SOME parents are endowed, by nature, with special ability to control children, and others seem almost entirely to lack this gift. The first class even may profit by the suggestions of the more experienced and wise, and the second class, who must also bear parental responsibility, need all the more special instruction and training for this important office. The fact that insubordination is an alarming characteristic of our age and country, will not be denied. It is seen in the irreverent and unruly spirit of children in the family and in the school; in their rude, boisterous and profane language in the streets, in their truancy and crime, which have filled our reform schools and houses of correction; in the frequent rebellions in academies and colleges throughout the land; and, more than all, in the “great rebellion,” which wasted our treasures and deluged the country in fraternal blood. That all these consequences have resulted directly from parental inefficiency and mismanagement, no candid observer can doubt. Some, through their own incapacity or perverseness, have lost the power to minister at the sacred family altar. Their example and influence are wholly unfavorable to wholesome family discipline. They had been united by divine authority, and entrusted with the holy mission of moulding the character of tender childhood, but they have become divorced in spirit if not in fact. The family which should be the very paradise of harmony and earthly bliss, has become a scene of perpetual strife and turmoil. And who can estimate how large a proportion of the lawlessness, vice and crime that curse American society, results directly from this cause? If we would save and elevate our country, we must strive to harmonize, purify and enlighten the homes where our future citizens must be trained. Other parents do not attempt to govern their children, except in cases of absolute physical danger. They profess to believe that reproof and punishment result only in moroseness of disposition and perverseness of manners. Such interpositions disturb the quiet and harmony of the family, and hence, they yield to every wish and gratify every known desire of their children, to avoid the fancied evil. But such a family democracy soon resolves itself into a fearful aristocracy, in which the children are the rulers and their parents are the obedient and much abused subjects! How wise in their own estimation, arrogant, dictatorial and ill-mannered such children become, we have frequent opportunity to see. And it could not be otherwise under this perverted order of things. The divinely appointed sovereigns of the home have been deposed, and are in subjection. The natural subjects have never learned obedience to authority. Hence, the sad consequences follow, at home, in school and in society. Still other parents attempt to govern, but fail. Some in one way, some in another. The first class which are here specified are fickle. They lack firmness which is an essential element in family discipline. Their convictions are all right, and their views of government, in the main, correct; but they seem to have no power to resist the child's importunity. He craves some improper gratification, and demands indulgence. The mother promptly but kindly refuses, as she should. The child persists, because he has learned by experience, that she does not really mean no, when she says it. Why did she not teach her child that important lesson, in the beginning, and thus save herself all this trouble and annoyance? But she did not, and hence the child undertakes to reverse her decision, and with the full assurance that he can accomplish his object. It may cost a whole hour's teasing, or a “flood of tears,” or a violent fit of passion, or a spasmodic display of affection, as the case may be, but the worn and weary mother will surely yield! The contest is only a matter of time; the result is not doubtful. And what is the influence of this fickleness upon the temper and life of the child? Does he love his mother more tenderly? Is he more amiable, gentle, obedient and faithful, afterward? No; he will be even more irritable and selfish, more demanding and determined in his efforts to secure the object in view. Develop the selfish propensities of a child's nature, and his filial love will be diminished in the same proportion. The former is allowed to overgrow and cover up the latter. That mother is the most earnestly loved by her children who governs them with a firm and impartial hand, whose decision always settles the question, without controversy, and whose promises are sure of fulfillment. The second class of parents above alluded to, are impulsive and fitful. They act towards their children as they feel at the time. In their genial mood, they see no faults in them; will allow no punishments to be inflicted upon them, at home or in school, but grant them unbounded indulgence. And yet, when the fit of passion comes on, they assail and chastise them in the most unmerciful manner. These unfortunate children soon learn to enjoy the sunshine, and endure the storm, but the influence of such impulsiveness upon the temper, habits and life, is fearful. They have no confidence in the management of their parents, and they cherish for them but a limited amount of affection. They grow up ill-tempered, fretful and disobedient, wholly unfitted for the duties and responsibilities of mature life.—Sel.