“Some children, from errors in early management, get possessed with the idea that they may have every thing.  They even tease for things it would be impossible to give them.  A child properly managed will seldom ask twice for what you have once told him he should not have.  But if you have the care of one who has acquired this habit, the best way to cure him of it is never to give him what he asks for, whether his request is proper or not; but at the same time be careful to give him such things as he likes, (provided they are proper for him,) when he does not ask for them.  This will soon break him of the habit of teasing.

“I have said much in praise of gentleness.  I cannot say too much.  Its effects are beyond calculation, both on the affections and the understanding.  The victims of oppression and abuse are generally stupid, as well as selfish and hard-hearted.  How can we wonder at it?  They are all the time excited to evil passions, and nobody encourages what is good in them.  We might as well expect flowers to grow amid the cold and storm of winter.

“But gentleness, important as it is, is not all that is required in education.  There should be united with it firmness—­great firmness.  Commands should be reasonable, and given in perfect kindness; but once given, it should be known that they must be obeyed.  I heard a lady once say, ’For my part, I cannot be so very strict with my children.  I love them too much to punish them every time they disobey me.’  I will relate a scene which took place in her family.  She had but one domestic, and at the time to which I allude, she was very busy preparing for company.  Her children knew by experience that when she was in a hurry she would indulge them in any thing for the sake of having them out of the way.  George began, ’Mother, I want a piece of mince-pie.’  The answer was, ’It is nearly bed-time; and mince-pie will hurt you.  You shall have a piece of cake, if you will sit down and be still.’  The boy ate his cake; and liking the system of being hired to sit still, he soon began again, ’Mother, I want a piece of mince-pie.’  The old answer was repeated.  The child stood his ground, ’Mother, I want a piece of mince-pie—­I want a piece—­I want a piece,’ was repeated incessantly.  ’Will you leave off teasing, If I give you a piece?’ ‘Yes, I will—­certain true,’ A small piece was given, and soon devoured.  With his mouth half full, he began again, ‘I want another piece—­I want another piece.’  ’No, George; I shall not give you another mouthful.  Go sit down, you naughty boy.  You always act the worst when I am going to have company.’  George continued his teasing; and at last said, ’If you don’t give me another piece, I’ll roar.’  This threat not being attended to, he kept his word.  Upon this, the mother seized him by the shoulder, shook him angrily, saying, ’Hold your tongue, you naughty boy!’ ‘I will if you will give me another piece of pie,’ said he.  Another small piece was given him, after he