_Ned_ paused a moment; then said, “How happy am I to have an elder brother who is so prudent!” _James_ replied—“I am not less happy that you are willing to be advised.” When they returned home, each was eager to relate his brother’s good conduct; each was happy to hear his parents commend them both. THE STUBBORN CHILD. Mr. Steady was walking out with his little son, when he met a boy with a satchel on his shoulder, crying and sobbing dismally. Mr. Steady accosted him, kindly inquiring what was the matter. _Mr. Steady._ Why do you cry? _Boy._ They send me to school: and I do not like it. _Mr. Steady._ You are a silly boy! what! would you play all day? _Boy._ Yes, I would. _Mr. Steady._ None but babies do that; your friends are very kind to you.—If they have not time to teach you themselves, then it is their duty to send you where you may be taught; but you must take pains yourself, else you will be a dunce. _Little Steady._ Pray, may I give him my book of fables out of my pocket? _Mr. Steady._ Do, my dear. _Little Steady._ Here it is—it will teach you to do as you are bid—I am never happy when I have been naughty—are you happy? _Boy._ I cannot be happy; no person loves me. _Little Steady._ Why? _Mr. Steady._ I can tell you why; because he is not good. _Boy._ I wish I was good. _Mr. Steady._ Then try to be so; it is easy; you have only to do as your parents and friends desire you. _Boy._ But why should I go to school? _Mr. Steady._ Good children ask for no reasons; a wise child knows that his parents can best judge what is proper; and unless they choose to explain the reason of their orders, he trusts that they have a good one; and he obeys without inquiry. _Little Steady._ I will not say _why_ again, when I am told what to do; but will always do as I am bid immediately. Pray, sir, tell the story of Miss _Wilful_. _Mr. Steady._ Miss _Wilful_ came to stay a few days with me; now she knew that I always would have children obey me: so she did as I bade her; but she did not always do a thing as soon as she was spoken to; and would often whine out _why?_—_that_ always seems to me like saying—_I think I am as wise as you are; and I would disobey you if I durst_. One day I saw Miss _Wilful_ going to play with a dog, with which I knew it was not proper for her to meddle; and I said. Let that dog alone. Why? said Miss—I play with _Wag_, and I play with _Phillis_, and why may I not play with _Pompey_. I made her no answer—but thought she might feel the reason soon. Now the dog had been ill-used by a girl, who was so naughty as to make a sport of holding meat to his mouth and snatching it away again; which made him take meat roughly, and always be surly to girls.