"Then, there I differ from most folks," said Miss Layton, smiling. "I don't pretend to be wiser than Solomon, who said, 'Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him;' and again, 'Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.' I think it is sometimes necessary to use the rod, though not very often; but when all other means have failed to make a child obey, I do not hesitate to resort to that. But different dispositions require different management. Ella, I think, can be most easily ruled through her affections; and I had much rather have the management of such a child, than of one who requires severity. Only show her that you love her, Miss Clinton, as I have no doubt you do, and I think you will find her easily managed."
"Love her! to be sure I do. She's the only near relation I have in the world. There was quite a large family of us, but James and I were all that lived to grow up; I was the eldest, and he the youngest, and I thought the world and all of my brother; but I never wanted him to get married, for I couldn't bear to think he should ever care more for anybody else than he did for me. However, I think now it's just as well he did, for though Ella does plague me half to death sometimes, I wouldn't be without her for a great deal."
"If you would just let Ella see, by your manner, that you do feel such a strong affection for her, I am quite sure you would find her much more manageable."
"Oh well, Miss Layton, people must act according to their dispositions; it never was my way to show my feelings, and I'm too old to alter my ways now."
"I think we should never consider ourselves too old to alter for the better," said Miss Layton, gently. "We are commanded to be 'kindly affectioned one toward another,' and parents are cautioned not to 'provoke their children to anger, lest they be discouraged.'"
Miss Layton was an earnest Christian; one whose constant endeavour it was to glorify her Father in heaven by her daily walk, and to bring souls to Christ. She deeply felt her responsibility as a teacher; she remembered that she was making impressions on those young minds and hearts, not only for time, but for eternity; and she felt that, when she had done all in her power for the intellectual improvement of her pupils, she had performed but half her duty; for she considered the salvation of their souls of greater importance than anything else, and felt that her first duty was to lead them to the Saviour; and not only did she pray with, and for them, but she embraced every opportunity to converse with them on the importance of the 'one thing needful,' the necessity of repentance, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And her labours were not without fruit. One evening, Mary Young lingered behind her young companions, and when Miss Layton kindly inquired if she wished to speak to her, she burst into tears, exclaiming, "O Miss Layton, I am such a sinner! what shall I do?"
"'If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.' 'Who his ownself bare our sins in his own body on the tree.' 'This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.' 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.' These are the answers given you in God's own word, Mary."
"But are they meant for me, Miss Layton?"
"Surely, Mary; why not for you as well as for another?"