The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1860-02-02
A Better Way.
by KATE SUTHERLAND.

t'''ON, ooCycu, lcaNiilg the Dureau-Ctrawer
where he had gone in his restless desire 70,
employment. ot no #. a@.@
Il never saw such prying, meddlesom,
child in my life," she remarked to her visit
or, and old friend, who had called in tc
spend an afternoon. "He is into every
thing" 0ra .. 7~# Ee. .~ra-~ r''t
The friend did not reply to this remark
and so the current Of their conversation. in.
terrupted for moment. flowed on again.
John How dare you? Get down this
instant" :" ata..s' ~. #~ .... ..." .......a
And the child drew back his hands from
the fine French tmc-piece on the mantle,
and crept slowly and reluctantly down from
the chair, by means of which he had ascend
to the beautiful object that had attracted his
attention.
did you ever see such boy ?"
The visitor, as before, made no response.
John, you troublesome fellow, go and sit
down in your little chair.'
The child stood still instead of obeyinr.
I" John Go this instant!' The mother
stamped her foot. Go, tell you E" ~. Ri.
Jotin moved, whimpering, towards the
chair. 75 " ~ " #*7H
Cant 60 down stairs and see Biddv ?"
"No, sir, you cannot. I'm not going to
have you living in the kitchen. Biddy has
spoiled you enough as it is" a."
Then turning to the visitor, she added
"These servants spoil more children than
they are worth. They indulge them in ev-
erything. It's go. to be as much as can do
to keep John out of the kitchen. He'd live
there half of his time if I'd let him."
Poor children said the visitor in quiet
way, They have hard time of it." Fl
Its the mothers who have the hardest
time,' was the reply to this. And then the
conversation went on as before.
John .Hstead of sitting down in his chair,
as directed, turned il over, and stretching
himself upon It at fill length, managed, by
balancing the arms On thg floor, to give it
see-sawing motion. He was working, in
this way, portion Of surplus animal spirits,
when his mothers attention was drawn to
him from her pleasant talk.
''Just look at that boy she said, laying
her hand upon the arm of her friend az
told him to 60 and sit down, and you see
how well he minds me John !"
The child started. for there was an angry
imperatiyeness in the mothers voice which
his ear recognized too well as the usual pre-
cursor of a blow.
ado you call that sitting down? If YOU
don't mind when speak, I'll punish you.
as sure as you are born,"
John righted the chair and sat down in it.
"Stop, Anna" And the visitor, whose
years were far beyond those of the young
mother, laid her hand gently on her arm
''There is q better way than this. Don't re-
quire of your child an impossible thing."-
She spoke in low tone.
II must require him to obey me-" was
answered.
"If you make obedience an impossibiity,
what then?"
'I don't understand you"
''Do you believe it possible for that rest
less child, now unduly excited, and with no
occupation whatever to sit still for five min
utes? He can no more do so than he can
Ayr
"What am to do? Let him run riot p
You don't know him. There'd be no living
with him in the house,
''John is not bad boy" said the-friend.
~ know that He's only troublesome"
'kestless, active, and curious. say rather,
and, therefore, claiming large share of your
thoughtful attention. You must find him
employment, Anna" ...-...... ..
"There wouldn't be much else done in tho
house, if were to give myself up to the
work Of finding employment for boy like
him." said the mother, in discouraged way.
"It would take the time and ingenuity oftwo
persons to keep him fully occupied"
anna" said the friend, speaking very
earnestly. 'If it be SO with the child-if
that bright little spirit be already reaching
out with such restless eagerness into the
world Of facts and things-how momentous
the duty that devolvcs upon you! His spir-
it is immortal. and must grow in beauty or
efornity-develop toward good or evil
IIeis now the plant twig, which, if bent
from its uprightness, will show the defect in
all after time. But, ere add more, let me
ask for John the privilege of going down to
see Biddy. We can tail, more freely when
he is away"
you can so down and see Bildy for a
little while" said the mother.
MAY Il" The sunshine came back into
the chd's face instantly. 'Oh, you're a
good mammal" And John, before bound
ing away, came and kissed his mother.
''lle's an affectionate chili," said the
mother, in a softened tone, as the child went
in gladness from the room. ....... r.
And you must lead him by his love for
you, Anna," remarked the friend "This
love is a great power. 1t works wonders
But your love must be guided by tho ,eht.
| full regard to the peculiarties Of his DISPOSE
| ton. Blind love often works more evil thar,
good. You said just now that it would take
the time and ingenuity OF two persons tc
keep John fully employed, meaning to ex
press by this strong iaasuasc, the unusual
activity and restless curiosity Of the child.
mind So much greater, then, is the respon
sihility resting upon yo, God has giver