by Hastings, Countess Ravenswood
 


 

The Importance of Early Moral Instruction,

or, 

To What Failure in Life may be Attributed

Like the tender twig that bends with the slightest breeze, the child's mind is, in a very high degree, susceptible to the influence of good and evil. It behooves all parents to peruse the following, and taking the well-meant words to heart, nurture their little twigs and twiglettes so that the favoring winds, genial sun, copious rains, and bounteous, well fertilized soil in which the young plant resides will send it spurting joyously into maturity.

Consider, if you will, the two paths a boy's or girl's life may take: one that will end up in indolence, intemperance, and crime; the other will end up in industry, morality, prosperity, and happiness.

Evil Effects of Pernicious Literature Upon Boys and Girls


C is for CORRUPTING INFLUENCES
 The disgraceful pictures at the news-stands corrupt the morals of boys and girls by presenting to their imaginations the vilest passions, leading to vice, destroying the innocence of youth, and reaping crime and degradation in their later lives.

B is for BENEFICIAL COMPANIONS
 A good book or paper for a child is like a companion, and its influence is very similar.  The child who reads nothing but romances and sensational literature weakens its intellect, depraves its morals, and is unfitted for the duties of a useful life.

Boys that are Honest Become Prosperous Men


 
T is for THIEVERY
 From petty thieving to robbery the road is short. The boy (girls are naturally honest, so this does not apply to them) who allows himself to take what is not his own, be the article ever so small, is on the slippery, slippery road to prison. Beware of the first wrong-doing! The coveting of the property of others often leads to hard crime.
H is for HONESTY
 Boys should remember that property found and not restored to its owners, if possible, is stolen.  It is something gained, but it does not belong to the finder, and gains made dishonestly are losses in the end.  Always endeavor to give all their due.

The Difference in Conduct of Young Men Toward Ladies


 

S is for SINFUL SMOKING
 The corner-idler, chewing on tobacco, or smoking, lounging on boxes or against posts, talking foolishly and profanely, and leering at ladies as they pass, is an object of scorn and hatred, foreshadowing the depraved and dissolute man he will become.
G is for GALLANTRY
 In his intercourse with women, the young man who has a proper estimation of himself will always be polite, friendly, and agreeable to the young ladies, manifesting respect and gentleness toward those who are older.  Especial care must be taken with those young ladies who are untried in the ways of intercourse. Early politeness paves the way to a successful manhood, I have always said.

The Refining Influence of Home Illustrated

W is for WORLDLINESS
 Many are the resorts open to youth who seek amusement outside the family circle. Brilliant lights, music, exhibitions, games of chance and skill, and delightful beverages are fascinations hard to be resisted. But danger lurks beneath these attractions!

D is for the DOMESTIC CIRCLE
 Let none forget that the young must be amused. Time  properly allotted to each will afford ample opportuntiy for work, for study, for play, and for rest. Home, by all the attractions with which love surrounds it, may be made the dearest spot on earth.

Next week, our look at the Errors of Youth will continue.

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1