THE EDITOR, Sir:
WHENEVER THE mother can speak a word of commendation for the good conduct of her children, she should do so. This exhortation forms a part of God's touching citation to the wife and mother in the following words...."she openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness; her price is far above rubies, diamonds and golds." Proverb 31. Children have sensitive, loving natures. They are easily pleased, easily made happy. The wise mother by gentle discipline in loving words and acts may bind them to her heart. To manifest severity and to be exacting with children are great mistakes; many unwise mothers realize too late. Uniform firmness and unimpassioned control are necessary to the discipline of every family. But say what you mean - not with wrathful anger ... but calmly. The wise mother tries not to repel her husband and children with lack of compassion, sympathy or empathy when these are needed.
When children love and repose confidence in their mother and have become obedient to her.... they have been taught the first lesson in becoming Christians, decent law-abiding citisens. They will love, trust and obey their Saviour as they love, trust and obey their parents - (single or both).
The wife and mother may bind her husband and children to her heart by her unremitting love; demonstrated in her gentle words and courteous, respectful deportment, which as a rule will be copied by her children. She knows there is no reason to indulge in suspicions and evil surmising and she knows that she cannot be justified by God to say it was her husband who gave her reason to indulge in suspicions and evil surmisings to the jeoapardy or breakdown of her marriage and home - especially when it proves to be merely suspicion and no guilt of her husband and any unfaithfulness. In fact; the wise wife and mother will endeavour to "do them good and not evil..." another portion of God's wonderful citation to the Christian wife and mother; recorded in Proverbs 31."
Politeness, to say I am sorry, to apologise, to be willing to bear trials, setbacks, to resolve conflicts amicably, to forgive and work out difficulties with her husband and children, are virtues of the virtuous woman, so highly praised, honoured, and commended by both God and man; including foremost, her husband and children.
I am, etc.,
JEREMIAH BOUGHTON, J.P
Children and Youth Advocate
