rattle off their commands with penalties so
profusely that there is a steady {78} roar of hostilities about the child's
head. These threats are forgotten by the parent and unheeded by the child.
All government is at an end.

8. DO NOT ENFORCE TOO MANY COMMANDS.--Leave a few things within the range
of the child's knowledge that are not forbidden. Keep your word good, but
do not have too much of it out to be redeemed.

9. PUNISH AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE.--Sometimes punishment is necessary, but
the less it is resorted to the better.

10. NEVER PUNISH IN A PASSION.--Wrath only becomes cruelty. There is no
moral power in it. When you seem to be angry you can do no good.

11. BRUTISH VIOLENCE ONLY MULTIPLIES OFFENDERS.--Striking and beating the
body seldom reaches the soul. Fear and hatred beget rebellion.

12. PUNISH PRIVATELY.--Avoid punishments that break down self-respect.
Striking the body produces shame and indignation. It is enough for the
other children to know that discipline is being administered.

13. NEVER STOP SHORT OF SUCCESS.--When the child is not conquered the
punishment has been worse than wasted. Reach the point where neither wrath
nor sullenness remain. By firm persistency and persuasion require an open
look of recognition and peace. It is only evil to stir up the devil unless
he is cast out. Ordinarily one complete victory will last a child for a
lifetime. But if the child relapses, repeat the dose with proper
accompaniments.

14. DO NOT REQUIRE CHILDREN TO COMPLAIN OF THEMSELVES FOR PARDON.--It
begets either sycophants or liars. It is the part of the government to
detect offences. It reverses the order of matters to shirk this duty.

15. GRADE AUTHORITY UP TO LIBERTY.--The growing child must have experiments
of freedom. Lead him gently into the family. Counsel with him. Let him plan
as he can. By and by he has the confidence of courage without the danger of
exposures.

16. RESPECT.--Parents must respect each other. Undermining either
undermines both. Always govern in the spirit of love.

[Illustration]

{79}

CONVERSATION.

[Illustration]

Some men are very entertaining for a first interview, but after that
they are exhausted, and run out; on a second meeting we shall find them
very flat and monotonous; like hand-organs, we have heard all their
tunes.--COULTON.

He who sedulously attends, pointedly asks, calmly speaks, coolly
answers, and ceases when he has no