a brighter 
 destiny, for her subdued son, than any one else ever an- 
 ticipated. None, except orphans, know the loss of 
 maternal affection. They live, to long for the love of a 
 sacred, sanctified, celestial mother-hood. 
 
 The devoted mother's love is majestic. It is sublimely 
 beautiful. It is heroically powerful. It never cowers, 
 nor wavers before any foe ; but grows stronger, where 
 man's love falters and fails ; and overall the wastes, and 
 wants of worldly fortunes, or misfortunes shines on, like 
 a radiant star from heaven. Such maternal love has 
 
I9O THE DEAR, DEVOTED MOTHER. 
 
 saved many a sinful son, from sin's deepest, and darkest 
 stains. Oh, how earnestly such a mother longs, and 
 labors for the rescue, of her prodigal boy ! Mighty 
 motives move the mother's heart, for her long lost son. 
 She yearns for his return. She besieges a throne of 
 grace, in his behalf. Such a mother wields a wonderful 
 influence, over such a son. His sober, good sense forces 
 him to yield obedience, to her maternal prowess ; and 
 her unfaltering faith binds him, firmly at length, to the 
 risen Christ of all her hopes. The love, we should bear 
 such a mother, should not be measured by the flight of 
 time, annihilated by distance, nor lost, when she sleeps 
 in the dusty bed of death. These sacred fires, of filial 
 affection, should burn on, and burn forever. 
 
 The dear, devoted mother is a queen, who will reign, 
 over the hearts of her obedient children, for evermore. 
 And, he is but a child again, though time has furrowed 
 his cheek and silvered his hair, who recalls, with soft- 
 ened heart and subdued spirit, the gentle chidings and 
 cherished devotions, of a mother's consecrated love. It 
 is the mother's province to develop the mind, and direct 
 the thoughts of her child, in all that is truly beautiful 
 and good. It is her's to impart the first little lessons of 
 life, to teach industry, honesty and virtue ; and to instill, 
 into its young life, all the graces necessary to the round- 
 ing out of a grand, symmetrical character. 
 
 The consecrated mother, often, loses sight of herself, 
 in the love she bears her offspring. She waits and 
 worships, at the shrine of maternal devotion. Around 
 love's altar, she breathes the purest, and most fervent 
 prayers of her life. At this consecrated shrine, she 
 gains renewed strength of body and spirit, whichenables 
 
THE CONSECRATED MOTHER. I9I 
 
 her, the more successfully, to prosecute her maternal 
 mission of love and mercy. And on love's altar, at 
 last, she lays her life, a willing sacrifice to the best in- 
 terests of the souls, and bodies of her much loved sons 
 and daughters. 
 
 Mothers are the first tutors of their offspring. They 
 shed, upon their opening minds, the first rays of mental 
 light. They teach them the earliest lessons, they learn 
 in life. To be a successful instructor, the mother must 
 live the lessons, she would have her children learn from 
 her lips. She must offer, in example, what she would 
 urge by precept. The sunlight of heaven will reveal 
 the sacred imprints, of such a mother's lessons, upon 
 the lives, and destinies of her children. It is the 
 mother's exhalted privilege, to instill, into the young, 
 and tender hearts of her children, lessons of life, which 
 time itself can not eradicate — lessons, which will lead 
 her daughters up to woman-hood, as bright ornaments in 
 society ; and her sons up to manhood, as models of 
 moral worth, and positive powers for good in the world. 
 
 The culture of their children is in the hands of 
 mothers. That their task be well, and faithfully per- 
 formed, they must possess a good degree of intelligence 
 and refinement. They should be well posted, and apt 
 to communicate. The finished characters of their chil- 
 dren depend, largely, upon the manner in which their 
 minds, and hearts are cultured, while wholly under ma- 
 ternal management. This culture must be comprehen- 
 sive, to prove efficient. A well cultured mind, suppli- 
 mented by a massive moral character, would make but a 
 poor impression upon the world, if imprisoned in the 
 weakness of a worthless body. Physical strength is just 
 
192 PERNICIOUS LITERATURE. 
 
 as essential, in the battle of life, as either mental, or 
 moral power. And, with all these powers well devel- 
 oped, a man is a mere pigmy, without spiritual culture. 
 Mothers, select, carefully, the literature your children 
 handle. Every thing they read will make impressions, 
 either for good or evil, upon their young minds. Some 
 thoughts will enter their very souls, to give shade, or 
 sunshine to their entire lives, and help to shape their 
 future destinies. Good thoughts will flow in upon them 
 like a sacred influence, purifying their young hearts ; 
 while evil thoughts will troop in upon them, like a 
 withering simoon, to blight, and blast all their hopes of 
 happiness and heaven. Thousands of boys, and girls 
 are growing up, to-day, into mercenary manhood, and 
 worthless woman-hood, the poisoned victims of perni- 
 cious literature. A single sentence may switch the soul 
 off of the right track. A motto may mould a life, for 
 weal or woe. Proverbs may prove more powerful than 
 potentates. And maxims may become mightier than 
 monarchs. But, in the better literature of to-day, we 
 have the golden thoughts of the wisest, and best 
 thinkers of all ages, borne to us in their most attractive 
 forms. Let the mothers cull these life-gems, from the 
 great storehouse of thought, for the perusal of their 
 sons and daughters. 
 
 Mothers are character-builders. This is a fact of fear- 
 ful, and fathomless import. You are constantly forming 
 characters, for time and eternity. It is your privilege, 
 to chisel forms of grace and beauty, out of the material, 
 which God has furnished you. Remember, the child's 
 character seldom rises above that of its mother's. This 
 is very natural. Hers is the fountain-head; and its is 
 
JOYS AND SORROWS. 1 93 
 
 the teeming rill. The mother, in her own life, is ex- 
 pected to outline her child's character, while its soul is 
 soft, and impressions are easily made, upon it for good. 
 She should be very careful, then, to use most skillfully, 
 at this period, the pencil of personal influence, in filling 
 up its life-chart, with all the essential elements of a 
 noble, and generous character. 
 
 Mothers have their joys and sorrows. The sunshine, 
 and shadows of life fall, overlapping each other, across 
 their checkered pathways. They, often, weep for joy ; 
 and, sometimes, rejoice in the scenes of their deepest 
 grief. But, maternal joys are largely secret, simply 
 because they can not be expressed. Words fail, to 
 paint the pictures perfectly. In fact, they give but dim 
 outlines of the realities. The joys, far, exceed the 
 means of communication. Like the joys of religion, 
 they can not be told; but are only the sweeter, and 
 better felt. Many of the mother's griefs are, also, sa- 
 cred. She keeps them locked up, securely, in her own 
 bosom. Her sorrows are, sometimes, mingled with the 
 shame of a son, or the disgrace of a daughter; and 
 she can not tell it. She will not unbosom the burden 
 of her beating, throbbing heart, to the gaze of a wicked 
 world, when it would bring to light the character, and 
 conduct of her dishonored offspring. 
 
 The crushed, and bleeding heart, of a dishonored 
 mother, must be the heaviest, and hardest of all burdens 
 to bear. This seems to be the darkest cloud, that ever 
 overshadows a mother's fair brow, or mantles her ma- 
 ternal soul, with the ebon hues of an endless night. 
 Such a season of sorrow, sometimes, shuts the sunshine 
 of hope out, of the mother's heart, forever. 
 
194 THE HOME CIRCLE. 
 
 But, sorrow, borne in patience, subsoils the soul ; and 
 brings to light its richest, and rarest blessings for hu- 
 manity. The better manifestations of the soul spring, 
 largely, from soil mellowed, and cultured by the plow- 
 share of grief. Most of our historic heroes have been, 
 but, the outgrowth of suffering. Even, our Saviour, the 
 Man of Sorrows, was made perfect through sufferings. 
 The very life, and inspiration of our American literature 
 are the legitimate offsprings of soul sorrow. We should 
 not be too ready, then, to hang our harps upon the 
 weeping willows. And, we should wait until we get into 
 a strange land, before we refuse to sing the cheerful, 
 soul-stirring songs of our beloved Zion. 
 
 The home, over which a loving mother presides, 
 ought to be the happiest place, on earth, to all her fam- 
 ily. It should be the center of attraction, to all its in- 
 mates. Purest affections ought to reign supreme, in 
 such a home circle, making the family associations the 
 most delightful this side of Paradise. Yea ! such a 
 home is the center of domestic felicity. It is the true 
 source of earthly pleasure — the fountain-head of a moth- 
 er's purest, deepest, and strongest tides of joy. Let 
 each member, of the family circle, be greeted, oft, with 
 expressions of tenderest affection. Let none be stran- 
 gers, to the sweetness of words of endearment and love. 
 Let the home be dedicated to truth and love. Let its 
 inmates be perfectly devoted, to all that is pure in 
 thought, tender in feeling, kind in word and generous, 
 and noble in action. And children, blessed with such 
 a home, when they grow up, will leave the parental 
 roof, with deepest regrets, to return, often, in after 
 years, as pilgrims to their holiest shrine. 
 
NEW LOVES AND LABORS. 1 95 
 
 But no one, save a mother, knows just what it costs 
 to see her sons, and daughters marry off, and leave the 
 old homestead. For she, only, must constantly look 
 upon the vacant seats, made so by the long absence 
 of her loved ones. To her heart, alone, it is the next 
 thing to a final separation on earth. Then, children, 
 when you leave the parental home, for one of your own, 
 do not let new loves, and labors wean you off, too sud- 
 denly, from parental hearts, which will feel so keenly 
 your absence, and, even, more keenly, it may be, your 
 long silence. Remember, they have no new objects of 
 love, like yourselves, to take the place of the old ones ; 
 but still look, and long for the lost love, of their absent 
 boys and girls. If near, visit them often. If distant, 
 write to them frequently. They will always enjoy your 
 visits, be they ever so short; and, they will ever appre- 
 ciate your kind letters, if they but contain the welcome 
 salutation, "Dear Parents ;" give the health of the fam- 
 ily, and close, with the sweet assurance of your filial 
 affection. But, these little manifestations of love, on 
 your part, will not only gladden parental hearts, by fur- 
 nishing food for parental souls, while father, and mother 
 linger in the old homestead ; but, by and by, the sacred 
 memories, of such devotion, will water your own hearts, 
 and sweeten your own lives, when pilgrimages to the 
 parental home shall have ceased ; and you journey on 
 through life, with but the fond recollections of mater- 
 nal love and paternal care, all repaid, by your acts of 
 filial devotion, while they lived. 
 
 The fond mother is the light, of every truly happy 
 
 home. Without her presence and love, there can be no 
 
 real home, for the child's heart. She is the home's 
 16 
 
I96 THE ROYAL REGULATOR. 
 
 central figure — its mainspring of action — the royal reg- 
 ulator, around which all its wheels of love revolve, in 
 happy harmony, day and night, year after year. Every 
 well regulated maternal home is a moral vineyard — a 
 garden of virtue — a religious nursery ; where the faithful 
 mother prunes off the errors, weeds out the vices and 
 nourishes, and cherishes each and every vine, and flower 
 of her own maternal planting. She recognizes the fact, 
 that immortal souls have been entrusted to her care for 
 keeping and culture. She knows, that, in the persons 
 of her offspring, private worth, and public influence 
 should go forth, from her sacred home, to assist in 
 blessing, and saving the world. Around the sacred 
 altar, of such a home as this, cling many of the sweet- 
 est, and dearest memories of childhood-life. 
 
 A truly happy home is a little heaven on earth. It is 
 an empire of love ; and the devoted mother is its royal 
 queen. It is her province to make home-life so happy, 
 and harmonious, that her children will not think of seek- 
 ing enjoyment elsewhere. She knows, exactly, how to 
 treat, and train them so that the most trivial events, in 
 home-life, will contribute to their health and happiness. 
 Her heart of love is a great storehouse, to which help- 
 less infancy, and happy childhood learn to look for every 
 needed blessing of life. Oh ! what is a home, without 
 a mother? 
 
 The harmonies of home-life are, largely, in the 
 mother's hands. The happiness, of the entire family, 
 depends, mainly, upon her character and conduct. The 
 mother can leave no richer legacy, to the lambs of her 
 fold, than the ever fragrant, and life-long memories of a 
 happy, and harmonious childhood, spent under the over- 
 
AN IDEAL HOME. 1 97 
 
 shadowing wings of maternal love. The sweet, and 
 sacred memories, of such home-life harmonies, touch, in 
 after-life, every vibrating chord of the human heart, as 
 with the soft, and silent fingers of an angel from heaven. 
 And naught but death can break the magic spell of the 
 soul, saved by its sanctified influences. 
 
 In an ideal home, maternal love must be the chief 
 dictator. In fact, all hearts must be brim full of love; 
 and all lives overflowing with smiles of joy and glad- 
 ness. Kindest words, like loveliest flowers, full of 
 freshness and fragrance, must fall from loving lips, to 
 make glad hearts and happy homes. But, best of all, 
 these hallowed home-influences perpetuate themselves, 
 from generation to generation. The sweet spirit, and 
 gentle graces of the model mother, often, live again, to 
 bless other ideal homes, in the lives of her devoted 
 daughters, long after her life-work has ended. Yes, 
 clouds of sorrow finally over-hang the happiest homes ; 
 and the sunshine of maternal love is, at last, shut out of 
 the happiest hearts ; for our mothers can not stay with 
 us always. They have a happier home in the skies, 
 where sorrows never come. 
 
 It is the prerogative of mothers, to govern their chil- 
 dren, especially, while they are young. They can not 
 afford to fail, to exercise proper control over them, while 
 under their care. To do so is to bring constant annoy- 
 ance to the maternal heart ; and also to ruin the child, 
 perchance for life. Children should never be governed 
 by fear, or force alone. These should always be 
 seasoned with sympathy and love. If mothers would 
 have their children honor them, when they are grown, 
 they must make them respect them, while they are 
 
I98 THE CHILD'S AFFECTION. 
 
 young. Make your children obey you. Disobedience 
 tends to dishonor, on the one hand, and to disgrace, on 
 the other. Their own good, and your happiness de- 
 mand filial obedience. 
 
