am so
tired I can not stand the children's noise." Is that so? Do you not love
your children, and are you not working for their welfare! If so, do you
not think that a little less labor with your hands and a little time
spent with them would be more profitable? Perhaps a little romp or chat
with them would rest you. Try it anyway. You who are desk workers can
afford it: it will help you to cast off the responsibilities of the day
and the better prepare you for the morrow. A romp with the children is
not lost; but, on the other hand, is a benefit for both parent and
child. Thoughtful parents can think of many things that will increase
the interest in home and will draw them closer to their children.

Sometimes it is good for the children to visit their friends, but
parents should always be acquainted with these friends. Never let your
child go where games are played that you would not allow played in your
own home. Here is where conscience and confidence will help you. Be
cautious about allowing your child to go somewhere to stay all night. In
this way many a child has learned evil practises and in some cases been
ruined. Then, too, it draws his mind away from the home circle.

"But," you say, "all this I have done, and yet my children are now
forgetful of it all. They are indulging in many things that they were
taught to be harmful to the soul." My dear friend, can you not remember
when this state of things began? Can you not point to a time when there
was a drifting from your home circle? when home life began to seem too
narrow for your child? when he began to crave the association of others
more than that of his own brothers and sisters? Did you at that time
lift up your home banner and shield? Did you tell him of the rapids in
the distance? "No," you falteringly answer; "I thought there could be no
harm in allowing him to mingle with his chums at school and to visit
them in their homes. I was afraid to be too particular, lest he should
think me too strict with him." Ah! friend, that was your golden
opportunity, and you failed to see it. After instructing the child, you
should have bowed with him in prayer, giving him over to God's keeping.
Then, if he chose to go--remembering that your prayers were following
him--nine chances out of ten he would have returned with words similar
to those spoken by a youth who had been permitted to attend a party. In
answer to his father's question he said, "Yes; I had a good time, but