The Mother's Responsibility in Regard to the Purity of Her Children
By E. E. K.
THE engineer who would attempt to run a train filled with human beings over a road beset with danger, without a thorough knowledge of the perilous points and a full understanding of how he must guide his engine, either to avoid or to pass over them in safety, would be condemned at once by every one, not only as utterly unworthy of the trust reposed in him, but as guilty of inexcusable sin in thus jeopardizing human lives,—inexcusable, because, if he takes upon himself such a trust, he has no right to remain in ignorance of anything which it is in his power to learn respecting the precautions necessary to insure a safe journey. If a knowledge of the dangers which surround his way is so necessary to the engineer into whose care is intrusted simply the bodily safety of human beings for only a few short hours, how much greater importance is attached to a knowledge of the pitfalls and dangers which beset life's pathway, for all mothers to whose care and guidance is intrusted not only the physical but the mental and moral welfare of children for a score of years. The evils that influence our children for vice are everywhere prevalent. There are hundreds of different avenues by which they may reach even the most sheltered homes of our land. Mothers cannot afford to ignore these perils. It is blindness to danger that invites moral disasters. Many mothers are apt to look upon the subject of impurity as one which in no way concerns their children of tender years, and so neglect to guard them in this particular until the weeds of impurity are firmly rooted in their young hearts. It is easy to see the weeds when they have grown and are putting forth leaves and branches; but then it is too14late; the roots are firmly grounded; and labor with what zeal we may to tear them out, there is always danger that some rootlet will remain to spring up again where least expected. The only sure way is to prevent the mischief-making seeds from germinating. As a safeguard against vice, teach the little one, from earliest infancy, correct physical habits, especially in regard to sleeping and eating. “The handmaid of chastity is nature's great restorer, peaceful, unbroken slumber for childhood and youth.” Any source of indigestion, too much or too little exercise, cold feet, or other exciting cause of sleeplessness, should be zealously guarded against. The diet of children should be most rigidly looked after. Children allowed to eat at all hours, to partake of rich and highly seasoned foods, sweetmeats, and dainties, to use tea and coffee and strong condiments, to overeat, are thus taught self-gratification rather than self-control, and are placed under the dominion of their lower natures. Abundant exercise is an especially important aid to purity, and the value of wholesome occupation at all times can hardly be overestimated. The mind will be occupied with something, and the old adage that “Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do” is a true one. Have something fresh and interesting always ready with which to satisfy the keen appetites of their unfolding intellects. Teach them about stones and flowers, about insects and birds, and read to them about great and useful men and women. Strive to interest them in whatever will create in them aspirations for that which is good and pure. If the circumstances which surround them are such that there is any likelihood of their being led into evil through the example of others, fortify them against it by warning them of its inevitable consequences. Guard the associations of your little ones even more carefully than those of children of older growth. Never allow them in their play to wander out of your sight and hearing in company with some neighbor's child; and do not, to get rid of their noise, banish them to some room or corner by themselves, where they, unobserved, will feel at liberty to carry out any impulse for evil which may spring up in their minds. If little friends come to visit them, superintend their plays, show them new games, and help them to keep their minds so full of enjoyable thoughts that they will have no time to think of anything wrong. Let them see that you enjoy their guests, and they will soon come to feel that a visit from a friend without mamma to share it will be a great loss of pleasure.—E. E. K., in Home and School.