 The child's affections should beelectrified — sur-charged 
 — with the sweetest spirit of filial tenderness and obedi- 
 ence. The purest love, and the deepest reverence, for 
 the mother, should pervade the whole heart, and pene- 
 trate the entire being, of those for whom she lives and 
 labors. Each hour should bring, to the mother's anxious, 
 aching heart, some rich token of gratitude, from those 
 to whom she gives her life and her love. Every patient 
 watch-care, every heaving sigh, every longing solicitude, 
 born of maternal anxiety, should meet the most cordial 
 response in the hearts of all obedient and loving chil- 
 dren. The mother's matchless, and undying love should 
 be repaid, in every possible way, by an affectionate, and 
 faithful offspring. For the saddest, and sorest trials of 
 life are those, which assail the maternal heart ; and 
 leave it pierced and bleeding, by the arrows of filial 
 ingratitude. 
 
 There is a tender chord of love existing, between the 
 fond mother and affectionate daughter, that naught, but 
 death, can ever sever. Their loving hearts, always, beat 
 in unison with each other. They are contented ; they 
 are more ; they are happy in each others society. This 
 devoted daughter is the pride of the family. She is re- 
 garded, as a sort of priveleged character. Yet, much 
 is expected of her, in the daily rounds of domestic life. 
 She is to second her mother, at least, as house-keeper; 
 and act as hostess, ordinarily, for the entire household. 
 These facts should secure, for her, a liberal education, 
 
THE MOTHER AND DAUGHTER. 1 99 
 
 with plenty of good books, and other means, of making 
 herself entertaining and attractive. 
 
 Mothers, rear your daughters, first, with reference to 
 the practical duties of life. Train them, with some 
 great, and good end in view. Teach them to live, for a 
 great mission, and a grand destiny ; and the world will 
 be richer, in all that embellishes chaste society, and en- 
 nobles Christian civilization, because of their lovely 
 lives. Remember, culture is manifold, in its parts and 
 powers. ^Esthetic, social, mental, moral and spiritual 
 culture are all potential ; and are very important factors, 
 in every well developed character. A highly cultured 
 character, always, gives a woman position, and power in 
 the world. 
 
 Mothers, your daughters will, likely, love to talk. Do 
 not worry over this very natural proclivity. They, 
 doubtless, came by it honestly. Just teach them how to 
 talk, and what to talk about ; and let them talk, as long 
 as they enjoy it. It is perfectly charming, to listen to a 
 little miss converse, if her conversational powers show 
 signs of cultured development. We seldom, if ever, 
 tire of such music, as the sweet intonations of her soft, 
 silvery voice mingle with the pure, and lofty sentiments 
 of her serene, but sensitive soul. 
 
 Mothers, do not put your daughters on the market, 
 before they are fully grown. Do not allow them, to 
 make haste to be women. Give the rose-bud plenty of 
 time to bloom, if you would enjoy its richest fragrance. 
 Wait for the full development, of the first elements of 
 woman-hood, if you would see your daughters honored 
 among women. Remember, that an energetic, thorough- 
 going girl is of priceless value, in any home : but, that 
 
200 CALMLY AND COOLLY. 
 
 a little, would-be, woman is a worthless creature, any 
 and every where you find her. 
 
 Mothers, anticipate the fact, that your children will 
 likely want to get married, by and by : and, when the 
 time comes, meet the emergency calmly and coolly. Do 
 not object, seriously, to the choice your son has made, 
 after it is too late to change his mind. If matters are 
 bad, policy would dictate, that you make the best of it. 
 But, it may prove better than you imagine. Again, 
 never force your daughter to run off, with a man to 
 whose attentions you, at first, made no serious objec- 
 tions. These midnight marriages are very unfortunate 
 affairs, any way. They cast cruel reflections, on one 
 party ; and throw dark shadows, over the other. They 
 frequently alienate the two families, and keep up a con- 
 stant unpleasantness, sometimes, for years. Never ob- 
 ject, when your child is of a marriageable age, and, in 
 the estimation of others, is getting his, or her equal. 
 
 Mothers, allow me to make a few helpful suggestions, 
 for your consideration. Do not go slip-shod, or shabby 
 before your daughters, if you would have them appear 
 neat, and tidy in society. Let your heart meet the 
 hearts of your children ; and let your tears mingle with 
 their tears ; and let your joys flow into their joys ; and 
 let your prayers blend with their prayers, if you would 
 keep them in the paths of peace, which lead to happi- 
 ness and to heaven. See that your children keep good 
 company, or none at all, if you have any concern for 
 their manners or morals. Control your temper, in the 
 presence of your children, as you do, when company is 
 present. The anger of a high-tempered, contentious 
 mother, when not controlled, kindles, and cracks like 
 
mmm 
 
 MOTHER IS DYING. 
 (See page 201.) 
 
 
THE RICHEST LEGACY. 201 
 
 flax in the flame, without cause or provocation. Be 
 sweet, and amiable, always, in your dispositions. A 
 lovely spirit is more valuable to a mother, than much 
 fine gold. It begets a similar spirit, in her offspring, and 
 brings happiness to the whole family. 
 
 But, mothers sometimes die, then, sorrow fills sad 
 hearts and silent homes. It is, then, that the dark wings 
 of the death-angel are tinged, with the ebon hues of the 
 most sable night. It is when mother lies lifeless, in 
 her new-made grave, that the somber curtains, of 
 death's dark folds, are most impenetrable. My moth- 
 er's voice was silenced in death. The grave hid her 
 lovely form from my view ; and left me, an orphan 
 boy, with only the sacred memories, of a sainted mother, 
 to inspire me for good, and restrain me from evil. 
 Blessed memories ! They have often warmed my heart, 
 and waxed my hopes, amidst the stern, and stormy con- 
 flicts of life. Thank God, good mothers are special 
 blessings, living or dead. In fact, they, sometimes, prove 
 to be greater blessings, after death, than while living. 
 Prodigal sons, and wayward daughters, often, resist the 
 strongest appeals of maternal solicitude and love ; but 
 yield, most readily, to the silent solicitations of the 
 sainted dead. The heritage of love, that such a mother 
 bequeathes, at death, to her sinful son, or depraved 
 daughter, often proves to be the richest legacy, of all 
 their after-life. 
 
 Simple, sacred, sainted, sublime, immortal mother- 
 hood ; let us cherish its hallowed memories, cling to its 
 priceless legacy, and bow, humbly, before its sacred 
 shrine, with fondest filial affections, for evermore. And, 
 where memory is silent, let fancy enshrine the images 
 
202 
 
 FAREWELL, MOTHERS. 
 
 of our sainted mothers, with all the charming graces, 
 virtues and perfections, of maternal love, which ever clus- 
 tered around the sacred altar, upon which consecrated 
 mother-hood has offered her sacrifices, and peace offer- 
 ings for centuries past. Farewell, mothers ! but not for- 
 ever : we will meet in heaven. 
 
FATHERHOOD. 
 (See aho page 31.) 
 
FATHER-HOOD. 
 
 Chapter VIII. 
 
 The fond father is happy— the first-born is a boy. 
 If the next is a girl, he'll be shouting for joy. 
 
 W* -f^ 
 
 ^ ATHER-HOOD is life, in a new 
 relation — in a changed state. It 
 is life, looking upon its own off- 
 spring — its own reproduction. It 
 is life, filled with joy, and thrilled 
 with hope. It is life, in the midst 
 of anxiety and care. It is life, 
 surrounded by great possibilities; 
 and burdened with grave respon- 
 sibilities. 
 Father-hood, gradually and greatly, increases the bur- 
 dens, and responsibilities of life. But, when these re- 
 sponsibilities are met, and these burdens borne, with 
 paternal affection and fatherly fortitude, they always 
 bring an increase, of domestic joy and conjugal love, to 
 the fond father's affectionate heart. 
 
 Fathers, love your children. Paternal love gives no 
 license, to lawlessness. It rather moves the heart, of 
 
 the governed toward the governing power. It is the 
 
 (203) 
 
204 PATERNAL, AND FILIAL AFFECTION. 
 
 oil, that lubricates all the machinery, of family govern- 
 ment; and makes it run, smoothly, without frustration 
 or friction. It is not logic, nor learning, but love, that 
 moves the world. Love, like light, emanates from one 
 source. It is a unit, in its nature; and a power, in its 
 operations. Our holy religion, in its essence, and influ- 
 ence; in its effluence, and effects is the very embodi- 
 ment of love to God, and love to man. Parental love 
 forges no fetters ; burdens no hearts, and sinks no 
 souls ; but lifts many a lad, from a lowly position in life, 
 to a seat of usefulness, and honor in the world. 
 
 If fathers are paternal, in their feelings, their children 
 will love them, at a very early age, with a peculiar, filial 
 affection. There seems to be in the child an inherent 
 love, and loyalty to the father. Its puny arms are ever 
 ready, to fight his battles. Its little tongue, will, always, 
 defend his good name. He has a seat, along by the 
 side of mother, in its affections. The little child loves 
 its father. And, so the fond father loves his young, and 
 tender offspring. He feels a deep, and an abiding in- 
 terest, in their well-being and happiness. He looks on 
 his little ones in love ; and his heart beats high with 
 hope. 
 
 Most fathers love their children ; but, some of them, 
 fail to give expression to their affections. The little 
 fellows are, too often, left with a forlorn feeling, which 
 will question the paternal love, that refuses to give ex- 
 pression, to its own existence. If fathers would have 
 their children feel that filial love for them, which se- 
 cures prompt, and cheerful obedience, coupled with un- 
 selfish devotion, they must, first, love their children ; and 
 manifest it, in a way that they will feel the warmth, of 
 
FEAR AND FORCE. 20$ 
 
 their affections, drawing them, powerfully, toward the 
 paternal heart. 
 
 But, the fondest father does not, always, love the 
 most : neither does the doting father, always, gain the 
 strongest, and most lasting devotion, of his children. 
 Nor does paternal severity, always, secure successful fam- 
 ily government. Parental authority must be tempered, 
 with parental affection ; the reins of discipline must be 
 held, by the hale, but harmless hands, of a loving father ; 
 and the correcting rod must be laid on the lad, in love, 
 if we rule our children in righteousness. 
 
 Fathers must learn, that fear, and force are not the 
 sole, or most successful agencies, in parental govern- 
 ment. The child's will needs to be subdued, controlled 
 and properly directed, by its divinely appointed guar- 
 dians. But, it should never be broken, by the brutal 
 treatment, and tyranny of a fiendish father. The child's 
 will is expressive of its final worth. This forms the 
 foundation, of its future character. If it associates duty 
 and obedience, with fear and force, alone, its character 
 will be correspondingly base and vile. But if, with these, 
 it links parental love and filial liberty, its character will 
 just as necessarily rise, in point of purity and refine- 
 ment. 
 
 Fathers, encourage your children, often, by words of 
 approval, when they do well. They will appreciate it, 
 very much ; and it will stimulate them to do still better, 
 in the future. A love of approbation, in children, is 
 highly commendable. It is among the strongest, and 
 purest of human passions. It furnishes a powerful in- 
 centive to right-living, while one is young ; and, fre- 
 
206 THE IDEAL FATHER, 
 
 quently holds in check, for a life-time, the lower and 
 baser passions of humanity. 
 
 Fathers are the models, after which sons are inclined 
 to pattern their lives. They think, over, the father's 
 thoughts. They speak, again, the father's words. They 
 perform, once more, the father's acts. They live, a sec- 
 ond time, their father's life. They are, simply, the re- 
 production of the father. Hence, it becomes the father, 
 to be on his guard, at all times ; and to set worthy ex- 
 amples, for his sons] If he is neat, they will, in all prob- 
 ability, be neater. But, if he goes unkempt, and un- 
 shaven before them, they will take but little, if any 
 interest, in their personal appearance. Paternal honor 
 serves as an alarm bell, for the boy, in times of tempta- 
 tion. The father's kindly feelings, and manly bearings, 
 often, find their echo, in the courtesy, and nobility of the 
 son, who wears his mantle, and honors his name, long 
 after he has closed his earthly career. 
 
 From the ideal father flows forth, the benign influence 
 of a great, warm, charitable heart. These sacred influ- 
 ences are the natural offsprings of a paternal love, which 
 must manifest itself, in the tenderest acts of kindness 
 and compassion. It is but natural, that the manly bear- 
 ing of this genial, noble-hearted father should live, long 
 after his days on earth are numbered. His fatherly 
 fidelity will find its following ; and his nobility of char- 
 acter its counterpart, in the life of the son, who rises up 
 to fill the place of his honored sire, in all the ways, and 
 walks of life. 
 
 Fathers, let the Good Shepherd lead you, daily, through 
 the green pastures of his love, like the happy herds, 
 moving through the rich meadows of new-mown hay, or 
 
KIND FATHERS. 20y 
 
 the verdant valleys of waving grain, if you would lead, 
 successfully, your own little flocks, along the ever 
 lengthening line of life. It is your prerogative, as a 
 father, to act the part of a shepherd, to your little flock. 
 And, in the discharge of this important duty, you should 
 imitate the example, left you by the Good Shepherd ; 
 and transmit the tenderest affections of a warm, sympa- 
 thetic heart, to all your children. 
 
 Parental influence is, often, silent ; but not the less 
 powerful. Children are imitative creatures ; and they 
 glory, in saying and doing, what papa, and mamma say 
 and do. They learn, much more rapidly ; and remem- 
 ber, much longer, the lessons of love, taught them by 
 example, than they do those, taught them by precept. 
 So, if the father would have his boys be polite and chiv- 
 alrous in their conduct, towards their sisters, he must 
 give them an example, worthy their imitation, in his kindly 
 attentions, and affectionate deportment toward their 
 mother. Boys much prefer, to be led by good examples, 
 rather than to be driven, by the best of precepts. You 
 must use the lever of love, freely, if you hope to move 
 the hearts of your children, to cheerful obedience, and 
 filial devotion. 
 
