Siie is glad if it is a boy, for I suppose all mothers prefer boys.
But if it prove a girl she is well content, and so is the father, for if a
boy excites more worldly ambition a girl is most prophetic of
domestic tranquillity.
For both father and mother, as they watch the opening growth of
the little man or woman who has come from God to bless tliem, day
by day and week by week, there lies in helpless trust an incarnate soul
and a miniature of all biography, a figure and an embryo of all the
nn-steries of life. Through the mere accident of its parents meeting,
loving and marrying in this jostling world, this angel of the liomc
has come. Yet that accident, interpreted by such a blessing, was
a special providence. Within that little casket is a priceless jewel.
Those tiny hands may one day grasp the rod of empire. Those
6o THE hearthstone; or, life at home.
tiny feet may traverse distant lands, and be shod with light and in-
fluence. That little head may have potentially the awful power of
reason, the reflected light of memory, the keen dividing force of
judgment, the happy blending power of wit. Love, and faith, and
hope are beating imperceptibly in that unconscious heart. That
speechless tongue may bear a message to the world. Its pedigree
dates back into the ages past, its destiny into ages yet to come.
Eternal memories are written on its brow, for
" Not in entire forgetfulness,
Nor yet in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God who is our Home."
Beautifully as well as truly did the ancient seers and poets embody
their previsions of ideal government and human regeneration in the
person of some coming child. The names of Wonderful and Coun-
sellor are his. " The government shall be u[)on his shoulders, and a
little child shall lead them," is the strain alike of Virgil and Isaiah.
The humble cottage has been the birthplace often of the world's
heroes. The thatched roof has sheltered genius in its helpless
infancy. Pai"ents, you should cherish this baby in your home with
reverence as well as natural affection, for you may be entertaining an
angel unawares. Certainly he is a king's son, or she a king's
daughter, " all glorious within," or why does the baby at once assume
command, and employ so many hands, and feet, and hearts to do it
service ?
In a few weeks' time you will see the light of intelligence and ob-
servation begin to concentrate in the wondering and wistful eyes.
The little face will turn toward you, and greet you with a smile.
The hands, so small and soft, with tapering fingers, and pink, trans-
parent nails, will be thrown out to bid you take it in your arms and
play with it. Soon, and by steps }-ou cannot trace, the cry of need
will become the speech of reason, and the longing mind, receiving
impressions and comparing objects, will begin to question "why?"
** How" is born some time after " why" in the child's reason.
THE BABV IN THE HOME. 6 1
Page 33
Presented as published in 1883. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
AI-modernized reading of the original text
Siie is glad if it is a boy, for I suppose all mothers prefer boys. But if it prove a girl she is well content, and so is the father, for if a boy excites more worldly ambition a girl is most prophetic of domestic tranquillity.
For both father and mother, as they watch the opening growth of the little man or woman who has come from God to bless them, day by day and week by week, there lies in helpless trust an incarnate soul and a miniature of all biography, a figure and an embryo of all the mysteries of life. Through the mere accident of its parents meeting, loving and marrying in this jostling world, this angel of the home has come. Yet that accident, interpreted by such a blessing, was a special providence. Within that little casket is a priceless jewel. Those tiny hands may one day grasp the rod of empire. Those
[illustration: page 60]
tiny feet may traverse distant lands, and be shod with light and influence. That little head may have potentially the awful power of reason, the reflected light of memory, the keen dividing force of judgment, the happy blending power of wit. Love, and faith, and hope are beating imperceptibly in that unconscious heart. That speechless tongue may bear a message to the world. Its pedigree dates back into the ages past, its destiny into ages yet to come. Eternal memories are written on its brow, for
" Not in entire forgetfulness, Nor yet in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come From God who is our Home."
Beautifully as well as truly did the ancient seers and poets embody their previsions of ideal government and human regeneration in the person of some coming child. The names of Wonderful and Counsellor are his. " The government shall be upon his shoulders, and a little child shall lead them," is the strain alike of Virgil and Isaiah. The humble cottage has been the birthplace often of the world's heroes. The thatched roof has sheltered genius in its helpless infancy. Parents, you should cherish this baby in your home with reverence as well as natural affection, for you may be entertaining an angel unawares. Certainly he is a king's son, or she a king's daughter, " all glorious within," or why does the baby at once assume command, and employ so many hands, and feet, and hearts to do it service ?
In a few weeks' time you will see the light of intelligence and observation begin to concentrate in the wondering and wistful eyes. The little face will turn toward you, and greet you with a smile. The hands, so small and soft, with tapering fingers, and pink, transparent nails, will be thrown out to bid you take it in your arms and play with it. Soon, and by steps }-ou cannot trace, the cry of need will become the speech of reason, and the longing mind, receiving impressions and comparing objects, will begin to question "why?" ** How" is born some time after " why" in the child's reason.