THE MOTHER AND HER CHILD.
By Mrs. M. C. Du Bois
One has said: “For no other memory of life can we be so thankful as for one that goes back so far that it seems to be the first of all impressions,—the face and form and influence of a Christian mother. That picture, of all pictures the most beautiful, is a talisman at every step on the life-road.” Yes, better than rare heirlooms of diamonds or other sparkling gems to hand down to our children is the memory picture of a mother's faithful, tireless work in forming the character of her children. Would that every mother who may read these lines could realize at all times the extent of her influence over her children. It is indeed measureless. One has said, “In the home [not at the ballot-box] the mother makes the character of nations.” Who has not read of the mothers of Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington, and John Wesley? What wonderful women they were! Every mother can not give to the world a Washington; but she can and ought to do her best to give to the world pure, healthy, well-trained children. Now, since my children have gone out into the world to take their places and perform their duties in life, I realize as never before the power of a mother over her children's future life. The older I grow, the more sacred the work of a mother appears to me. Day by day she is doing work which will last to all eternity. We may properly call her an artist, painting pictures which the hand of time can not erase, tarnish, or cause to fade. The colors of the mother-artist must wisely be chosen, and mixed with earnest prayer and purpose, and ground fresh each day for that day's particular work. I once knew a mother who was very particular about her personal appearance in her home. She was a hard-working woman, but she never failed to make some changes in her attire for the afternoon. Some dainty article was added that would make her look more attractive; for she said, “I want my boys to remember me as a neat, tidy mother.” She has been sleeping for a number of years; but the memory picture of that mother is undimmed to her children to this day. A woman's first and grandest work, if she is a mother, is due her own children, and the mother who, in her zeal to work for God, neglects her own children either physically or spiritually, is doing a great wrong. I have known mothers who loved “the truth” and desired “to work in the cause,” and yet they neglected the very work God had given them to do. Some may say, “You would have a woman selfish, and do only for her own.” Not so; I would have every mother true and faithful to her own, careful to cultivate the home field first, and then reach out after others as the way opens. The relation of the mother to her child is most sacred; but it has come to pass that the office of motherhood is no longer held sacred by many. Mothers can turn coldly from their offspring, to engage in pleasure, or the so-called work of the Lord, while their children are left to run in the streets, or turned over to the care of others. This may sound severe to some; but when the mother is brought to realize the greatness of her work, she will see this matter in a new light. Children should not be left to learn from others the mysteries of their own bodies. Most mothers are very remiss in this duty, from false modesty or some other cause. Far too many children are left to gain this knowledge from older schoolmates, and long before most mothers dream of such a thing, the mind of the child is filled with impurities and false ideas, and often very young children are led into evil practises long before the mother has any thought that her child has any idea of the origin of life. There is always a desire in the mind of an intelligent child to know where he came from and how he grew. Most mothers would be shocked at the idea of giving anything near the truth; so he is put off with the first falsehood that chances to come into her mind. The bright-eyed boy of five summers is told that his little baby sister was found in the woods in a hollow tree, or in the straw-stack, or bought of a rag-peddler. He knows better. He has already learned from an older schoolmate something of the mystery of life's origin; and tho of course his mind can not fully comprehend all, he knows enough not to believe the story concerning his baby sister. If every mother would, in the face of God, give her boy and girl right instruction upon these important subjects, she would build a strong bulwark against impurity and vice. But some mothers say, “I tell my children all that is necessary; there is time enough.” Are you sure you tell them all they should know? How many mothers explain the structure, nature, and functions of the different organs, and the relation they bear to life, the right use, and the fearful consequences of abuse? How many teach them that the body should be cared for as the “temple of the living God”? A wise, God-fearing mother surely could, in a few words, teach her child enough to satisfy his mind upon some things at least over which his brain is puzzled. O mothers, let not a false modesty keep you from doing your duty in the fear of God! Your work truly is great, the office of motherhood most sacred. The greatest care should be exercised by the mother, as her children grow older, to retain their affection and confidence. It is a sad day when mother is left out of the confidence of her child, as she surely will be unless she is careful. Encourage them to trust you. Be social; take an interest in their associates. Many a boy or girl forms acquaintances of which the mother knows nothing, and from this associate harmful and impure habits are learned. A mother should be watchful of the company her child keeps. A child should not be allowed to run upon the streets at night. Home should be made so bright and pleasant that the children will not care to go down town or to the country store to spend their evenings. I hear a mother say, “I am glad to get them out of the way for a little time, so I can have a few minutes' quiet and rest.” Ah, mother, you are resting at a fearful cost, if your child is in bad company! These are fearful times for the young. Traps and pitfalls abound on every side. Satan is doing his best to ruin our children. Parents, in the fear of God, do all in your power to save them from destruction.