That child's character is yet untainted; with you that decision rests--his destiny is in your hands.

He may have dispositions the most dark and foul--falseness, hatred and revenge; but you may prevent their growth.

He may have dispositions the most bland and attractive; you can so order it that contact with the world shall never sully them.
Yes, you--the mother--can prevent the evil and nurture the good.

You can teach that child--you can rear it, discipline it.

You can make your offspring so love you, that the memory of your piety shall prevent their wickedness, and the hallowed recollection of your goodness stimulate their own.
And equally in your power is it to neglect your child.