Put Your Children to Bed.
There may be some mothers who feel it to be a self-denial to leave their parlors, or firesides, or work, to put their little children to bed. They think that the nurse could do it just as well—that it is of no consequence who "hears the children say their prayers." Now, there are really important reasons why the mother should not yield this privilege to any one. In the first place, it is the time of all times when a child is inclined to show its confidence and affection. All its little secrets come out with more truth and less restraint; its naughtiness through the day can be reproved and talked over with less excitement, and with the tenderness and calmness necessary to make permanent impressions. If the little one has shown a desire to do well and be obedient, its effort and success can be acknowledged and commended in a manner that need not render it vain or self-satisfied. We must make it a habit to talk to our children, in order to get from them an expression of their feelings. We cannot understand the characters of these little beings committed to our care, unless we do. And if we do not know what they are, we shall not be able to govern them wisely, or educate them as their different natures demand. Certainly it would be unwise to excite young children by too much conversation with them just before putting them to bed. Every mother, who carefully studies the temperament of her children, will know how to manage them in this respect. But of this all mothers may be assured, that the last words at night are of great importance, even to the babes of the flock; the very tones of the voice they last listened to, make an impression on their sensitive organizations. Mother, do not think the time and strength wasted which you spend in reviewing the day with your little boy or girl; do not neglect to teach it how to pray, and to pray for it in simple and earnest language, which it can understand. Soothe and quiet its little heart, after the experience of the day. It has had its disappointments and trials, as well as its play and pleasures; it is ready to throw its arms around your neck, and take its good-night kiss.