If children are taught the whole lesson of truth,
"'Twill bud in their childhood, and blossom in youth."
This maxim I learnt from the pen of a sage,
Whose vigor of mind was still green in old age:
And much do I wish that my charge may be found
On that ladder of learning where Truth is the ground;
The foundation so broad makes the ladder stand even;
And Truth's certain steps lead with safety to Heaven.
Then, first, I'll be careful what language I use,
That simple chaste words may express all my views:
I'll watch o'er my actions with studious aim,
That I may not, in future, deserve any blame;
That bad habits may not from my errors proceed,
Or my fair little plants be o'ergrown with a weed,
My word and my promise shall always abide.
And Truth and Sincerity sit side by side.
Should I promise a thing which I do not perform,
I lay the foundation for much future harm:
If children learn falsehood from nurses or mothers,
When grown up they will practise deceit upon others.
Then nought but the truth to my child shall be spoken:
If I once make a promise, it _shall not be broken_.[5]
As the best thing of all, I will constantly try
To watch over _myself_ with a vigilant eye;
My passions and faults so to mend or remove,
That all may be lost in obedience and love;
That, in practice, I never may knowingly swerve,
From the wishes of those whom I honour and serve:
But with eye _singly fix'd_, to my duty inclin'd,
Let me show forth a meek and a teachable mind;
On reproof or instruction not daring to trample,
May I always remember the _force of example_!
[5] Nurses should also be very cautious how they use threats to
children. If they threaten to tell Mamma any thing, or to withhold any
indulgence in case of naughtiness, let it be strictly attended to. If
it be _not_ attended to, children are great observers, and will soon
find that but little regard is paid to truth; and thus incalculable
evils may be the result. Some nurses, and even mothers, are apt to
bribe their children in this way: "If my dear will do this, I'll
give him a sugar-plum;" or, "Will he do so or so, if I give him a
sugar-plum?" thus bringing down the standard of parental authority to
the petulance or caprice of the child.--Can obedience ever be expected
from one whose self-will is thus nurtured? Surely it must be from want
of reflection, that mothers entail so much trouble upon themselves and
their children!