 Fathers, be kind and affectionate, to the mothers of 
 your children. Never cause the fond bosom, whose 
 happiness was all committed to your keeping, to doubt, 
 for one short moment, the fervency of your affections, 
 for one who would die, if needs be, for you. Let her, 
 ever, be conscious of the fact, that she holds the upper- 
 most seat, in your devoted heart. Let her feel, that her 
 love is the sum, and substance of your life. Fathers, 
 you owe the very best efforts of your lives, to your 
 17 
 
208 ACT AND RE- ACT. 
 
 wives and children. You should manifest the most 
 active interests, in your entire families. Your homes 
 are the places, where your hearts should be anchored, 
 around which your hopes should be hanging, and to 
 which your thoughts should constantly be turning, 
 through all the long, and laborious journey of life. 
 
 The happy sire, of a noble son, or a devoted daughter, 
 has good reasons to be proud, of his offspring. The 
 chief functions, of such a father, ought to be the hnpar- 
 tation of the very best lessons, of life to his children. 
 The beautiful, in life, far surpasses the beautiful, in 
 nature. Therefore, he should early instruct them, in 
 regard to their physical beings, and physiological duties. 
 They should be well posted, at an early age, in all the 
 fundamental principles, pertaining to the life and health 
 of the body. This subject is, shamefully, neglected, by 
 most parents. Body, and mind act, and re-act upon 
 each other, in all their multiform movements. Hence, 
 the health, and habits of the one, always effect the in- 
 terests, and energies of the other. The body must be 
 perfect, in all its parts, before the mind can make, upon 
 it, the sweet music, of a harmonious life. A weak body, 
 always, robs the strong mind, of much of its wealth and 
 power. Our bodies, then, should be objects of the most 
 careful, and healthful discipline. Soundness of body is, 
 absolutely, essendal to the highest development of mind, 
 and heart, and soul The joys of earth, and the hopes 
 of heaven are not a little affected, by our physical con- 
 dition. There is, also, a false modesty, upon the part 
 of many parents, that leaves their children, in blissful 
 ignorance of the fearful consequences, of some sins 
 against the body, until they are ruined by them. 
 
PROPER TUTORS. 200. 
 
 Father, you are the proper tutor, of your household. 
 You have a divine prerogative granted you, which no 
 one can challenge or change, It is your privilege, to 
 instruct the most susceptible, and receptive of all audi- 
 ences, when you gather a growing group of children, 
 around the fireside, to train them for happiness and for 
 heaven. Others may supplement your teachings ; but 
 no one should ever be allowed to supersede you, in 
 training your offspring for God. Fathers, talk much, 
 with your children, about things calculated to interest, 
 and instruct them, in the ways of life and salvation ; and 
 you will have but little occasion to talk to them, about 
 their disobedience, ingratitude and waywardness. Teach 
 your boys, also, to be attentive, to every duty of life. 
 It will beget interest, in all they are required to do. 
 Attention is the mother of memory. The mind is a 
 magnet : and, if attentive, it is sure to be receptive and 
 retentive. In fact, every faculty, and function, of the 
 mind, must be properly exercised, by our boys ; if we 
 would avoid the possibilities of a train, of morbid mis- 
 eries, rushing in, like a flood, upon them, drowning their 
 noblest ambitions and aspirations for greatness. Let 
 them understand, early in life, that the will is master to 
 the man ; and that, therefore, its moral condition must, 
 of necessity, determine a man's moral status, and fore- 
 shadow his future destiny, for weal or woe. As a rule 
 the man will lie as the boy leans. Father, look at your 
 son's inclinations ; and, if he leans to the left, bend him 
 back, while he is young and pliable. But, if he is in- 
 clined, too much, to the right, straighten him to a per- 
 pendicular ; and bind him fast to an upright life, with 
 the chords of paternal love and examples. 
 
2IO PARENTAL EXAMPLE. 
 
 Nothing of interest or importance, in the way of 
 paternal example, is likely to escape the observation of 
 your children. This is the wide-awake period of life. 
 Their eyes are, always, open. The little fellows are, 
 ever, on the alert. They will see, and learn something, 
 every day they live. Give them lessons of love, or they 
 will learn the ways of sin and death. Store their minds, 
 with thoughts of the true and the good ; if you would 
 close the avenues to their young, and tender hearts, 
 against the vicious and the vile. Select their thoughts 
 for them, by choosing their companions, and evolving 
 their environments. Leave them, not, to the selection of 
 their own associates, from among the fair and the foul. 
 But. never appear to be doing for them, what they ought 
 to do for themselves. And, be sure that the influence, 
 which your parental examples exercise over them, is a 
 salutary, and benign one, at all times. 
 
 Fathers, teach your children, that it is a sad mistake, 
 to take the sign for the thing signified. Let them know, 
 that the exterior glance does not, always, reveal the in- 
 terior grace. Even, fiction may resemble fact. There- 
 fore, we should never base our conclusions, upon out- 
 ward appearances alone. The empty alcove echoes 
 loudest, and longest of all. The horse is not to be 
 judged, from his harness : neither can we place a proper 
 estimate, upon people, from the words they speak, or 
 the clothes they wear. Many persons wear masks, 
 which mantle their souls, and completely veil their inner 
 lives, from all, save the Eye that never sleeps nor slum- 
 bers. 
 
 The home is, preeminently, the place, for training 
 your children. It is a sacred sanctum for them, at all 
 
A COMFORTABLE HOME. 211 
 
 times. It is also a secure refuge for them, in times of 
 darkness and danger. The great bosom, of the entire 
 family, beats, in deepest sympathy, with the aching 
 heart of its every member. The entire membership is 
 a unit, in unison with each other, in every movement 
 of life. Such is the model home of a fond father, and 
 a faithful family. 
 
 Every father should select a good, comfortable home, 
 for his family. For, much hangs upon the choice of a 
 home. The character of a home is determined, largely, 
 by its surroundings. And the family is, much, what the 
 home makes it. The father is the recognized head, of 
 the household. He is the active leader, of the family's 
 fortunes or failures. Every father has his golden oppor- 
 tunities. These opportunities should be properly im- 
 proved, before the sands of life, all, leave the hour-glass 
 of time. 
 
 Fathers, make your homes beautiful, if you would 
 have them be attractive, to your children. It is true, 
 this requires time and taste ; but it pays a large per 
 centum, per annum, on what is invested. Let a beau- 
 tiful bow, of promise, arch the main entrance, to each 
 of your happy homes. They will invite sunny faces, to 
 your firesides ; and fill your hearts, with the sunshine 
 of love. Children cherish the smiles of the pure and 
 good. And then a little innocent amusement, occasion- 
 ally, adds much to the happiness of any home. It is 
 even better, that we laugh, than that we cry, over our 
 little misfortunes, and trials through life. Children, nat- 
 urally, relish the humorous. It is good for them. It 
 sweetens their dispositions, soothes their sorrows, and 
 elevates their affections. Fun, for your boys, is better 
 
212 HOME A HAPPY PLACE. 
 
 than physic ; and a laugh, occasionally, is worth more, 
 to your girls, than a lounge. Open your hearts, and 
 let the young people enjoy themselves, in their own 
 happy homes. Amusement is essential to the health 
 and happiness, of both the body, and mind of your chil- 
 dren. Only, see that amusements innocent, in them- 
 selves, are not perverted, nor indulged in, to the ne- 
 glect of higher and holier interests. 
 
 Make home a happy place, for the little fellows. Give 
 them games of chance, and skill ; and, thus, enliven the 
 long, dull evenings, with stimulating amusements. Con- 
 verse, with your children, freely, and frequently, about 
 the events of the day. Let them give the incidents of 
 their own experience, and relate the stories told them 
 by others ; and be interested, in it all, if you would be 
 companionable, and make them enjoy your society. 
 These conversations will, also, afford you many fine op- 
 portunities, for impressing good moral lessons, upon 
 their young hearts. One of the best safeguards, your 
 children can possibly have thrown around them, when 
 they go out from under the parental roof, into the 
 wicked world, will be the sacred influences, and hal- 
 lowed associations of the happy homes, which they so 
 reluctantly leave behind them. 
 
 Fond fathers, open the doors of your homes, and let 
 the sunshine, and pure air come in. They are desirable 
 companions, for your children. Let the fire burn, 
 brightly, in the winter; and the sunshine, cheerfully, 
 in the summer, for all who shelter under your roofs, 
 and you will have happy hearts and charming homes. 
 Provide home entertainment, for your boys and girls, 
 as they grow up ; it will counteract the solicitations, 
 
THE FATHER'S RESPONSIBILITY. 213 
 
 of sinful pleasures from abroad. Family music, vocal 
 and instrumental, is very suitable entertainment, for 
 young people. And, then, the songs of childhood are 
 never forgotten. Their memories live, on and on, to 
 refresh the heart, through the prime of life, and under 
 the burdens of age. These sacred ties, which ever bind 
 us, to the receding past, are the golden chords, which 
 unite happy youth and hoary age. 
 
 Fathers, you are responsible, for the social surround- 
 ings of your children. You selected the society, in which 
 they are being reared. But, if the society, of your 
 community, is not what it ought to be, help to make it 
 better. If you can not succeed in doing that, for your 
 children's sake, move into a better neighborhood. But, 
 let society be what it may, know where your boys are, 
 of nights, as long as they shelter under your roofs. 
 Keep them at home, when you feel that their interests 
 demand it. There may be, at first, mental rebellion ; or 
 even muttered complaint, at your dictum ; but the day 
 will come, when they will recognize your authority as 
 supreme ; acknowledge the wisdom of your policy, and 
 even thank you, for this interposition in their behalf. 
 
 The home circle is like a musical instrument. Its 
 father is the performer : and its members are the strings, 
 which, when touched, make melody, or discord in the 
 family. If rightly tuned, by him, they will all vibrate, 
 in perfect unison ; but, a single discordant note destroys 
 all the sweetest, and happiest harmonies of domestic life. 
 In every truly happy home, there must be oneness of 
 purpose, and unity of action, upon the part of all its 
 inmates. One undisciplined, and unprincipled youth is 
 a curse, to any home or community. 
 
214 THE PERIOD OF PERIL. 
 
 Each father should devote a reasonable portion of his 
 time, to the entertainment of his children. In no other 
 way, can he so successfully enshrine himself, in their 
 young and affectionate hearts. No father can afford to 
 have his sons, and daughters grow up, without weaving 
 himself into the golden memories, of their happy child 
 hood days. The true father, though bearing the heavi- 
 est burdens of life, or wearing the highest honors known 
 to men, will always find a few moments to devote, to 
 the interests, and amusement of his bright-eyed little 
 boys and girls. This participation, in their childish 
 sports, endears the fond father, more and more, to his 
 affectionate children. Then, it softens the harsher out- 
 lines, and tones up the finer elements, of his own nature ; 
 and makes him, both a better father, and a more mag- 
 nificent man. 
 
 All periods, of life, have their peculiar tendencies and 
 temptations. But youth is, undoubtedly, the period of 
 greatest peril. It needs, most, to be guarded and 
 guided for good. This is preeminently, the formative 
 period, when habits for life are fixed ; and when charac- 
 ter assumes its more definite shape and shadings, for 
 time and eternity. This is the • period, when passions 
 begin to assert their sway ; when the imagination paints 
 the world, in false but fascinating colors ; when the social 
 impulse is first felt ; when the calling, for life, is to be 
 chosen, and when parental authority is wont to be thrown 
 off, that the young blood may be left free to think, and 
 act for himself. In fact, at this age, the widest scope is, 
 often, given to the restless imagination ; and the tireless 
 fancy is left to roam, at large, until it leads the youth 
 to noting and to ruin. 
 
ENTERTAINING THE CHILDREN, 
 (See page 214.) 
 
UNMITIGATED PRAISE. 21$ 
 
 Fathers can afford to neglect any thing else, rather 
 than the interests of their sons, at this critical age. 
 Then, fathers, treat and train your boys well. Give them 
 comfortable rooms : make these rooms attractive, and 
 then they will take interest in them. Have their special 
 friends invited, to dine with them occasionally : and, in 
 many other ways, make them feel that they are constit- 
 uent parts of the family ; and not mere servants, and 
 they will not only love their homes, but they will, also, 
 live in them, as long as circumstances will allow ; and 
 then leave them, with deepest regrets. 
 
 Fathers, if you have a word of commendation for your 
 son, do not couple it with censure. One bitter drop ren- 
 ders nauseous the flowing chalice, of sweetest nectar. 
 If it is your purpose to censure, any one, have the 
 moral manhood, to administer it unmixed with praise. 
 But, if it is your purpose to commend, then throw the 
 white mantle of charity over all defects, and let your 
 praise be unmitigated. 
 
 Father, never make the mistake, of lowering the 
 standard of morality for your sons, while you elevate it 
 for your daughters. Let there be but one standard, for 
 both sexes : and there is but little danger, of getting 
 that standard too high. We should not be governed, in 
 this matter, so much by looks, as by principles. Vice is, 
 just, as degrading and damning ; and virtue, just, as re- 
 fining and elevating, to the masculine, as it is to the 
 feminine character. Never allow your boys to go where 
 you would not, under proper circumstances, be willing 
 to see your girls go. Never tolerate, in the conduct of 
 your sons, what you could not commend, in the lives of 
 your daughters. Roughness, and rudeness are not, es 
 
216 ROUGHNESS AND RUDENESS. 
 
 sential, ingredients to boyhood-life. Boys may, and 
 should be, just, as refined, and highly cultured, both in 
 their manners and their morals, as the girls. 
 
 Fathers, keep your boys in good shape, by constant 
 pruning. Nip their bad habits, in the bud. Worthy 
 sons are rocked, in the arms of worthy mothers, and 
 trained, for life, by judicious fathers. Worthless boys 
 are, often, cradled, in the lap of luxury, and schooled, in 
 the wantonness of wealth and wine. The bright boys, 
 of our happy homes and happier hearts, ought to be 
 taught, early in life, the evil effects of strong drink, on 
 both the soul, and body of those, who become addicted 
 to its use. Father, it is your prerogative, to teach your 
 sons these important lessons of life ; and your authority, 
 along this line, can not be delegated, or transferred to 
 others. 
 
