Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 March 1875 — Don't—Pray Don't. [ARTICLE]

Don't—Pray Don't.

Dok't tall the little one, who may be elUhtly willful, that “ the black man will come out of the dark cellar and cany it off if it does not mind."’ Don’t create a needleaa fear to go with the child through all the stages of its existence. Don’t ten the little five-year-old Jimmy *• the echool-ma’am will cut off his ears?' “pullout his teeth,* “de him up," or any of the horrible stories that are commonly presented to the childish imagination. Think you the little one will believe anything you tell him after he becomes acquainted with the gentle teacher who has not the least idea of putting those terrible threats into execution! Don’t tell the children they must not drink tea because it will make them black, while you continue the use of it daily. Your example is more to them than precept; and while your face is as fair as a June morning they will scarcely credit the oft-told tale. Either give up drinking the pleasant beverage or give your children a better reason for its nonuse. Don't tell them they must not eat sugar or sweetmeats because it will rot their teeth. Pure sugar does not cause the teeth to decay, and sugar with fruits is nutritious and healthy notwithstanding the “old saw” to the contrary. The case of city children is often cited; the cause of their pale faces and slight constitutions being charged to an over amount of sweetmeats with their diet when the actual cause is want of pure air and proper exercise. Don’t tell the sick one that the medicine is not bad to take, when you can hardly keep your own stomach from turning “ inside out" at the smell of it. Better by far tell him the simple truth, that it is disagreeable but necessary for his health, and you desire him to take it at once. Ten to one he will swallow it with half the trouble of coaxing and worry of words, and love you better for your firm, decided manner. Don t teach the children by example to tell white lies to each other and to their neighbors. Guard lips and bridle tongue if you desire to have the coming generation truthful. Truthfulness is one of the foundation stones of heaven. Remember the old, old book says, “ no liar” shall enter within the gates of the beautiful city. There is no distinction between white Ijes and those of a darker hue. A falsehood is an untruth whether the matter be great or small.— Rural New Yorker.