Motherhood, properly understood and appreciated, is a great privilege; but the condition which accompanies this privilege, as it does every other we receive in this earthly existence, is its exercise under a responsibility correspondingly great. It appears unnecessary to adduce further matter to enforce the chief doctrine sought to be taught in this brief (and hence somewhat incomplete and inadequate) article, viz: the neces sity of a higher and a deeper education for mothers; but we desire to point a moral in a matter intimately connected with, and a natural outgrowth of this, and then we close. The matter referred to is the early training of children. The first principle, then, being that sought to be established above, viz: Mothers should be properly educated, mentally and spiritually. The second should be: So far as practicable, they should (and will) themselves care for and conduct the early education of their offspring. Third, in choosing nurses and governesses when, as in many cases, the assistance of these is necessary, all the vigilance and care of the educated mother's mind should be exercised that a mete companion and trainer of the susceptible infant be found. "Just as the twig is bent the tree is inclined," is only another manner of stating an important truth enforced in a former quotation. Frank & Burton. THE LIBRARY IN THE HOME. BY CHARLES N. SIMS, D. D. HERE are two rooms in the house devoted to guests-the parlor and the library. The former is located, built and furnished for the entertainment of our visiting friends. Happy are they who are permitted to receive here many true friends and congenial acquaintances. Most of the days our parlors are silent and empty. Social position, leisure and proximity determine largely who enter them, and many whose presence we would greatly enjoy can never come. Into the library we welcome the world's best thinkers and singers and teachers. From near and far they gather. Out of every country, and from every age they come. The young and the old; the weaver of fancies, the gleaner of facts, the builder of philosophies; the historian and poet; the statesman and the traveler; the man of science and the teacher of religion. Out of classic lands, from the bustle and hurry of commercial cities, from brilliant courts and lowly hermitages, they assemble to grace and bless our homes. And each 113 |