SELFISHNESS.

Selfishness that binds the miser in his chains, that chills the heart, must never be allowed a place in the family circle.  Teach the child to share his gifts and pleasures with others, to be obliging, kind and benevolent, and the influence of such instruction may come back into your own bosom, to bless your latest hours.

HOME MAXIMS FOR TRAINING CHILDREN.

Remember that children are men and women in miniature, and though they should be allowed to act as children, still our dealings with them should be manly and not morose.  Remember also that every word, tone and gesture, nay, even your dress, makes an impression.

Never correct a child on suspicion, or without understanding the whole matter, nor trifle with a child’s feelings when under discipline.

Be always mild and cheerful in their presence, communicative, but never extravagant, trifling or vulgar in language or gesture.  Never trifle with a child nor speak beseechingly when it is doing wrong.

Always follow commands with a close and careful watch, until the thing is done, allowing no evasion and no modification, unless the child ask for it, and it be expressly granted.

Never reprove children severely in company, nor hold them up to ridicule, nor make light of their failings.

Never speak in an impatient, pitiful manner, if you have occasion to find fault.

Never say to a child, “I don’t believe what you say,” nor even imply your doubts.  If you have such feelings, keep them to yourself and wait; the truth will eventually be made plain.

Never disappoint the confidence a child places in you, whether it be a thing placed in your care or a promise.

Always give prompt attention to a child when he speaks, so as to prevent repeated calls, and that he may learn to give prompt attention when you call him.

Never try to impress a child with religious truth when in anger, or talk to him of God, as it will not have the desired effect.  Do it under more favorable circumstances.

At the table a child should be taught to sit up and behave in a becoming manner, not to tease when denied, nor to leave his chair without asking.  A parent’s wish at such time should be a law from which no appeal should be made.

Even in sickness gentle restraint is better for a child than indulgence.

There should never be two sets of manners, the one for home and the other for company, but a gentle behavior should be always required.

[Illustration]

[Illustration:  MUSIC. 
“A protection against vice,
An incentive to virtue.”]

CHAPTER XX.

Home Culture.

The work of home culture should be made a matter of great importance to every one, for upon it depends the happiness of earthly homes, as well as our fitness for the enjoyment of the eternal home in heaven.  The sufferings endured here, friend for friend, parents for children, unrequited sacrifices, cares and tears, all tend to discipline us, and prepare us for the recompense which eternity brings.