Speak Kindly to Children at Night.
[Bro. White: The following I copy from the "Country Gentleman." After reading it carefully, I thought it might be interesting for the Review.
H. F. Phelps.] "Parents should always speak kindly to their children when retiring or going to bed. Then more than any other time, it is important that children should have their hearts softened by voices and looks of tenderness and kindness. They should go to rest with thoughts of love and affection for their parents, and gratitude and love to their Heavenly Father for his goodness to them. How can we expect children to say their evening prayer acceptably and with a blessing to themselves, if they are required or permitted to retire to bed ill-humored or vexed by a frown or unkind words from their parents? "And yet many parents send their children to bed, not only in bad feelings, but often hungry, as a punishment for some offense. No course can possibly be more objectionable. Not long since, I spent an evening at the house of a friend, with several other friends and acquaintances. This friend had two interesting and lovely boys, about ten and twelve years of age, who very much enlivened the company with their innocent ways and child-like hilarity. About half-past eight o'clock the father called these little boys to him, near where I was sitting, and taking each one by the hand, he said, very kindly and pleasantly to them 'My children, it is time for you to retire. You will feel dull and heavy at school to-morrow, if you sit up any longer.' They both hung their heads for a moment; then, both with a pleasant smile, kissed their father and mother, and then took leave of the company. A lady, one of the company, who sat near us, expressed great surprise that the little boys should retire so willingly, when they appeared so happy with the company and the music. The gentleman replied, I always speak kindly to my children, and they never disobey. To-morrow morning I shall say to them, 'My children, I was much pleased that you retired so willingly last evening; and your conduct was very highly approved by Mrs. ———, who saw you retire so pleasantly and quietly. This,' said he, 'is their reward—my approbation and the approbation of their friends.'"