Chapter 41—Imperfect Patterns of Motherhood
A Fancied Martyr—Many a home is made very unhappy by the
useless repining of its mistress, who turns with distaste from the
simple, homely tasks of her unpretending domestic life. She looks
upon the cares and duties of her lot as hardships; and that which,
through cheerfulness, might be made not only pleasant and interesting,
but profitable, becomes the merest drudgery. She looks upon the
slavery of her life with repugnance and imagines herself a martyr.
It is true that the wheels of domestic machinery will not always run
smoothly; there is much to try the patience and tax the strength. But
while mothers are not responsible for circumstances over which they
have no control, it is useless to deny that circumstances make a great
difference with mothers in their lifework. But their condemnation is
when circumstances are allowed to rule and to subvert their principle,
when they grow tired and unfaithful to their high trust and neglect their
known duty.
The wife and mother who nobly overcomes difficulties under which
others sink for want of patience and fortitude to persevere not only
becomes strong herself in doing her duty, but her experience in over-
coming temptations and obstacles qualifies her to be an efficient help to
others, both by words and example. Many who do well under favorable
circumstances seem to undergo a transformation of character under
adversity and trial; they deteriorate in proportion to their troubles. God
never designed that we should be the sport of circumstances
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Nourishing a Sinful Discontent—Very many husbands and chil-
dren who find nothing attractive at home, who are continually greeted
by scolding and murmuring, seek comfort and amusement away from
home, in the dramshop or in other forbidden scenes of pleasure. The
wife and mother, occupied with her household cares, frequently be-
comes thoughtless of the little courtesies that make home pleasant to
the husband and children, even if she avoids dwelling upon her pecu-
liar vexations and difficulties in their presence. While she is absorbed
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The Signs of the Times, November 29, 1877
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