 Fathers, obedience is, absolutely, essential to faithful, 
 family government. Your prayers, and instructions will 
 prove, comparatively, worthless, if you tolerate acts of 
 disobedience, upon the part of your children. And, by 
 obedience, we mean a prompt, and cheerful acquies- 
 cence, in all the requests of the parents ; and not a mere 
 languid, or dilatory yielding, to their repeated threats 
 and blows. Nor is it best, that they should yield to your 
 arguments ; but, they should, rather, learn to respect 
 your authority, and lose their wills in your wishes. 
 
 Father, study the dispositions, and know the moods 
 of your children : and then govern them accordingly. 
 Manifest patience, sympathy and forbearance, where 
 they are needed. Govern by love, those who will yield 
 obedience, under its mild sceptre. Be mild, and merci- 
 ful to all : but when the contest, with the wayward and 
 
MORALS OF MEN. 2l*J 
 
 stubborn, comes, continue it, until the rebellious will 
 submits, unreservedly, to your will and wishes. For, if 
 you can not command the obedience of your children, 
 they might as well be fatherless. In fact, they had, far, 
 better have a faithful foster-father, than such a burlesque 
 as you are, upon genuine father-hood. But, remember 
 that those, who would govern others well, must first 
 master themselves. Self-control is the first factor of a 
 good father. He, who does not control himself, will 
 never control his children. He may coax, cower and 
 coerce, but he will never control them. 
 
 The morals of men depend, largely, upon the filial 
 affection, and obedience of boys. The boy who is de- 
 prived of, or allowed to throw off the restraining influ- 
 ences, of wholesome discipline, will make a man of 
 corrupt morals. He will be disobedient, alike to the 
 laws of church and state. He will challenge the right 
 of God and man, to reign in, or rule over him, even, for 
 his own good. Never require obedience, from the 
 stand-point of reason alone. Let your paternal author- 
 ity be binding enough, at all times, to secure prompt 
 obedience. But, that your children may see the reason- 
 ableness of your demands, and become acquainted with 
 the character of moral obligations, it is proper and right, 
 that you should, occasionally, tell them why you make 
 certain requirements, at their hands, and why they 
 should, cheerfully, obey all your commands. 
 
 Many fathers drive their children, into disobedience 
 and sin, by keeping them, at too great a distance, from 
 the paternal heart. Sires should make playmates, and 
 companions of their sons. Let them feel that, in you, 
 they have a warm-hearted, sympathetic and confidential 
 
2l8 SOMETHING TO DO. 
 
 friend. Father, get nearer to your boys, than any one 
 else can : and, then, stay there ; and your authority will 
 be absolute ; your opinion an oracle, and your, every, 
 wish will be their pleasure. 
 
 Fathers, give your children something to do. Never 
 allow them to feel, that they have a day, or an hour, to 
 idle away. When they need rest, or recreation let them 
 have it ; but, never allow them to be lounging, and 
 loafing around, with nothing to do. For idle hands, 
 empty heads and useless hearts are sure to come to 
 want and woe. But, do not burden your boys unneces- 
 sarily. Give them reasonable tasks, and plenty of time, 
 for recreation and amusement. Remember they are 
 boys ; and, that the youthful life ought to last, long after 
 the older one sleeps the last, low sleep of death. The 
 devoted sire strives, to put his sons and daughters, in 
 positions of usefulness and honor. He would not, 
 wantonly, expose them, to unnecessary hardships : 
 neither would he, foolishly, shield them from such tasks, 
 as are helpful to both soul and body. It is the height of 
 folly, for parents to try to palliate every crime, and per- 
 form every task, which lies in the pathway of their 
 children. Never tell them to do anything, unless 
 you intend they shall do it. Let your word be law to 
 them. 
 
 Fathers should encourage, and stimulate their boys, 
 when they are very small. They ought to start them 
 off right. They should be in full sympathy, with all 
 their youthful aspirations ; and allow them to make some 
 money for themselves, as soon as they are able to do 
 so. They ought, also, to be taught, just as soon, the 
 art of economizing. They should learn to lay up a part 
 
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR BOYS. 219 
 
 V 
 
 of their earnings, be it ever so small. For, as the boy- 
 is allowed to spend his pennies, so the man is like to 
 part with his pounds. Make of your boy, financially 
 speaking, a medium man, who will steer, successfully, 
 between the rocks upon which the miser, and the spend- 
 thrift go down to rise no more. 
 
 Fathers, your boys are undeveloped men. They are 
 susceptible of culture and change. Bad habits are not, 
 often, born in boys. They are, usually, the result of 
 gross neglect, or false training. The most vicious, and 
 unruly boy may be changed, as by the work of magic ; 
 and developed, into a truly genteel gentleman. This 
 reformation does not require the impartation, of any 
 new elements of character ; but, simply, the suppression 
 of the evil, and the, proper, culture of the embryo plants, 
 already, in stock. The most ferocious animals are thus 
 tamed ; and so may be the worst, and wildest boys. 
 If discipline will subdue the inhabitants of the forests 
 and the fields, it will, also, conquer the little fellows, 
 who play around our firesides, no matter how head- 
 strong they may chance to be. 
 
 But, regeneration is, absolutely, essential to the de- 
 velopment of a perfect Christian character. You may 
 take a child, in its infancy, and instruct it, in all the 
 principles of morality, throughout the years of its minor- 
 ity; and yet, if its nature is not changed, in the act of 
 regeneration, the passions will begin to assert their 
 sway, as opportunity presents itself: gradually, the re- 
 straining influences, of parental love and watch-care, 
 will be diminished ; and, ere long you will see visible 
 traces of a blurred, and blackened character. 
 
 Fathers, educate your children. It is your bounden 
 
220 THE CORRECTING ROD. 
 
 duty, to do so. To neglect this duty is, to withhold a 
 great blessing, from your offspring. Give them good 
 mental, and moral training : and with this character of 
 education, for sails ; and religious culture, for ballast, 
 you may set them afloat, upon the sea of life, hopeful 
 of a successful voyage, across the briny deep of time. 
 
 See that your children are, constantly, gaining needed 
 information. The twilight hours should impart strength, 
 to the youthful mind ; and the morning dawn store it, 
 with useful knowledge. The world is full of choice 
 books, from which may be gleaned the richest lessons 
 of life; and these books are accessible to the poor, as 
 well as to the rich. Only keep your children's eyes 
 open, and their faces toward the morning light, if you 
 would have them become leaders, in the onward march 
 of this progressive age. 
 
 Fathers, provoke not your children, with unreasonable 
 commands, and perpetual restrictions. Govern your 
 own tempers ; and never speak, to them, in angry, shrill 
 tones. Quiet, soft words, positively spoken, are far 
 more effectual, in securing their obedience. Do not be 
 always checking, and rebuking your children, as though 
 you delighted, in finding fault with their conduct. If so, 
 they will finally conclude, that it is a matter of impossi- 
 bility to please you ; lose heart, and quit trying. Never 
 box your child's ears ; nor kick, nor cuff it about, as 
 some people do the poor dumb brute. If it becomes 
 necessary to punish it, do so in a way, that will prove 
 to it, that you respect it, as a member of the family ; 
 and chastise it, for its own good. Every time you pun- 
 ish your child, you either increase its filial love, or alien- 
 ate its frozen affections from you, more and more. Be 
 
PUT UPON HONOR. 22 1 
 
 careful, then, when, and how you use the correcting 
 rod : and yet, use it, when necessary, without hate or 
 hesitancy. When the lash is laid heavily on the back 
 of the unruly lad, let it be well seasoned, with paternal 
 love : and it will s<^ * lead him to pursue a different 
 course in life. It will i^ring him up, in the way he 
 ought to go ; and, when he gets old, he will not depart 
 from it. 
 
 Deliver me, from the spoiled boy! The brother, who 
 depends upon his sisters for every thing, is a worthless 
 lad. Nothing good is likely, ever, to become of him. 
 He will make a tyrannical husband ; and a cruel, hard- 
 hearted father. His wife, and children will be his slaves. 
 His neighbors will be his enemies ; and his friends will 
 be few. He will live without the love of any, and die 
 with none to mourn his loss. 
 
 Fathers, put your boys upon their honor. Do not 
 watch them, as spies, hoping to overtake them in some 
 act of disobedience ; but, only, as guardians, desiring to 
 correct their erring feet, and guide them, in the ways of 
 life and salvation. Boys love to be trusted ; and will 
 readily respond, to your implicit confidence. Then, trust 
 them, unhesitatingly, and at all times, with a confidence 
 that they can neither doubt or deceive. Insist upon the 
 highest order of self-respect, among your children. It 
 is a most powerful, and valuable restrainer. The boy, 
 who respects himself as he ought, will not defile his 
 body, by sensuality ; nor ever degrade his mind, by ser- 
 vile thoughts. With a proper degree of self-respect, he 
 will rise above the low, and groveling things of this life. 
 He will mount, in thought, and word, and act, toward 
 
 happiness and heaven. 
 18 
 
2 22 PARENTAL DUTIES. 
 
 The father's failures should lead him, to foster, more 
 fondly, his promising sons. He should guard them 
 against the evils, which have befallen him ; and guide 
 them to the goal, he has missed. His past is irretriev- 
 able : but, it may give birth to a better future, for his 
 boys. The weakness of youth, in the perils of life, 
 ought, readily, to recognize the wisdom of age. The 
 health, and habits of parents, naturally and necessa- 
 rily effect the life, and destiny of their offspring. And, 
 fathers should remember, that their vices, often, en- 
 tail disease, and bring premature death, upon their 
 children. 
 
 Parental duties are manifold. Briefly stated they are 
 — to provide for the physical wants ; develop the men- 
 tal faculties ; mold the moral natures, and culture the 
 spiritual powers of their children. These duties should 
 be mutually borne, by father and mother. Parental in- 
 fluence must be co-ordinate, in order to produce symmet- 
 rical development of character, and insure the greatest 
 possible success in life. The tender and constant min- 
 istrations, of the model mother, must be cheerfully and 
 faithfully seconded, by the fond father, if the greatest 
 good is accomplished. While the mother's love appeals, 
 so tenderly, to the affections of the child's heart, the 
 father's counsel should address itself, just as fondly, to 
 the various faculties of the soul. For, the father's pre- 
 cepts and examples, always effect, more or less, the fate 
 or fortune of the entire family. 
 
 In closing this chapter, we will give a few parental 
 pointings, which we hope will be appreciated, alike by 
 fathers and mothers, i. Inculcate sound principles, and 
 enforce good conduct. 2. Deal gently, but firmly, with 
 
THE PURVIEW OF PARENTAL POWER. 223 
 
 your children. 3. Be positive — mean what you say to 
 them. 4. Require instant, and unfeigned obedience of 
 them. 5. Fulfill, promptly, all your promises to them. 
 6. Curb their tempers, on the start. 7. Do not tolerate, 
 at one time, what you will not allow, at another, the 
 circumstances being similar. 8. Limit them, to the 
 truth, in their little recitals ; and discourage tale-telling 
 and tattling. 9. Teach them, that self-denial, rather 
 than self-indulgence, is the royal road to success and 
 happiness. 10. Give, to them, as much of your time, 
 and talents as possible. 11. Give them, in all things, 
 worthy models, after which to fashion their lives. 12. 
 Make as few prohibitory laws as possible; but, be sure 
 to execute those you make. 13. Impart a sense of, 
 absolute, reliance to them ; and you will have gone far 
 toward establishing a sure foundation, for future obedi- 
 ence. 14. Never get angry with your children; nor 
 allow them to remain angry, with you. 15. Never smile 
 at what you do not approve, in their conduct. 16. Never 
 give them anything, simply, because they cry for it. 17. 
 Never threaten to punish them in the future ; for less 
 punishment, at the time, will prove more effectual. 18. 
 Never grant them anything grudgingly ; nor with- 
 hold any thing selfishly. 19. But, above all things, 
 culture their heads and hearts ; and instruct them in 
 the Word and ways of God. 20. Observe these rules, 
 and you will be sure to secure the affectionate obedi- 
 ence of your children : but, pet, and spoil and indulge 
 them ; and they will be miserable, and you will be 
 wretched. 
 
 It is within the purview of parental power, to 
 govern children wisely and well ; and parents, who 
 
224 
 
 PARENTAL LOVE. 
 
 fail to do so, will not be held guiltless. Paternal love 
 is commensurate with the interest taken in, and care 
 bestowed upon, our offspring. Free us from the 
 care ; and we will lose the interest, and be wanting 
 in the love, 
 
GRANDMOTHER. 
 (See page 825,) 
 
GRAND-MOTHER-HOOD 
 
 Chapter IX 
 
 I'm aged and feeble ; I'll soon lay life down : 
 But I'll rise, by and by, to wear a bright crown. 
 
 RAND-MOTHER-HOOD is life 
 lingering, in the lap of death. It 
 is life ready to yield, to the king 
 of terrors. It is life with its lease, 
 on time, drawing to a close. It is 
 life willing, to swap time f or eter- 
 nity. It is life waiting, to exchange 
 earth for heaven. 
 
 All honor to aged grand-mother- 
 hood ! Time has scattered snow-flakes, upon her once 
 fair brow ; plowed deep furrows, in her once rosy cheeks, 
 and bowed down her, once lovely, form, with the weight 
 of years : but still she is sweet and beautiful, in person, 
 and grand and glorious, in life. Here is life, once ac- 
 tive and buoyant, now sinking into silence and solitude 
 Here is life both rich and rare ; life molded in love, ana 
 mellowed by age, nearing its completion : or rather ap- 
 proaching its commencement day ; when, full orbed, it 
 
 will enter, upon its eternal existence ; swing out, into 
 
 (225) 
 
2 26 HER HOPEFUL HEART. 
 
 the unknown, and sail on, toward the grandest of all 
 destinies — a home, and a heaven with God. 
 
