As the character is biassed in early life, so it generally
remains, gradually assuming its permanent form as manhood is
reached. "Live as long as you may," said Southey, "the first
twenty years are the longest half of your life," and they are by
far the most pregnant in consequences. When the worn-out
slanderer and voluptuary, Dr. Wolcot, lay on his deathbed, one of
his friends asked if he could do anything to gratify him. "Yes,"
said the dying man, eagerly, "give me back my youth." Give him but
that, and he would repent--he would reform. But it was all
too late! His life had become bound and enthralled by the
chains of habit.' (3)
Gretry, the musical composer, thought so highly of the importance
of woman as an educator of character, that he described a good
mother as "Nature's CHEF-D'OEUVRE." And he was right: for good
mothers, far more than fathers, tend to the perpetual renovation
of mankind, creating, as they do, the moral atmosphere of the
home, which is the nutriment of man's moral being, as the physical
atmosphere is of his corporeal frame. By good temper, suavity,
and kindness, directed by intelligence, woman surrounds the
indwellers with a pervading atmosphere of cheerfulness,
contentment, and peace, suitable for the growth of the purest as
of the manliest natures.
The poorest dwelling, presided over by a virtuous, thrifty,
cheerful, and cleanly woman, may thus be the abode of comfort,
virtue, and happiness; it may be the scene of every ennobling
relation in family life; it may be endeared to a man by many
delightful associations; furnishing a sanctuary for the heart, a
refuge from the storms of life, a sweet resting-place after
labour, a consolation in misfortune, a pride in prosperity, and a
joy at all times.
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