Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1855-07-01

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on Shelf near where she was sitting, and Mrs.
Lyon scarcely conscious of the act reached out
her hand for the volume. She opened, without
feeling any interest in its contents; but she had
only read few sentences, when this remark ar.
rested her attention.
"AlI right government of children begins with
self-government"
The words seemed written for her; and the
truth expressed was elevated instantly into Lie-
ception. She saw it in the clearest light, and
closed the book and bowed her head in sad ac-
knowIedgement of her own errors. Thus for
some time, she had be9n sitting, when the murmur
of voices from below grew more and more distinct
and she was soon aroused to the painful fact that
as usual, when left alone, the children were
| quareling among themselves. Various noises, as
of pounding on and throwing about chairs, and
of other pieces of furniture, were heard and, at
length loud scream mingled with angry voci-
feration, smote upon her ears. t5rs .b .gcs
Indignation swelled instantly to The heart of
Mrs. Lyon, and hurriedly placing the sleeping
babe in its crib, she started for the scene Of dis
order, moved by an impulse to punish severely
the young rebels against authority, and was half
way down the stairs when her feet were checked
by remembi ance of the seniment-"All right
government" - Il
"WIll anger subdue anger! When storm meets
storm is the tempest stiiledi These were the
questions she asked of herself, almost inVolunta-
rily. "This is no spirit in which to meet my
children. 1t never has, never will enforce order
and obedience" she added as she stood upon the
stairs, struggling with herself, and striving for
the victory. From the nursery came louder sounds
ofdisOrder. How weak the mother felt! Yet in
this very weakness was strength.
81 must not stand idle here" she said, as
sharper cry of anger smote her ears; and so she
moved on quikly, and opening the nursery-door,
stood revealed to the children. Julia has just
raised her hand to strike Emily, no stood con-
fronting her with fiery face Both were little
startled at their mothers sudden appearance; and
both, expected the storm that usually came at
such times, began to assume the defiant, stubborn
air with which her intenperate reproofs were al
ways met.
few moments did Mrs. Lyon stand looking
at her children-gref not anger, upon her coun-
tenance. How still all became What a look
of wonder came gradually into the childfen's
faces as they glanced one at the other. Some
thing of shame was next visible. And now, the
mother was conscious of new power over the
young rebels of her household.
emily" said she, speaking mildly, and with
touch of-sorrow in her voice that she could not
snhd1p al wish .nDl1 u a
sit with Mary while she sleeps"
Without sign Of opposition, or even of reluc-
tance, Emily went quietly from the nursery, in
obedience TO her mothers desire.
"This room is very much in disorder, Julia
Many times had Mrs. Lyon said, under like
circumstances, "Why don't you put things to
rights?" or, "I never saw such girls! If all was
-turvy, and the floor an inch thick with Dirt
you'd never turn over hand to put things in or
der;' or, go and get the broom, this minute, and
sweep up the room. You're the LATEST girl that
ever lived" Many, many times as we have said,
had such language been addressed by Mrs. Lyon
under like circumstances, to Julia and her sisters
without producing anything better than grum-
bling, partial execution of her wishes But now
the mild intimatiOn that the room Was in disorder
produced all the effect desired Julia went quick
ly about the work of restoring things to their right
places, and in little while order was apparent
where confusion reigned before. Little Tommy,
whose love of bammering was an incessant an
noyance to his mother, had ceased his din on her
sudden appearance, and for few moments, stood
il expectation of boxed ear; for time he was
puzzled 10 understand the new aspect of affairs
Finding that lie was not under the ban, as usual
he commenced slaPping stick over the top of
an old table, making most ear-piercing nOse.-
Instantly Julia, said, in a low voice to him
Don't Tommy, don't do that You know it
makes mothers head ache"
"Does it make your head ACHE mother!" asked
the child, curiousIy, and with plying tone in his
voice, as he came creeping up to his mothers
side, and looking at her if in doubt whether he
would be repulsed or not. ir- a.2
sometimes tdOes, my son" replied Mrs. Lyon,
kindly; "and it is always unpleasant Won't you
try and play without making so much noseT'
ayes mother, I'll try, answered the little fellow
cheerfully. "But I'll forget sometimes"
He looked earnestly at his mother if some
thing more was in his thoughts
"Well, dear, what else!' said she encourag
inly. '
When forgel you'll tell me; won't you me-
therl'
'Yes, love.''
"And then III stop, Bot don't scold me, mo-
ther, for then | can't stop"
Mrs Lyons heart was touched. She caught
her breath, and bent her face down to conceal its
expression, until it rested on the silken hair of
the child sr..
"Be good boy, Tommy, and will never scold
you any more,'' she murmured gently in his ear.
His arms stole upward, and and as they we're
twined closely about her neck he pressed his lips
tightly against her cheek-thus sealing his part
Of the contract by kiss.
How sweet to the mothers taste were these
first fruits of self-contrOl. By the effort to gov
ern herself, what power she had acquired In
stilling the tempest of passion in her own BOSOM
she had poured the oil of peace oyer the storm
fretted hearts of her children.
Onv first fruits were these. In al her after
days did the mother strive with herself ere she en-
tered into contest with the inherited evils of her
children; and just so far was she able to overcome
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