 Here sits grand-mother, in her old, armed rocking- 
 chair, by the fireside, knitting as usual. The ripest, and 
 richest, the deepest, and dearest experiences, of domestic 
 life, have been lost, in her love, and longings for higher, 
 and holier joys. Her eyes are aged and dim. Gray 
 locks are folded back over wrinkled temples. Stooped 
 shoulders bend, under the burdens of many years. But, 
 still, she is cheerful and happy ; for hope brings heaven 
 to her, as an eternal home. Her spirit will still grow 
 calmer and sweeter, until the golden gates, of endless 
 life, are lifted up, and the sainted pilgrim enters the 
 eternal city, robed, once more, in all the habiliments of 
 immortal youth. 
 
 Peace, like a river, rolls through her hopeful heart. 
 But, it is not perfect peace. Her happiest hours are, 
 sometimes, seasoned, with sorrows, and saddened, by 
 griefs. Her brightest days are, occasionally, darkened, 
 with doubts, or beclouded, with fears, lest some of her 
 loved ones should linger, too long, in the ways of sin 
 and death, and be, eternally, lost. Perfect peace is a 
 stranger to earth-life. It is locked up, in the treasury 
 of the skies. The mystic key, to this treasury of grace, 
 is a triumphant death. This, only, can ravish the human 
 soul, with the endless raptures of perfect peace. It 
 must pass through the darkness, into the light ; through 
 the sorrows, into the sunshine, before it can experience 
 the sweets of endless joys. 
 
 Grand-mother is, always, in a good humor. You can 
 not remember, when you last saw her, in a passion of 
 anger. Her temper has, long since, been subdued. Her 
 
EVERYBODY'S FRIEND. 
 *• &11 may come to her with their joys and sorrows*" 
 
THIS AGED MOTHER. 2 27 
 
 tongue has been brought into, willing, subjection to her 
 sweet spirit of love. She governs herself, by the whole- 
 some laws of love. Her good nature, like oil upon the 
 troubled waters, pacifies her aged mind ; soothes her 
 sorrowful soul, and keeps calm the placid sea of her, 
 lovely, life ; while she waits, patiently, her summons to 
 the tomb. She anticipates dying grace, in a dying 
 hour ; and nothing moves her fixed faith, in the fulfill- 
 ment of the promises of the world's Redeemer. And, 
 ere long, the dark mantle of death will be laid, over the 
 sweet face, and the once fair features, of the dear old, 
 dead grand-mother. 
 
 This aged mother, in Israel, has many words of cheer, 
 and comfort for those she meets, along the highway of 
 life. In fact, all may come to her, with their joys and 
 sorrows unbosomed ; feeling confident, that she will 
 rejoice with them, if they rejoice: or weep with them, if 
 they weep. She is feeble, and helpless, now : but still 
 cheerful and happy. She has, long since, ceased to 
 gaze, upon the sad, and shady side of human life ; and 
 learned to look much, upon the soft, and sunny side. 
 But, the love of life, and the license of liberty are still 
 left her. She finds much pleasure, in her children and 
 grand-children ; but most consolation, in her hours of 
 secret devotion, and sweet communion with God. 
 
 Yes, her religion is the greatest comfort — the sweetest 
 solace — to her aged, aching heart: and, with its precious 
 promises, and soul-comforting truths, she would encour- 
 age, and strengthen the hearts of all others. Her 
 religion soothes, and softens all her sorrows ; weighs, 
 and weakens all her woes, and bears the burdens, of 
 her saddest bereavements. She does not simply do 
 
2 28 HER HOPE OF HEAVEN. 
 
 religion ; but, she, also, lives religious. Hers is not a 
 hope so, or a heartless ; but a heart-felt religion. With 
 her, religion is everything ; or, it is nothing. She is a 
 positive Christian ; and positive that she is a Christian. 
 Her hope of heaven hangs, on no contingency. She 
 has gotten the greatest possible good out of this life, 
 simply by making the best possible preparation, while in 
 it, for the life to come. Her holy acts have strength- 
 ened her holiness of heart. They have been so many 
 good seeds, culminating in more, and better life for the 
 soul. All the sacred influences, of her Christian fellow- 
 ship, have been so many chains of gold, binding her, in 
 the happiest, holiest bonds, of Christian love, closer, and 
 still closer, to the church of Christ. Her religion has 
 eliminated every selfish element, from her nature ; and 
 grafted, in their stead, all the benevolent attributes of 
 Christianity. 
 
 This holy religion, which our grand-mothers commend 
 to us, so highly, both by words and works, anticipated 
 all the wants, and woes of our fallen race. It opened 
 up, a living fountain — a spiritual Bethesda, whose waters 
 are always swept, by the wings of angels — and to which 
 the most sin-polluted souls may come and wash; be 
 cleansed, from all their impurities, and made every whit 
 whole. But, this religion calls, for a voluntary sur- 
 render, without reservation, of the very best time, and 
 talents we possess. And, it is worthy, of all it de- 
 mands ; or, can possibly receive at our hands. It will 
 reward us, four-fold, for all our services, and sacrifices 
 through life. It really pays, and pays well, to be, truly, 
 religious. Then, let no sinister motives prompt your 
 actions, or influence you, to try to live a Christian life; 
 
GRAND-MOTHER S RELIGION. 229 
 
 but, be sure your heart is right : for, religion changes 
 the power, and purposes of a wicked heart, and a 
 worldly life. When self is supreme, your religious life 
 is a sad failure ; but, when self is subdued, it will be a 
 signal success. This religion is truly wonderful, in its 
 works. It, even, renders darkness, and death mediums 
 of light and life ; and, transforms, objects of shame and 
 disgrace, into beings, full of grace and glory. 
 
 This religion is a, wonderful, revelation, from God to 
 man. Revelation is a divine response, to the human 
 head and heart. It addresses man's reason ; and also 
 appeals to his affections, thus furnishing him a, two-fold, 
 foundation, upon which to ground his faith, in Christ. 
 This saving faith embodies two distinct elements — the 
 assent of the mind, and the acknowledgment of the 
 heart; and opens a fountain of life, to bathe the soul, 
 and the body. Faith, with what faith, necessarily, im- 
 plies, is the sole condition of regeneration, which is the 
 struggling, out of darkness and death, into light and 
 life, upon the part of the penitent believing soul, and 
 the washing, and renewing of the unholy nature, upon 
 the part of the Holy Ghost. And this gives us the ex 
 perimental, heart-felt religion, of our dear, old grand- 
 mothers. 
 
 But, Grand-Mother, always, seems to be so happy. 
 Oh ! so very, very happy ! What can be the secret, of 
 her continued happiness ? Contentment with her lot ; 
 and the faithful discharge of all her duties. Duty, and 
 contentment bid us all be happy. We should train our 
 minds, to the happiest moods of thought. We should 
 stimulate our hearts, to the most cheerful response, to 
 kindly feelings. We should stir our souls, to the most 
 
23O GRAND-MOTHER S LIFE. 
 
 animated degree of action. It is morally wrong, for us 
 to be gloomy and melancholy ; and, thus, make our- 
 selves miserable, and unhappy all our lives long. Earth's 
 real heroes, and heroines are the men, and women, who 
 cheerfully, and bravely bear the burdens of life, ever 
 lending helping hands, to those around them. 
 
 Grand-mother's life has been one of love, joy and 
 gratitude. Oft-times, her heart has leaped for gladness, 
 as though it would leave the tottering old body, take 
 wings and fly away. On such occasions, her soul would 
 pour itself out in song ; which, mingled with the mystic 
 lays of wind, or wave, went up, in grateful praises, to 
 the Giver of all good. Her hopes are fixed, in the 
 heavens of her unfaltering faith, like the beautiful stars, 
 in their golden sockets, which bedeck the canopy, above 
 her devoted head. 
 
 Grand-mother has lived for God; and the good she 
 might do humanity, at large. The lights, and shadows 
 of her eventful, and happy life, have fallen on many 
 hearts, to charm and cheer, heal and help them, on 
 their way to heaven. Her generous soul has, often, 
 found something, to forgive and forget. It has, often, 
 been hers to watch, and weep, and work, for the well- 
 being of others. Her aims, and efforts in life have, al- 
 ways, been worthy the lofty aspirations of her gener- 
 ous, noble heart. She is very devotional. She goes to 
 her closet every day, to spend a season, in secret prayer 
 to her God. And, sometimes, she gets so near the 
 throne of divine grace, that she can, almost, hear the 
 music of heaven ; and then, a quiet, sweet peace falls, 
 upon her sanctified soul, like the gentle echo of angels' 
 songs; and, she rejoices, in spirit, with exceeding great 
 
THE INFLUENCE OF HER LIFE. 23 1 
 
 joy : for her hopes give her a home, where the angels 
 dwell, and the law, of the Lord, is the light of her 
 earthly life. Happy, thrice, and forever happy, she 
 whose path shines brighter, and still brighter, until the 
 ushering in, of the perfect day, when it shall be lost, 
 in the light and glory of an endless life. 
 
 This aged mother, in Israel, has so lived, that the in- 
 fluence, of her consecrated life, has been felt for good, 
 far and wide ; and will continue to be felt, when her 
 name shall have been forgotten, on the earth. Her life- 
 work has been but the prelude, to what will follow, while 
 she sleeps, and slumbers in the dust of death. Her fi- 
 delity has planted seeds, of perpetual fruitage. It has 
 put in motion a wave, of sacred influence, which will 
 sweep on down, over unborn generations, even, to the 
 end of time. She will soon rest, from her labors of 
 love ; but her works of righteousness will follow her, 
 even, to the golden gates of the new Jerusalem, and 
 there crown her, with heaven's richest reward. She 
 has been a faithful follower of Christ. Like Mary of 
 old, she loves to sit at the feet of Jesus, and learn from 
 him the, wonderful, lessons of life, which it is his pleas- 
 ure to impart. She would feed, and feast, for hours, 
 forgetful of every thing else, upon the celestial food, as 
 it falls from his lips of love. 
 
 Old age is contemplative. The aged dwell, much 
 upon the future, as well as the past. They link the 
 fond associations of loved ones, on earth, with their 
 sweet anticipations of a reunion, with them, in the glory 
 world. They, often, comfort their hearts, with the hope 
 of future recognition. They believe they will know, and 
 be known, by their loved ones, in the spirit land. They 
 
232 ANTICIPATIONS OF A REUNION. 
 
 can not see death, the conquered foe, as the destroyer 
 of friends, and the annihilator of friendship. But, they 
 are, constantly, anticipating an eternity of happiness, 
 with their sainted dead, on the Elysian plains, in the 
 Hesperian climes and along the happy highways, of the 
 glory land. 
 
 The aged mother may, possibly, have trodden the 
 pathway of affliction, through all the long journey of 
 life. She may, oft-times, have felt, that she had been 
 singled out, as a target, for the swiftly flying arrows of 
 the Almighty. But, when her dim vision began to lose 
 sight of time, and her faith began to penetrate the in- 
 tervening vail, between this and the unseen world, she 
 realized that her light afflictions, which could be but mo- 
 mentary, were fast giving way to an eternal weight of 
 glory: and she sings her soul's cheering song, of that 
 lovely land ; the land that is brighter than day. And 
 this is the song she sung : 
 
 1 . We soon will sing, in that lovely land ; 
 
 A land that is far, far away ; 
 That beautiful land, that happy land ; 
 The land that is brighter than day. 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 The Lord is the light, of that lovely land ; 
 
 The land that is brighter than day ; 
 Yes, brighter than day, brighter than day ; 
 
 The land that is brighter than day. 
 
 2. They need no sun, in that Lord-lit land. 
 
 To chase midnight darkness away ; 
 
THE SONG OF THE SOUL. 233 
 
 For all o'er that land, that radiant land, 
 Shines an endless, glorious day. 
 
 3. They have no moon, in that distant land ; 
 
 Nor stars to illumine their way ; 
 For night, in that land, that strange, strange land, 
 There's not, for it's one endless day. 
 
 4. No clouds are seen, in that sinless land, 
 
 Where storms never sweep o'er the skies; 
 For, all's so fair, on that glitt'ring strand, 
 That sorrow's dark clouds never rise. 
 
 5. There are no deaths, in that sun-bright clime ; 
 
 Nor sickness, nor suffering there ; 
 But life immortal, and love divine, 
 With God, and the angels to share. 
 
 6. This is the land, the long looked for land ; 
 
 The land that our faith now can see : 
 Yes, this is that land, glorious land, 
 
 Where with loved ones, soon, we shall be. 
 
 Many have been the secret sorrows, of grand-mother's 
 sad soul ; but light has, invariably, followed the dark- 
 ness, as day follows the night. But, her soul took deep 
 root, in the midst of her trials, troubles and tribulations, 
 and has blossomed forth in the beauty, bounty and 
 buoyancy of an immortal hope. The poor old lady, who 
 has lived for the Lord, may have but little in hand, but 
 she is rich in hope. Her sphere may be very humble 
 on earth; but she will be highly honored in heaven. 
 She may have experienced the extremes of joy and sor- 
 row, grief and glory, as she moved among the homes, 
 19 
 
234 ITS DARK SIDE. 
 
 and hovels of men ; but she has a title to an endless 
 inheritance, in the many-mansioned house of her heav- 
 enly Father. And, .she will be ready to pass, in peace, 
 to that happy home, when the Master calls her to the 
 rest that remaineth to the righteous of earth. So the 
 poor are not to be despised, on account of their poverty. 
 Neither are the rich to be envied, because of their 
 wealth. A fortune is often the greatest misfortune; and 
 poverty a blessing in disguise. 
 
 But old age has its dark side. It has its sad thought. 
 After providing for itself, as long as it can, it would lean 
 upon some strong arm, during the decline of life. But, 
 it shrinks from the thought of being a burden to others, 
 even to an own child. We should love, and care for the 
 old people very tenderly. They are worthy of our faith- 
 ful watch-care, and deepest devotion. We should let 
 them feel, that they are still helpful to us ; and never lead, 
 or leave them to feel that their days of usefulness are, 
 entirely, gone. Let us draw all we can from the rich, 
 and varied experience of age. Old people delight to 
 impart knowledge, when sought at their hands. 
 
