children it would be different. I should then form a system of government, and oblige the children to conform to it and obey me; but where there is only one child, a mother cannot be always scolding. For my part, I can only love and pet my little Willie."

The two ladies shook hands and parted. Mrs. Hale walked musingly down the street. "Mrs. Gordon gave me a strange excuse for spoiling her child. Easier to govern six than one! But she is not the first I have heard say so. Can there be any truth in it? I owe Mrs. Johnson a visit; that will give me an opportunity of comparing. Her system of government may be complete, for she has seven or eight children."

A walk of a few minutes brought her to Mrs. Johnson's door. She rang, and, after waiting a considerable time, pulled the bell-handle again, when an untidy - looking maid - servant appeared, and, in answer to her inquiry, replied that Mrs. Johnson was at home.

"I'm afraid I kept you waiting," said the girl, as she opened the shutters. "Master Tom, for mischie, tied up the tongue of the

bell. By good chance I seed it trembling like, or you might have been kept waiting till the gloaming, and I none the wiser."

"There must be some flaw in the system of government," thought Mrs. Hale. A glance round the room confirmed her in this opinion. It was in a state of unutterable disorder. Not a single chair was in its place. Three or four were tied together with twine, to form "coach and horses." A quantity of loose music was scattered over the floor, and the sofa was occupied by two dolls and the various articles of their wardrobe. Mrs. Johnson entered with a smile of welcome. But the cordiality of her greeting was sadly marred by the look of vexation which overspread her features as she glanced round the

room.

"I am very glad to see you, my dear Mrs. Hale. The children have been in here again, I declare! It is an age since I have seen you. Not half an hour ago I set everything to rights. Do take a seat on the sofa," sweeping with her hand the dolls and their dresses into one corner. Then throwing herself into the rocking-chair, she

exclaimed, "Oh, Mrs. Hale, you, who have no children of your own, can't imagine all a mother has to put up with. I suppose it looks dreadful to you to see the parlour in this state. It is bad enough, to be sure but what can be expected when there are seven children in the house!"

At this moment the door was burst open, and two little girls rushed in. They paused a moment at sight of a visitor, but it was only for a moment. Running up to the sofa they commenced exclaiming and crying when they found that their dolls had been pushed into a corner.

mother's command. Mrs. Johnson, however, did not appear to notice their disobedience. She did not repeat her own injunction, but continued conversing with Mrs. Hale on the troubles of housekeeping, the idleness of her servants, &c. Presently a dispute arose between the little girls. Sharp words were spoken, and Julia struck Mary in the face. She ran to her mother, who again interposed her weak and disregarded authority.

Julia, you are a very naughty girl! Go upstairs, this minute." Then taking Mary on her lap, she said, "There, my darling, let

"Look how this white frock is tumbled!" exclaimed Mary.

"I wish folks would leave my things alone," rejoined Julia, stamping her foot passionately.

"Don't you see the lady, children!" exclaimed their mother. "I am really quite ashamed of you. Take your dolls away, and go upstairs."

The little girls were silent, but they began arranging their dolls' clothes, wholly unmindful of their

well."

Mary turned away pettishly from her proffered kiss, and Julia, having retreated to the other end of the room, began building a doll's house with books, which she took off the table.

Mrs. Johnson sighed and exclaimed, "I have no peace or comfort with these children. My health is so indifferent that I cannot exert myself, and they take advantage of my indulgence towards them."

The door opened, and a boy of twelve or thirteen called out, "Here, girls! come quick; there are soldiers passing."

The little girls ran out of the room, and Mrs. Hale took advantage of their absence to say, "If you were rather more firm, my dear friend, in requiring obedience now, I think you would have less trouble in the end."

Let all children who read this story be careful to obey their parents, and submit to their authority: it will make home happier, and be full of pleasant reflections in after life.

"Ah, it is too late now," said Mrs. Johnson, with a sigh. "If I had begun so with Emma, my eldest child, it would have been well for me; and not only for me, but for her and for all the rest of them. An old aunt gave me good advice then, but I foolishly disregarded it. I well remember her words: 'Now, Mary, you have but one child, and can devote all your attention to her. Train her from the beginning in habits of obedience. Such training will be a priceless blessing to her throughout the whole of her life; and if God grants you more

children, you will find that they will be likely to imitate the example of their eldest sister, whether it be for good or for evil. Take my advice, therefore, and train your firstborn in habits of obedience.' She spoke truly and wisely, but I was a young and foolish mother. The words 'obedience' and 'authority,' sounded harshly to me. I indulged Emma exceedingly, and gave way to her continually. And oh, how many a heart-ache does she cause me!

Mrs. Johnson paused, and covered her face with her handkerchief. Mrs. Hale took her hand, and began soothingly: "Dearest friend--"

"Do not attempt to console me, my friend, or to palliate my fault. It has been great, and bitter is my punishment. As one after another was added to our little flock, the duties of family government became more and more difficult. My health is feeble and my time much occupied; my husband is away all day. The only way to keep the children from being utterly ruined will be to send them all to boarding-school. The two eldest boys are there already. James is to go next month, and I am en

deavouring to make up my mind to send away Emma, Mary, and Julia. It is hard thus to part from my children but I know I have brought this trial on myself by my foolish, false indulgence. My little Lizzie is only three years old. I will try to be firm with her, and train her up in habits of obedience. God grant that she may be a comfort to me! and that I may have grace to carry out my resolution."

To this earnest desire Mrs. Hale cordially joined, and warmly pressing her friend's hand, took her leave, pondering on her two visits. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right."

"Honour thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise."

"That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."-Ephes. vi.