They see the lamb there, but not the lion; the smile but not the
frown; the affability of manner, but not the tyranny of spirit. They hear
the language of flattery, but not the tongue of slander. They see no weak
points, detect no evil temper and bad habits. There is an artificial screen
behind which all that is revolting and dangerous is concealed. Who would
venture to judge a person by his mechanical movements in the parlor? Many
are there the very opposite to what they are elsewhere:--
"Abroad too kind, at home 'tis steadfast hate,
And one eternal tempest of debate.
What foul eruptions from a look most meek!
What thunders bursting from a dimpled cheek!
Such dead devotion, such zeal for crimes,
Such licensed ill, such masquerading times,
Such venal faiths, such misapplied applause,
Such flattered guilt, and such inverted laws!"
One of the most dangerous periods of life is, when we leave the nursery and
school, and enter the parlor. With what solicitude, therefore, should
Christian parents guard their parlors from social corruption. They should
prepare their children for society, not only by teaching them its manners
and customs, how to act in company, how to grace a party, and move with
refined ease among companions there, but also by teaching them the dangers
and corruptions which lurk in their midst and follow in the train of
rustling silks and fashionable denouement.
Pages:
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248