The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1885-08-29
A POOR RULE.

1t Proved q Very Unpleasant and DiSR-
greeable One When Worked Both
Ways.
Johnny James had been growing sui
len for some time whenever he was
asked 10 do anything he did not exact
ly want to.
And when be once began yielding to
the inclination to refuse obliging peo-
pie, it was astonishing how the tenden
cy increased to do less and less to help
others.
Johnny's kind parents did all they
could to make him happy, and his
mamma espec ally tried every way she
could think of, to show the little boy
how wrong and selfish it was to want
only to please himself No matter
whether little sister Matte had good
time or not. Johnny didn't care so long
as he en- Dyed himself, and no matter
how tired mamma was Johnny never
could be made to feel it was his duty to
help her.
And things went on from bad to
worse, until actual disobedience be-
gan, which was so promptly punished
that Johnny made up his mind it was
no use trying to break rules, but he
went as far as he could go without in
curing punishment
One night, Mr. James came home
and found his wife very much discour-
aged. And to his kind inquiries as to
what troubled her, she said it seemed
utterly mposs BILE to make Johnny do
right She had coaxed and punished
him; she had read to him from the Bible
showing how God hated disobedience,
and naughty, unwilling disposition;
had read and told him stories OF chill
dren who were not kind and obliging,
but it was of no use, Johnny pouted
and muttered and only obey ed when
spoken sternly to and obi ged to.
She had told him three times through
the day to 60 to the post-office, and he
declared he had forgotten it; and when
sent for dozen eggs, he had managed
to carelessly break three, and didn't
seem in the least sorry.
"Well," said Mr. James, "Tll talk to
Johnny"
That evening he took Johnny and
said in very kind but decided way;
Now, my boy, your mother and |
have tried every way we could, proper
ly, to make you good boy, but, as all
our efforts have seemed to fail thus far, |
think we must try new plan. Did
you ever hear it said, Johnny, that
it's poor rule that won't work both
waysP"
No, Johnny had never heard of that.
"Well, now that MEANS" explained
his father, ''that it is poor rule which
will do for one person, but won't dc
for another. For instance, how do you
think it would do for mamma and fol
me to treat you as you treat US? sup
pose we disregard your wants, forget
10 do what YOU ask us and forget oil
: neglect to treat you politely or with
kindness, now do you think it would
( do?"
Don't know" said Johnny, sui
, lenly.
VERY WE'LL" continued papa, nov
warn you, my little son, that here
. after we may try what seems to b,
your rule, and if it doesn't please you
e why there'll be only yourself t.
, blame"
= This talk set Master Johnny to think
ing, and all the next day he took car
= to do as he was told, and really avoide
y any direct naughtiness. But bad hat
its are not easily conquered, and, tn
!. second morning after the talk, pap
u u called to him before breakfast and aske
7. him to 60 and get morning paper jus
y in the next street
J, Cant Matte goP" he whined. q
. amt got no boots OF"
!, PUT them on then" said papa e
a a want you to go, not Matte"
: His papa heard the muttering an
u flirg ng Of tn ngs around so customar
8 when Johnny was displeased, and tn
= moments went gliding by until th
" breakfast bell rang, and no Johnny ma
!, appeared. =,
9 Just as all were seated at the table,
q cross-faced boy appeared, and seem
q breakfast all steaming on the table b
!, asked, fretfully;
n Cant go for the paper after breal
10 fAst?"
q mo" said papa. "Tll get 1t myse
10 after breakfast"
Il Johnny looked satisfied and went q
. rectly to the table.
D. why, where's my platter" he whin'
u again. land my napkin, and -"
ID "Oh we didn't feel like giving y
y any breakfast" sa' d papa in so surly
ID tone that Johnny looked at him in 81
prise.