Murders > Tales for the farmers' ingle-neuk

13
Children, after the age of infancy, become ra¬
tional creatures. Your two elder children are
old enough in many instances to be governed by
reason. Let them learn to respect your judge¬
ment, as well as to reverence your authority.
But in exacting obedience from the youngest, it
is enough to say, ‘ This must he done because
your father commands it, and he knows what is
best for you.’ Be particularly careftd to show
no preference to one child more than another,
except on account of good conduct. A favourite
is always unhappy. His temper is spoiled both
by the foolish fondness of his parents, and the
envious resentment of his little companions.
Above all things, teach your children to remem¬
ber their Creator and Redeemer in the days of
their youth. Let religion be the foundation of
all their actions. Let them learn to feel that
they are constantly in the view of an All-seeing
Eye, and that the very thoughts of the heart are
naked and open before Him. In inculcating
these duties, never forget that example is better
than precept. What you teach you children, be
careful to practise yourselves. You wish to see
them perform with fidelity all the religious,
moral, and personal duties ; set before them,
then, a pattern of those duties in your own
conduct.”