 Be kind to the aged ones of earth. They will not be 
 with you long. You will lose them by and by. If un- 
 kind to grand-mother, you may mourn your mistreat- 
 ment of her, when you see her face no more on earth. 
 Do not let your hands plant your future, with thorns and 
 thistles. But, do not dissemble. If you can not feel, 
 do not feign sympathy for her. Remember, words of 
 sympathy, on the lips, are works of compassion, in the 
 lite. Acts of kindness, with the hand, are deeds of 
 benevolence, in the heart. Tears of pity, in the eye, 
 are dew-drops of pathos from the soul. 
 
GRANDMA'S DARLINGS. 
 
 (See page 235.) 
 
GRANDMA, AND HER DARLINGS. 235 
 
 Old people, often, outlive their active usefulness, in 
 this life ; and, unless we care for them tenderly, and 
 kindly, their last days will be a burden, and death a cov- 
 eted boon. But, if properly, and affectionately cared 
 for, they will remain cheerful, and hopeful, even, to the 
 end of life. And, they will teach us how religion can 
 sustain the weary pilgrim of earth, and gild the dark 
 horizon of death, with the crimson glories of a lovely 
 sunset. We love to see a good old grand-mother sit- 
 ting quietly ; and, calmly waiting her summons home. 
 She lingers lovingly, in the twilight of life, waiting 
 patiently the day-break of eternity. She is ripe for 
 heaven. Her last days on earth are her happiest, and 
 her best. They are full of peace and patience. Her 
 sweet spirit, gradually, grows cooler, and calmer, as the 
 long shadow of life continues to lengthen, and the dark 
 portals of death lift up their heads, into the golden sun- 
 light of hope, to let the way-worn pilgrim pass into the 
 courts of endless life. 
 
 When old age comes, it must be a sweet solace, and 
 comfort to declining years, to have affectionate grand- 
 children come to the loving, and lovely heart, with their 
 grateful ministrations of filial affection. It is a touch- 
 ingly beautiful scene, to see grandma, with her little 
 darlings gathered round, while she sits in the old armed- 
 chair, entertaining them, with quaint, old stories of other 
 days. The relative importance of these lovely scenes 
 are to be seen, in their reciprocal influences, on the hearts, 
 and lives of the old and the young. Youth gives to age 
 no richer heritage than the fond memories of a sainted 
 grand-mother, whose sweet spirit touched, and tendered 
 all hearts while on earth. Such, sacred, memories are 
 
236 GRAND-MOTHER GETTING OLD. 
 
 safe-guards, amid the struggles, and temptations of time 
 all along the line of life. 
 
 Grand-mother is getting old. Her days are almost 
 numbered. Her sun of life long since crossed its me- 
 ridian ; and is rapidly wheeling its course down the 
 heavens, toward its western horizon. Her setting sun 
 will, soon, sink behind the silver clouds, of the silent 
 evening of life. Her feet have, often, walked the ways 
 of sadness and sorrow. Her heart has, often, melted, 
 with grief and anguish. But, now she stands, serenely, 
 beneath the bending skies, without an intervening cloud, 
 to obscure the glorious visions of her, far-seeing, eye of 
 faith. The long night of her sufferings, and sorrows 
 will soon give way, to the golden dawn, of an endless 
 day of joy and gladness. The surcease of sorrow, for 
 which she sighs, will soon be hers. The respite, from 
 pain and death, for which she longs, awaits her just 
 across the still waters, of the last river, on the sun- 
 bright shore of eternal deliverance. And she sings, 
 with triumph, the song of the aged pilgrims : 
 
 All our morning hours are past ; 
 
 The night is drawing nigh : 
 Now, our shadows lengthen fast ; 
 
 We'll leave you, by and by. 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 Here we stand, on Jourdan's strand ; 
 
 The river'll soon run dry ; 
 Then, o'er goes our faithful band, 
 
 To reign with God on high. 
 
THE AGED PILGRIMS' SONG. 2^J 
 
 All our happy hearts are light, 
 
 And all our spirits free ; 
 For, our blest home, full in sight, 
 
 Our aged eyes can see. 
 
 We're crossing o'er Jordan now ; 
 
 Toward that happy home ; 
 Light, and gladness crown each brow : 
 
 Our feet no more shall roam, 
 
 Glory be to God above, 
 
 Our spirits sweetly sing ; 
 From whose chast'ning rod of love, 
 
 We pass up to our King. 
 
 And, when we vie round his throne, 
 
 With all our loved and lost, 
 Loud hosannahs shall make known, 
 
 The joys of ransomed hosts. 
 
 Grand-mother's summer of life is ended. The cold, 
 chilly blasts of winter are sweeping over her devoted 
 head, with ever-increasing fury. But, amid the storms 
 of the winter of age, her love glimmers, and glows, 
 with ever-accumulating fervor, and ever-strengthening 
 faith. The warmth, of her fond affections, is felt far and 
 near. Her hopes, of happiness, are all centered in 
 Jesus. He is her light, her life and her salvation. He 
 is the joy of her present, and the hope of her future life. 
 She has been faithful, in her devotions to God ; and 
 hence, the dark angel of death will be an angel of light 
 and life to her ; and the gloomy grave a sweet, and 
 quiet resting-place for the aged body, of the sleeping 
 dead. 
 
238 THE CLOSE OF LIFE. 
 
 Grand-mother's life is fast drawing to a close. There 
 is nothing left her, on earth, but the sweet reminis- 
 cences, of the distant past ; and the long cherished 
 hopes, of an endless future. Now, at last, she lies on 
 her dying couch : and the sable wings of the dark 
 death-angel shadow her marble-white brow ; while a 
 gleam of glory penetrates the darkness of death, and 
 lights up her countenance, with expressions of hope and 
 joy, which are ineffable. A halo of softened, and sub- 
 dued radiance hangs round her hallowed head, like a 
 crown of golden glory. The fountains of life are being 
 broken up, by the powers of death. The silver chords 
 are being severed. The golden lamp of life is growing 
 dimmer and dimmer. But, her sleep is sound. Her rest 
 is sweet. Her dreams are pleasant. She is listening to 
 the harps of heaven. She is looking for a convoy of 
 angels to come, ere long, on silvery wings, and with 
 golden harps, to bear her ransomed spirit away, in tri- 
 umph, to its heavenly home in the skies. Listen ! from 
 the angelic choir comes, mellowed by the distance, the 
 soft, subdued chorus of welcome, to her celestial-bound 
 soul. The sacred hush, of the holy night, seems to be 
 in deepest sympathy, with the closing scenes of her 
 eventful life. The sleepy air moans a melancholy wail, 
 as sweet, and soul-animating, to the dying, as it is sad, 
 and soul-subduing, to the bereaved friends and loved 
 ones, who so soon must mourn her departure. 
 
 Grand-mother has reached the closing scene, of her 
 earthly pilgrimage. The sable cloud of death, with 
 life's silver lining, overhangs her drooping head. The 
 darkness will soon be over. The light is pouring in. 
 The last shadow will soon be driven away. Then, a 
 
GRAND-MOTHER IS DEAD. 239 
 
 halo of glory will mantle the departing spirit. Hope 
 already rises far above the hazy horizon of death, like 
 fleecy clouds, on emerald skies ; and hangs the beautiful 
 bow of promise above the dark portals, which lead 
 through temporal death, to life immortal. The doors of 
 death are being lifted up ; a convoy of angels are wait- 
 ing, and heaven's gates of pearl are swinging back, upon 
 their golden hinges, while saints and seraphs are watch- 
 ing, to welcome the aged mother, at her coming, to the 
 glories of the New Jerusalem. 
 
 She is passing through the last struggles, between 
 life and death. She will soon be gone, where her soul 
 will be saluted, by a sea of seraphic sounds. She will 
 soon be, where light, and life, and love hold undisputed 
 empire, in the city of her God. For, the inspiration of 
 the hour has resurrected, all, her buried hopes of 
 heaven : and dying grace is carrying her, triumphantly, 
 over the dark Jordan of death. She is passing peace- 
 fully, and passively out of this, into a better state of 
 existence. Her day of life is, rapidly, drawing to a 
 close. The night of death is, fast, shutting out the 
 lingering rays of fading light. She has drifted, far, 
 down the mystic stream of time. A few more pulse 
 beats, and all will be still. Another short breath, and 
 she has breathed her last on earth. She will walk the 
 weary ways of this world no more forever. She has 
 gone to a brighter, better world than this. Grand- 
 mother is dead. Her sun of life sank, like a lovely 
 vessel at sea, slowly behind the distant waves of death. 
 Many tears bear sincere tribute to her womanly worth. 
 Many words of commendation testify to the high re- 
 gard, in which she was held, by all who knew her, in 
 
24O IN THE HEAVEN OF HEAVENS. 
 
 this life. Her body is lifeless, in the cold, damp ground; 
 where it must sleep, till the resurrection morn ; but her 
 spirit is in heaven. 
 
 Death is the relentless foe — the ruthless enemy of 
 our race. His voice has been heard, in every house- 
 hold. His foot-prints have been left, on every hearth- 
 stone, in the land. He has torn many of our dearest 
 friends, and loved ones from our fond embraces ; and 
 left us waiting, and weeping on the sad, and silent 
 shores of time. But, our sainted dead have silently 
 passed, to the shining shores of the celestial land. 
 They still visit us, in our dreams, to flit, like shadows, 
 or fly, like seraphs, across our melancholy memories. 
 But, the shadows fall, upon them, never more, if they 
 died, in the triumphs of a living faith in Jesus. Love 
 rules their lives ; and heaven is their home for evermore. 
 And, the burst of grief, in our heavy hearts, has calmed 
 down, to the melting- tears of fond recollections. The 
 deep anguish, and agonies of our sad souls have 
 softened into passive, and pensive meditation, upon their 
 happy existence, in the home of the soul : and, we could 
 not call them back, to this sin-cursed world, if we pos- 
 sessed the power. Especially is this true, if we know 
 that they have gone to the realms of light, and life, 
 where the bow of promise never fades ; the star of hope 
 never grows dim, and the Sun of Righteousness shines 
 for evermore. Our love bids us let them wear their 
 crowns, sit upon their thrones and reign, as kings and 
 queens, with the King of kings, eternally in the heaven 
 of heavens. 
 
GRAND-FATHER- HOOD 
 
 Chapter X. 
 
 V" have lived many years ; 
 Soon my days will be gone ; 
 They started with the cradle; 
 They shall lead to the throne. 
 
 RAND-FATHER-HOOD is life, in 
 the wane. It is life, verging on the 
 grave. It is life, tottering toward the 
 tomb. It is life, courted by death. 
 It is life, ripe for the harvest — ready, 
 for heaven. It is life, about to lie 
 down, in the arms of death — about 
 to yield to death's wooings. It is life temporal, 
 on the eve of being exchanged, for life eternal. 
 It is natural life, on earth, longing for immor- 
 tal life in heaven. 
 
 Old age is borne forward, by the resistless 
 tide of time. Its course is ever onward, with 
 the ceaseless current of the sweeping centu- 
 There is no ebbing, to the ever rolling river of 
 life, which moves on, so rapidly, toward the ocean of the 
 
 future, when time shall lapse into eternity. But, the 
 
 (240 
 
 nes. 
 
242 ACTIVE AGENTS. 
 
 aged will look back, and live, much, in the past. They, 
 then, look forward, and live, more, in the future. The 
 present, seldom, has many charms for them. Their 
 happiest dreams are of days that are gone ; and their 
 fondest hopes, of joys to come. 
 
 Aged people are wont to think of olden times, as 
 being the best, from the fact that they belong to the 
 distant past, when they were active agents upon the 
 stage of life. The scenes, and services, of other days, 
 have all lost many of their thorns and thistles, in the 
 enchanted distance, that lies between them and these 
 aged veterans of the cross. Many of their reminiscences 
 of the past, are so pleasant, that they lose sight of 
 much, connected with those good old days, that was 
 really burdensome, and oppressive in the extreme at the 
 time. But, it is perfectly natural for us to recount, even 
 our heaviest hardships, with a degree of pleasure kindred 
 to exultation, when the flight, of intervening years, lies 
 between us and them. The soldier, who has endured 
 the hardships of war, knows how natural it is for this 
 feeling to come up in the mind, and find lodgment in 
 the heart, when memory recounts the long weary 
 marches, and the hard fought battles through which he 
 passed, under the heaviest burdens of his eventful life. 
 So the veteran soldiers, of the cross, are wont to rejoice, 
 over the most hotly-contested battles of life, when the 
 sacred reminiscences of the wonderful warfare, through 
 which they have passed, successfully, loom up, only, in 
 the light of crowns, and sceptres, and thrones for the 
 valiant, and victorious soldiers of the cross. 
 
 But, again, the aged have long since learned, that 
 the trials, through which we pass, and the troubles, we 
 
TIMID AND CAUTIOUS. 243 
 
 are called upon to endure in this life, are often bless- 
 ings in disguise. Some of them have, even, learned to 
 regard earth's heaviest burdens, as light afflictions, 
 which are but momentary, in comparison with the flight 
 of centuries, or the sweep of ages. They know that 
 they are only passing through a night, of weeping and 
 wailing, to greet a morning, freighted with joy and 
 gladness. They have faith to believe, that the heavi- 
 est of their heart-burdens will melt away, by and by, 
 into an eternal weight of glory. 
 
