THE CHILDREN AT BED-TIME.
EVERY parent who has been in the habit of reading or talking with the little ones after they are safely tucked in bed, will bear witness to the value of this mode of influence. With the laying off of the clothes, the angers, worries, and discontents of the day subside. With the brief season of prayer they fly still further into the background. And when the little form rests in its bed, they seem to vanish out of sight. The body is at rest. The heart is plastic to the touch of the loving father or mother. Now is the time to exert a molding power. At this hour the little ones listen with hushed attention to what is read to them. Hymns, the Scriptures, Bible stories, are heard with close attention, until the reader’s voice is stilled, or the hearers sink into a gentle sleep. Or conversation may take the place of reading. The will that was in a state of resistance an hour ago is now relaxed. The anger that blinded moral discernment has passed away. With open heart, the child utters its confessions, and gladly receives the forgiving kiss. Plans for the morrow can be discussed, and duty can be made to put on an attractive form. Irritations can be looked at quietly, and admonitions to watchfulness may be dropped with soothing efficacy into the listening ear. And then how delightful the embrace with which the young arms clasp your neck, the intense “dear father,” “dear mother,” with which the “good-night” is said. Parents, if you have not thus parted from your birdlings at the evening hour, you have something yet to learn of hopeful instruction—to experience of love’s delights.—The Working Church.