strengthen faith; and who can need the christian graces a hopes, more than a mother?

for

Next to this sense of responsibility, a true and rationa children is essential. Perhaps some may say, 66 V your

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S

THE

MOTHER'S ASSISTANT.

VOL. III.

SEPTEMBER, 1843.

[PRIZE ESSAY.]

[Written for the Mother's Assistant.]

ESSENTIALS TO RIGHT GOVERNMENT.

BY MRS. M. S. WEST.

NO. 9.

A deep and ever-abiding consciousness of accountability to God, for the manner in which you may discharge your maternal obligations, is the first essential to the right training of a family. Nothing but this will insure your faithfulness to yourselves, or your children. Who are these young beings, clustering round your hearts and your hearth-stones? Are they not immortal spirits destined to live forever? And have you considered that that eternal existence, now but just begun, you may influence for good by the faithful performance of duty, or for evil by your neglect or indifference?

Let no mother think that the only object of her anxiety should be, to fit her children to fill reputably high and honorable stations in the eye of the world. Her object should be far higher than this; for whether she recognizes the fact or not, she is training souls for eternity. She is modifying and impressing, almost as she pleases, the beings committed to her keeping, and who, as far as her influence has extended, He, who judgeth the world, will require at her hands.

Mothers, cherish a true sense of the greatness of your mission, and the power God has given you to impress the yielding minds of childhood. This sense of responsibility will humble pride, and strengthen faith; and who can need the christian graces and christian hopes, more than a mother?

for

Next to this sense of responsibility, a true and rational affection your children is essential. Perhaps some may say, "What folly