KEEPING OUR BOYS AT HOME.
By Mrs. Anna Pelzel
THERE is no greater duty, none fraught with greater responsibilities or possibilities than to "train up a child in the way he should go," trusting that "when he is old, he will not depart from it." Do we as parents, and in particular as mothers, realize that upon our teaching and example depends the moral welfare of the next generation? How then shall we proceed to make the boys love their homes better than any place else?—By making them the best places on earth, as far as lies in our power. Begin when they are tots at your knee, lisping their prayers. When childish troubles assail their little hearts, let them know you sympathize with them. As they grow older, invite their confidence, let there be a bond of love and sympathy between you; and that once established, your work is well begun. Amuse them with good stories simply told, and when they are able to read, supply them with the best reading matter. See that they read nothing to which you would object. Make your boy's companions welcome; don't send them to the barn to play, lest they litter up your house. The time will come too soon when he will leave the home nest. So keep him while you may. If he shows talent for music help him cultivate it, whatever good tastes or inclinations he may have, try to encourage them. When he has reached the age "where the brook and river seem to meet," you will have to be more vigilant than ever. He is now brought in contact with the world, and Satan is yet "going about seeking whom he may devour." He prefers the young and innocent, holding open the gilded palace doors, to ensnare the unwary, and lead them away from the "straight and narrow way." Acquaint yourself as far as you can with your boy's associates, that you may be able to advise him wisely, as he has not yet learned to discriminate between good and bad companionship. Be lenient with his faults, but not blind to them. Tell him the world needs good men and you see no reason why he should not take his place in the ranks, especially as the Master has endowed him with talents, for which he must give account. Speak to him of his soul's welfare. He needs your counsel more than ever now. Pray with him and for him. How often have I gone to my boy's room after he had retired, and, kneeling by his bed, talked with him of the day's temptations and victories, thereby making him stronger and braver for the next day's battle with sin. O mothers! embrace the golden opportunity while it is yours, the jewel is in your hands to polish and make it to shine as a beacon light; or you may, by neglect, mar and destroy it. Which you will do is for you to decide. The possibility is great; the reward is eternal glory. Choose ye this day whom your boy should serve.