 Aged people are, both, timid and cautious. They 
 hesitate to venture, now, where they once delighted to 
 go. They walk with trembling limbs and tottering 
 forms, though assisted by others, where once they trod 
 fearlessly and alone. But, the old man's faith acts so 
 powerfully upon his person, at times, that it sends a 
 vigorous thrill, through every fiber of his aged body, as 
 well as a heavenly glow, over every feature of his fur- 
 rowed face. And, he feels, again and again, burning 
 within the bones of his feeble body, the fancied fires 
 of his once vigorous, stalwart form ; but only to be re- 
 minded, from time to time, in his efforts to repeat the 
 easy tasks of former days, that he is an old man, grad- 
 ually growing feebler, and more infirm, in body ; though 
 perchance stronger, and more vigorous in spirit. 
 
 These old people ought to be the objects of our 
 special care — the recipients of our constant favors. We 
 should greet them, daily, with words of thoughtful affec- 
 tion. We should meet them, often, in acts of filial de- 
 votion. For, as long as they live, so long will they have 
 claims upon our hands, for help ; and upon our hearts, 
 for sympathy and love. It should be our pleasure, 
 
244 GRANDLY GREAT. 
 
 to promote their happiness ; smooth down the rough 
 places, in the pathways of their painful pilgrimages, 
 during their declining years ; and soften, if possible, the 
 silken pillows of their dying couches, while they linger, 
 a little longer, on the shores of time, to receive the last 
 testimonials of our filial affections, and undying grati- 
 tude. 
 
 Here sits grand-father, in his old, armed rocker, with 
 dressing-gown and slippers on. He is a grand old man. 
 He is great; and as good, as he is great. He is the 
 patriarch of a large family ; loved and honored, by chil- 
 dren, and by children's children, even down to the third, 
 and fourth generations. But, best of all he is loved, and 
 honored of God. He has long been a friend to God. 
 He is a child of glory — an heir of heaven. 
 
 The good old man's life has been grandly great, be- 
 cause it has been spent, in the service of his God. He 
 has passed, under the rod. He has walked, the ways 
 of sorrow. But, in the midst of shadows, he found sun- 
 shine. In the depth of grief, he experienced everlast- 
 ing consolation. The waves have rolled high, around 
 him ; but, the voice of the Lord was, often, heard, upon 
 the troubled waters. His bow of promises has, ever, 
 rested, upon the over-arching clouds, radiant with future 
 hope ; and reaching across the valley of sin and sorrow; 
 into the land of light and life. He has been, abun- 
 dantly, blessed of the Lord. He has been made to 
 prosper, and bring forth, as the vine in its fresh, and 
 fragrant fruitfulness. All the precious promises, to the 
 aged in Christ, have been verified to him. God has 
 given him long life ; and made him fruitful, even, in old 
 age. 
 
GRANDFATHER. 
 <See page 244.) 
 
THE GOLDEN GLEANINGS. 245 
 
 These grand old men are the lamps of life, which 
 God has placed all along the track of time, to illumine 
 our pathways. Their experience, and counsels give 
 light, to the passing generations. These venerable old 
 fathers love to impart their knowledge, to others — they 
 love to let their light shine, upon those around them. 
 The oracles of the aged are spoken, in the lore of love 
 and life. There is an artless oratory, and an enthusi- 
 astic eloquence on the tongue of the aged man, when 
 he talks of the good old times of yore, or the happy 
 days to come. 
 
 Old age ought to consist in the golden gleanings, of 
 a well-spent life. The last sheaf harvested, for heaven's 
 granary, should be the richest and the best. The last 
 day spent, upon earth, ought to be the brightest, and 
 happiest of all. The parting benedictions, of the aged, 
 ought to be fullest of hope, and of heaven. For, while 
 death, to all such, ends life here ; it is but the doorway, 
 to an endless life, beyond the pale portals of the tomb. 
 For, the peal, of the golden trumpet, of the mighty 
 archangel, as clear, and musical as the voice of God, 
 will be heard over land and sea, on the morning of the 
 great resurrection, by all the myriads of earth's sleeping 
 dead ; and, then, these aged ones shall live again. 
 
 The good old man has his trials and troubles — his ups 
 
 and his downs. He is not, always, on the mountain 
 
 top ; but, often, in the valley low. He can not, always, 
 
 travel on the through express ; but is forced, sometimes, 
 
 to take the local freight. The trials of life beset us all, 
 
 old and young. Saint, and sinner must move forward, 
 
 through great tribulations. For, the righteous are often 
 
 side-tracked ; while the wicked are led more hopelessly 
 20 
 
246 THE BURDEN OF YEARS. 
 
 astray, at every turn, and crook along life's uneven way. 
 Sin is the opiate that lulls us all to sleep ; and leaves 
 us lying, listless and languid, in the lap of death. We 
 want to wake up and go to work, if we would gain the 
 victory, over this inveterate foe. 
 
 Age bears, on its bosom, the burden of years. Its 
 current runs deeper, but still more rapidly, toward the 
 ocean of eternity. The flow of life is calmer, and more 
 majestic, as it nears the sorrowless shores, of the land 
 of light and life. Age deepens affection. It purifies, 
 and strengthens love. It confirms faith, and brightens 
 hope. But, old age, with all its wonted calmness and 
 serenity, is ladened, with an extra weight of sadness 
 and sorrow, during the decline of life. Especially is 
 this true of those, who are not allowed to lean, lovingly, 
 upon the arms of their children and grand-children, for 
 comfort and support. Old people, naturally, look back, 
 upon life, as a tale that is told ; and, often, long to leave 
 the sorrowful shores of time, to sail the unseen ocean of 
 eternity. Oh ! for immortal, unfading youth ! cries the 
 aged, way-worn veteran of the cross. 
 
 This good old man, when he contrasts his earthly 
 griefs, with his heavenly glory, can truthfully sing : 
 
 I love life's weight of tears ; 
 
 It draws me near to God ; 
 Cheers up my soul, removes my fears, 
 
 And bids me trust his word. 
 
 I love the chastening rod ; 
 
 And know, full well, its power, 
 To bring the wayward child to God, 
 
 In filial love, each hour. 
 
LIFE'S WEIGHT OF TEARS. 247 
 
 I love the glory, too, 
 
 My light afflictions bring ; 
 It fills my heart with gratitude ; 
 
 And bids my spirit sing. 
 
 I love to think of rest, 
 
 Beyond this world of woe — 
 A home at last among the blest, 
 
 Where joys forever flow. 
 
 The good old man prays ; and the heavens bend with 
 blessings. Grand-father bends his knees, and bows his 
 hoary head, in fervent and effectual prayer, and finite 
 weakness prevails over infinite power. But, prayer is 
 designed to open the heart of man, rather than the 
 hand of God. The Almighty is, always, ready to be- 
 stow blessings, when man is willing to receive them, in 
 the Lord's way. He ever stands, with open hands and 
 out-stretched arms, anxic as to save, from sin and death, 
 the loved and lost of c th. But, doubts, and difficul- 
 ties, ever, environ the pr tent soul ; yet, the prayer of 
 faith unlocks the iron dc s, of darkness and death, and 
 floods its inner chamber, with the light of endless life. 
 Every life has its season of sadness and sorrow. Then, 
 it is, especially, opportune, -that we unbosom our hearts, 
 to God, in prayer. It is perfectly natural, that we should 
 look heavenward, at such times, for divine aid ; and he 
 is unnatural — a monster — who refuses to recognize a 
 higher power, when he feels forced to confess his own 
 helplessness. It would be infinitely better for us, if we 
 would only go to God, oftener, in earnest, supplicating 
 prayer. 
 
 Jesus is the old man's best, and dearest friend. He 
 
248 LICxHT AND LIBERTY. 
 
 is the sum, and substance of all his hopes. He is his 
 light, his life, his love, his all in all. He gives him free 
 access, daily, to a throne of divine grace. This makes 
 his grateful heart beat, constantly, in unison, with the 
 great heart of infinite love. And hence, the old man 
 walks, by faith, in sweet anticipation, of dying grace and 
 reigning glory, when he completes the journey reaching, 
 from the cradle, on earth, to the throne, in heaven. 
 His faith in God is implicit ; his obedience most cheer- 
 ful, and his love supreme. God is in all his thoughts ; 
 and heaven in all his hopes. Like the Puritan, and pil- 
 grim fathers, he has, always, been a lover of light and 
 liberty. And, he hopes, when he gets to heaven, to be 
 welcomed, by a King of Light, to a kingdom, of end- 
 less liberty and love. 
 
 The frail barks, of these , ed veterans, are now be- 
 ing tossed to and fro, by th< pests of time, which 
 touch, and lash the imn; :es of eternity. But, 
 soon the last storm will swee then, the last shock 
 will be felt, and the firsi /ictory will roll over 
 the ramparts of heaven, as t stand, beyond the reach 
 of earthly woes, safe at 1st, and at home for 
 evermore. 
 
 Our aged Veteran, of the .. has passed, success- 
 
 fully, through all the phases of human life, from the 
 cradle to the grave. He was born into baby-hood, 
 crawled into childhood, bounded into boyhood, leaped 
 into manhood, passed into father-hood and ripened into 
 grand-father-hood. He is, after all, but the early bud 
 of infancy matured, and mellowed into the precious 
 fruitage of a golden, autumnal harvest. But, through 
 all these phases of life, he has so lived, that the evening 
 
OLD AGE HONORABLE. 249 
 
 of his earthly existence finds the silver clouds of love, 
 resting sweetly, upon the golden mountains of light, 
 which loom up, around him ; and send their radiance, 
 streaming down through the gathering mists of age, to 
 illumine his pathway, through the valley of death's 
 shadow ; and give him a joyous, and triumphant en- 
 trance, into the peaceful Paradise of God. 
 
 These good old men, around us, are golden sheaves, 
 ready for heaven's granary. They are ripe, for the an- 
 gelic harvest. But, they are, still, good spiritual guides. 
 They are the world's balance wheels. They hold, in 
 check, the fiery ambition of the young, and thoughtless 
 of earth. They are constantly leading us, toward the 
 better land. They are veteran soldiers, who have, 
 many times, led the Lord's hosts, to battle and to vic- 
 tory. And, they are, still, waving the banner of the 
 cross, triumphantly, as they near the gates of glory ; 
 where they will exchange the soldier's cross, for the 
 victor's crown. 
 
 Old age is honorable ; and the grave is not its goal. 
 Let the young respect, and reverence the aged, at all 
 times. It will mellow their hard hearts, while it honors 
 these hoary heads. Reverence, for our seniors, carries, 
 with it, a double blessing. It blesses those who give 
 it ; and, those to whom it is given. With these aged 
 fathers, there is wisdom ; and, we would do well to sit 
 much at their feet ; and learn the lessons of life, that 
 they are prepared to impart. It is very profitable, 
 as well as pleasant, to go back, with them, through 
 half a century or more ; and hear of the ways, and 
 wonders of olden times ; that we may contrast wisely 
 the present, with the past. 
 
250 THE AGED SINNER. 
 
 Grand-father has passed through the autumn of life; 
 and the nipping frosts, of winter, have long been upon 
 his aged brow. But, he shall lose, one day, his four 
 score years and ten, in the endless summer, of im- 
 mortal youth. He will soon pass through the dark 
 portals of death ; but the passage will lead him out, into 
 the land of endless life. He has long since learned, 
 that the chastening rod is held, in the hands of love. 
 He believes, that death will lose its sting ; for it has, 
 already, lost its terrors. He knows that the grave will 
 be spoiled of its victory ; for his Redeemer rose from 
 the dead. 
 
 But, sad to say, many old men have misspent the 
 morning of life's long day; and are left to brood, in 
 doubt and darkness, over the train of desolation and 
 death, which haunts their old age. The aged sinner 
 has been a pensioner, for long years, upon the goodness, 
 and mercy of the Lord. The Lord has over-arched his 
 pathway, through life, with the gifts of his love. He 
 has fed him, with a liberal hand, upon the blessings of 
 Providence. He has offered to feast him, just as lib- 
 erally, upon the riches of his grace. But, the aged 
 pensioner has opened his heart, to receive but little of 
 the light, these blessings were designed to impart. And, 
 he has scarcely manifested a single emotion, of sincere 
 gratitude, to the Giver of all his good. Living language 
 reveals the inner-life, of such a man. In his life-actions, 
 he, naturally, gives expression, to the emotions of the 
 heart. No, the world is not growing worse ; yet, we 
 have not reached the millennium, by a good deal, we 
 imagine. 
 
 The wise old man says, the world is gradually grow- 
 
THE WISE OLD MAN. 25 1 
 
 ing better, as the centuries roll by, on their fiery wheels 
 of progress and reform. Millions of hands, heads and 
 hearts have contributed their mites, to make civilization 
 the glory of the centuries. It is a long, long stride, 
 from heathendom to Christendom. But, every faithful 
 life is a factor, for good, in society. The most obscure 
 personage exerts a potent influence, for weal or woe, 
 over some immortal soul. Every consecrated life is an 
 essential element, in moving the world onward, in its 
 growth of grace, toward its reign of glory. 
 
 This wise old man has not lived, exclusively, in the 
 past: but has made it a stairway, by which to climb, to 
 the grand possibilities of the future. Neither has he ig- 
 nored the present ; but, has gone out, into the markets, 
 and bought up opportunities to do good; thus redeem- 
 ing the time. Nor, has he been unmindful of the future ; 
 but has, constantly, thrust himself out upon its heaving 
 bosom ; or rather reached out, and drawn it to himself, 
 and used it, as a pillow, to bolster himself up with, in 
 the sore conflicts of life. The failures, of the past, 
 would long since have disheartened him ; and the bur- 
 dens, of the present, would often have overwhelmed 
 him, but for the glorious hopes, of the future, which 
 have given buoyancy, and strength to his whole life. 
 
