Thomas Curtis Clarke

“ All who have the care of children, or who feel an interest in their welfare, can do them no greater good, nor society a greater blessing, than by aiding in the correction of bad, and the formation of good, habits. ”

“ A wife acts not for herself only, but she is the agent of many she loves, and she is bound to act for their good, and not for her own gratification. Her husband’s good is the end to which she should aim–his approbation and love is her reward. ”

“ Habits in youth are easily formed, and the hand that aids in forming them is doubly blessed. Let all those who love little children–let mothers, especially, watch unceasingly, and carefully nip in the bud the slightest propensity in a child to exercise cruelty of any kind, or upon any object, and early create an habitual abhorrence of dram-drinking, theft, and hypocrisy. Assiduously cultivate a love of truth, of industry, frugality and order; observing that though children may be governed too little or too much, they can never be governed too well. ”

“ It is not the money earned that makes a man wealthy so much as that he saves from his earnings. A good and prudent husband makes a deposit of the fruits of his labour with his best friend: and if that friend be not true to him, what has he to hope? ”

“ Important as are schools, and invaluable as learning may be, they are nothing, nay, worse than nothing, unless right habits are formed at home. Without a proper training of the mind in early childhood, the learning of after life may only serve to direct bad habits to evil purposes, and lead the way to greater wickedness and crime. ”

“ If men hold the political power of society, women have mainly in their hands the more important moral power. There cannot be a moral community where they are licentious; there cannot be a refined society where they are neglected and ignorant. Upon them depend the earliest education and first impressions of their children. They regulate, or materially iufluence, the principles, opinions and manners of their husbands and their sons. Thus the sound and healthful state of society depends on them. ”

“ Whatever may be the views entertained towards Mr. Adams as a politician, it is conceded by all acquainted with his private character, that be is a man of high-toned morals, and of the strictest integrity. ”