 Grand-father's mind is still active; and his memory 
 clear and strong. Memory is mind in motion. It is a 
 mental manifestation, of mind upon matter, or mind 
 upon mind. It is the mind moving, once more, upon 
 the treasured images of the past. It is the resurrec- 
 tion, or recalling of scenes, and circumstances long since 
 buried, from our natural vision. It must be very pleas- 
 ant, indeed, when the vigorous day, of manhood's 
 
252 THE NINE MUSES. 
 
 might, is merging into the nightfall, of old age, and life . 
 is gradually drawing to a close, to look back, occasion- 
 ally, along down the vistas of time, and view, once 
 more, the sacred scenes of the years, of ones youthful 
 days. Old people never forget, the years of their youth. 
 Intervening events may fail them ; and fade from their 
 over-burdened memories ; but the happy scenes, of 
 childhood-life, will leave them never. None can sever 
 bonds, which bind age, to the happy hours of childhood's 
 cloudless past. The old man's richest heritage is in the 
 sacred memories of other days, or the brighter hopes of 
 coming years. He lives, but little, in the present. He 
 either lingers, longingly, in the lap of the receding past, 
 or leaps, lovingly, toward the bosom of the advancing 
 future. 
 
 The nine muses are, all, the offsprings of memory ; 
 and for her, they sing their sweetest songs, and make 
 their most delightful music. The fond recollections, of 
 the aged, are the greenest oases, upon memory's barren 
 desert. Their sweet reminiscences bring the loveliest 
 strains, and richest melodies from memory's golden harp. 
 And, as they turn from the bright pages, of the past, 
 to the brighter pictures of the future, hope touches the 
 heart, and it vibrates, again, with joy; love kindles the 
 soul, and it burns, once more, with the fires of youth. 
 Grand-father lives much, in memory. The richest rem- 
 iniscences, of his past life, light up the closing hours, of 
 his earthly existence, with the sunlit glories of an end- 
 less day. 
 
 The old man's hope is the heavenly anchor, of his 
 trusting heart. He lies, securely, in the harbor of 
 heaven, with this anchor cast into that within the vail. 
 
LOVE A RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLE. 253 
 
 His sails have all been lowered ; and he is now riding, 
 at anchor, in the port of peace, after a long, but suc- 
 cessful voyage across the stormy sea of life. 
 
 The old man's faith is an abiding substance — a real 
 entity, to him. It is his only evidence, of the unseen, 
 and eternal reward, which God has promised him, in the 
 glory world. It is the sure foundation, upon which he 
 has built his Christian character — the rock, upon which 
 his feet are firmly planted — the pillow, upon which his 
 hoary head is quietly resting — the shield, and fortress 
 of his trusting soul. Saving faith is a certainty — the 
 substance of things hoped for, or it is nothing. It is the 
 most implicit trust, and confidence in God's promises, or 
 it is worthless. Evangelical faith is not, merely, the 
 assent of the mind. It is, also, the acknowledgment 
 of the heart. 
 
 The old man's love is a religious principle. It has 
 been a most active agent. This principle has, often, 
 moved his great heart ; and nerved his strong arm, for 
 good works. It has been a permanent, and potent 
 agent, for good, during his long life, of devotion to 
 Christian duty. This love still lives. It loosens his 
 stammering tongue, and fires his burning zeal for God 
 and his service. 
 
 The cross of Christ is the old man's hope of heaven. 
 He gazed upon it, in the golden dawn of boyhood's 
 merry morning. He hung his hopes of happiness 
 upon it, at the noontide of manhood's riper years. 
 And, now, while the sun of life is nearing the horizon 
 of the west, the consecrated cross, still, looms up, be- 
 fore his visions of faith, as the sum, and substance of 
 his heart's fondest hopes, for time and eternity. He is 
 
254 THE BORDER-LANDS OF TIME. 
 
 ever clinging, closely, to the crimson cross of Christ. 
 There is a glory, hanging round the consecrated cross, 
 before which the world must bow, in reverence and de- 
 votion, at last. 
 
 Happy, indeed, is the old man, whose intercourse, with 
 the world, has not snapped the musical chords of his 
 heart, the melodious vibrations of which are still tenderly 
 touching other hearts, even, in the evening of old age. 
 To all these aged ones, the hope of heaven grows 
 brighter, and still brighter, as the scenes of earth pale, 
 and pass from their view, with the flight of flying years. 
 They, now, have many visions, of the better land ; many 
 dreams, of the Holy City ; many echoings of the heav- 
 enly harps, in their happy hearts, and many bright an- 
 ticipations, of the heavenly homes, which await them, in 
 the glory world. These heavenly hopes lift up the 
 hearts, of humanity's veterans ; and light up their path- 
 ways, as they journey along the border-lands of time, 
 toward their eternal homes in heaven. 
 
 Grand-father's religion is the stay, and staff of his 
 declining years. It was his hope, in youth, his strength, 
 in manhood, and it is his support, in old age. His re- 
 ligion is, and ever has been, the ruling power of his 
 life. He now lives, under the very shadow of the cross : 
 and hence, in the very sunlight of a Saviour's love. 
 He, constantly, basks, in the beams of Malachi's Sun of 
 Righteousness ; and hence, enjoys a cloudless, Christian 
 experience. His religion makes his hoary hairs hang, 
 like a halo of light, around his saintly brow, so deeply 
 furrowed, by the ruthless hand of time. And, as age 
 increases, the circles, of his Christian influence, will con- 
 tinue to widen and deepen, with the hush of time, and 
 
THE STAY AND STAFF. 255 
 
 the hum of eternity ; until the earth, finally, yields up 
 her priceless treasure, and heaven claims her matchless 
 trophy. 
 
 Grand-father's religion is a great solace to him, in his 
 afflictions. It turns all his desert places into Bethels ; 
 and, ofttimes, changes his darkness into light. The 
 special events, in his religious life, are occasions of in- 
 terest, and joy to the hosts of heaven. The trend of 
 humanity is either heaven, or hellward. Holiness, on 
 earth, is, absolutely, essential to happiness, in heaven. 
 
 Religion is a source of solace — a palace of peace — 
 the comfort, and consolation of old age. The religion, 
 of the aged, is the sheet-anchor of their hopes, during 
 the darkest nights, of their earthly pilgrimage. It is, to 
 them, the opening of the golden gates, of the heavenly 
 Paradise, in the not far distant future. It is, to them, 
 the unveiling of heaven's glories, to their enraptured 
 visioins, in the sweet by and by. To all these grand 
 old Christian heroes, heaven will be a welcome home, 
 when the last battle has been fought, and the final 
 victory won. Yes, these aged saints will all be su- 
 premely happy, in the heaven of heavens. 
 
 Grand-father holds, in fee simple, a legacy, lasting as 
 eternity — an estate, he can not lose, nor leave behind 
 him, even, at death. It is a treasure, which will prove 
 an everlasting consolation, to the old veteran of the 
 cross. For, as the ivy clings to the oak, so will this 
 legacy, of love, twine about his immortal spirit for ever- 
 more. Even so, every lengthened life ought to be 
 radiant with the light, and glorious with the sunshine 
 of the Saviour's, boundless, love. But, Oh ! how lonely 
 life must be ; and how dark death's door, to the aged, 
 
256 WE ALL GROW OLD. 
 
 who are left without the reminiscences, or rewards of 
 religion, as they stand, hopelessly, upon the brink of 
 eternal woe. 
 
 The years of life are, always, rolling on : and we are 
 powerless, to stay their revolutions. We can not keep 
 back the gray hairs, which come with the flight of time : 
 neither can we smooth the wrinkled brows, furrowed by 
 the weight of years. The scientist has sought, in vain, 
 for the elixir of life. It can not be found on earth. 
 Here, the young must grow old ; and the aged grow 
 older, and die. For, if the years of our lives be many, 
 still they pass away, as a tale that is told. We soon 
 grow old ; our days are numbered, ere long, and we fly 
 away. But, the older we grow — the longer we live, the 
 greater ought to be our labors of love ; and the sweeter 
 ought to be the joys of our work, and worship in the 
 Master's service. And, the nearer we approach the 
 grave, the deeper, and dearer ought to be the consola- 
 tions of our holy religion, in all the hours of earth's sad 
 bereavements. 
 
 We love to look upon the grand old man, whose 
 lease, on life, has been lengthened out, to four score 
 years, or more, in fulfillment of that precious promise: 
 With long life, will I satisfy him ; and show him my 
 salvation. Such an old man breathes the bracing air of 
 heaven, in its strength and purity. He lives, constantly, 
 in an atmosphere of love and devotion. And, he is, 
 always, ready, with words of wisdom, for the wayward, 
 and wicked of earth. Holy old man ! and happy, be- 
 cause holy, the last cloud, of a long life, has drifted 
 away ; and his evening sun shines, calmly and serenely, 
 
GRANDFATHER'S VOYAGE IS ALMOST ENDED, 
 
 /See page 257.) 
 
THE HAZY HORIZON OF TIME. 257 
 
 as it lingers, a while longer, upon the verge, before 
 sinking, behind the hazy horizon of time. 
 
 Grand-father knows, he must soon step off of the 
 stage of earthly action ; but he hopes to enter, even, a 
 more active life, in the great beyond. The rest, for 
 which he sighs, is full of energy, and ceaseless activi- 
 ties : but free from the vexations, and vanities, incident 
 to earth-life. He expects the toils, and turmoils of time, 
 to give way, soon, to the refreshing, and exhilerating 
 labors of eternity's tireless tasks. He knows, he is 
 journeying toward, and getting very near, a country, 
 where there will be eyes for the blind ; ears for the 
 deaf ; voices for the dumb ; feet for the maimed, and life 
 for the dead. 
 
 It is during the last days, of the aged Christian, that 
 the church hopes, to find his life hanging loaded down, 
 with the ripe, rich clusters of love, made perfect through 
 sufferings endured, for the Saviour's sake. Such love 
 has become as gold, seven times refined ; or as the 
 blushing fruitage, reddened, and ripened, by the rays of 
 the hottest tropical sun, that ever shone upon man ; and 
 thus made meet for the Master's use. Hence it will 
 soon be plucked, by the Divine Hand ; and gathered, 
 into the heavenly garner. 
 
 Grand-father's voyage is almost ended. His race is 
 nearly run. The burdens, of age, are growing heavier. 
 The wheels, of time, are running rapidly. The fires, of 
 life, are burning low. - He looks back, over his troubled 
 past. He recounts the storms, encountered. He recalls 
 the perils, of the deep, with their wonderful deliverances. 
 He looks, to the future, with its promises, of endless 
 life and love. The Port, of Peace, is full in view. And 
 
258 DYING GRACE. 
 
 while he knows his hoary head will, soon, be pillowed, 
 in the dust of death, he is just as confident, that his soul 
 will, soon, be safely anchored, in the haven of eternal 
 rest. For, after all, the winter, of a well-spent life, is, 
 of all its seasons, the sweetest and the best. It is the 
 season calmest, in enjoyment, richest, in recollections, 
 and happiest, in its hopes of heaven. 
 
 But, grand-father is sick. His hoary head is pillowed, 
 for death. The ears grow heavy, and the heart beats 
 slowly. The muffled sounds, of death's foot-falls, are 
 heard in the hall. He is dying : but faith is confirmed, 
 and fear is banished. He has plenty of dying grace. 
 The light, of endless life, shines into his soul ; and 
 doubt, and darkness disappear forever. He realizes, 
 that God's love is round about him, as the air he 
 breathes ; and his mercy above him, as the over-arching 
 heavens. He feels, that it is sweet to die, with the 
 everlasting arms of love beneath him : and hence, swan- 
 like in death, he sings the sentiments of his sanctified 
 soul: 
 
 I'm dying, friends ; I'll soon be dead : 
 But, peace attends, my hoary head ; 
 For, death has lost, his venomed sting, 
 Like th' grave once lost, its Conq'ring King. 
 
 My life is o'er, my race is run ; 
 I'll greet no more, the rising sun : 
 My time is past, my days are gone ; 
 And, now, I cast, life's burdens down. 
 
 With tearless eyes, and joyful heart, 
 I say good-bye ; for we must part ; 
 
DEATH SONG. 259 
 
 But, then, we'll meet again, I say, 
 With joy to greet, on some sweet day. 
 
 My heart is free, my spirit sings ; 
 Glory to thee, thou King of kings ; 
 I come to rest, on that bright shore, 
 Where those you've blest, will part no more. 
 
 I look, and lo ! the angels come ; 
 Sweet seraphs, now, are in my room : 
 They'll take me home, to that bright land, 
 Where I shall roam, with sinless bands. 
 
 I long to be, on that fair shore, 
 Where sin I'll see, nor death no more ; 
 But in those realms, of life above, 
 With Jesus reign, in endless love. 
 
 So fare you well, till next we meet, 
 Where we shall dwell, on gold-paved streets : 
 And, wearing crowns, like our loved ones, 
 Vie, long, around the great white throne. 
 
 Grand-father's days are numbered, at last. He is 
 dead. " He died, in a good old age, full of days, riches 
 and honor." He has passed out, from the land, of 
 cradles and tombs, to the country, of crowns and 
 thrones, where all are kings, and queens unto God. 
 
 Death is a demon of darkness. He sends a wail of 
 woe, that is world-wide and heart-rending, through all 
 the earth : and the living are left, to mourn for their de- 
 parted dead. We were all born to die. Death is the 
 destiny of our race. The grave will, one day, be the 
 bed-chamber, of the rich and poor, of all the earth. 
 21 
 
260 
 
 HEAVEN S ETERNAL THRONE. 
 
 Our loved ones die ; and leave us in bitterest lamen- 
 tations. They do not wish us, to weep for them, how- 
 ever. Their sweet voices, often, bid us, in death, to dry 
 our tears. But, bereavement softens our hearts, and 
 subdues our spirits. We lose our loved ones ; and 
 heaven gains them ; but, still, we love them. They are, 
 ever, ours. The ties, which unite us, could not be 
 broken by death. But, possibly, they have been strength- 
 ened, by the hopes, which have sprung up in our hearts, 
 of a happy reunion, by and by. But, while we weep, 
 they rejoice. While we mourn, they are, greatly, com- 
 forted. We hang our harps, on the weeping willows, 
 and refuse, for a time, to sing the soul-comforting songs 
 of Zion ; but they strike theirs, in lovelier, loftier and 
 sweeter strains, as they vie, with the blood-washed, 
 white-robed throng, in singing the song of Moses and 
 the Lamb, around heaven's eternal throne. 
 
M