courage them to be frank, in order to come tion; yea, what fear; yea, what vehement at their faults. They have not more faults desire; yea, what zeal; yea, what revenge.** for being open, they only discover more; and Thus, by some of the most troublesome to know the worst of the character we have passions of our nature being converted by to regulate will enable us to make it better. the blessing of God on a religious education · Discipline, however, is not cruelty, and to the side of virtue, a double purpose is efrestraint is not severity. A discriminating fected. Because, it is the character of the teacher will appreciate the individual char- passions never to observe a neutrality. If acter of each pupil, in order to appropriate they are no longer rebels, they become auxher management. We must strengthen the iliaries; and the accession of strength is feeble, while we repel the bold. We can- doubled, because a foe subdued is an ally obnot educate by a receipt; for after studying tained. For it is the effect of religion on the the best rules, and after digesting them into passions, that when she seizes the enemy's the best system, much must depend on con- garrison, she does not content herself with tingent circumstances; for that which is defeating its future mischiefs, she does not good may yet be inapplicable. The cultiva- destroy the works, she does not burn the artor of the human mind must, like the gar-senal and spike the cannon; but the artillery dener, study diversities of soil, or he may she seizes, she turns to her own use; she atplant diligently and water faithfully with lit- tacks in her turn, and plants its whole force ile fruit. The skilful labourer knows that against the enemy from whom she has taken even where the surface is not particularly it.

promising, there is often a rough strong But while I would deprecate harshness, I ground which will amply repay the trouble would enforce discipline; and that not mereof breaking it up; yet we are often mostly on the ground of religion, but of happitaken with a soft surface, though it conceal ness also. One reason, not seldom brought a shallow depth, because it promises present forward by tender but mistaken mothers as reward and little trouble. But strong and an apology for an unbounded indulgence, pertinacious tempers. of which perhaps ob especially to weakly children, is, that they stinacy is the leading vice, under skilful probably will not live to enjoy the world management often turn out steady and ster- when grown up, and that therefore they ling characters; while from softer clay a would not abridge the little pleasure they firm and vigorous virtue is but seldom pro- may enjoy at present, lest they should be duced. Pertinacity is often principle, which taken out of the world without having tasted wants nothing but to be led to its true object; any of its delights. But a slight degree of while the uniformly yielding and universal- observation would prove that this is an error ly accommodating spirit, is not seldom the in judgment as well as in principle. For result of a feeble tone of morals, of a temper omitting any considerations respecting their eager for praise and acting for reward. future welfare, and entering only into their But these revolutions in character cannot immediate interests; it is an indisputable be effected by a mere education. Plutarch fact that children who know no control, has observed that the medical science would never be brought to perfection till poisons should be converted into physic. What our late improvers in natural science have done in the medical world, by converting the most deadly ingredients into instruments of life and health, Christianity with a sort of divine alchymy has effected in the moral world, by that transmutation which makes those passions which have been working for sin become active in the cause of religion. The An early habitual restraint is peculiarly violent temper of Saul of Tarsus, which was important to the future character and happi'exceedingly mad' against the saints of God, ness of women. A judicious, unrelaxing, did God see fit to convert into that burning but steady and gentle curb on their tempers zeal which enabled Paul the apostle to la- and passions can alone insure their peace and bour so unremittingly for the conversion of establish their principles It is a habit which the gentile world. Christianity indeed does cannot be adopted too soon, nor persisted in not so much give us new affections or facul- too pertinaciously. They should when very ties, as give a new direction to those we al- young be inured to contradiction. Instead ready have. She changes that sorrow of the of hearing their bon mols treasured up and world which worketh death into godly sor- repeated till the guests are tired, and till the row which worketh repentance.' She chan- children begin to think it dull, when they ges our anger against the persons we dislike themselves are not the little heroines of the into hatred of their sins. The fear of man theme, they should be accustomed to receive which worketh a snare,' she transmutes into but moderate praise for their vivacity or their that fear of God which worketh salvation.' wit, though they should receive just comThat religion does not extinguish the pas-mendation for such qualities as have more sions, but only alters their object, the ani- worth than splendour.

whose faults encounter no contradiction, and whose humours experience constant indulgence, grow more irritable and capricious, invent wants, create desires, lose all relish for the pleasures which they know they may reckon upon; and become perhaps more miserable than even those unfortunate children who labour under the more obvious and more commiserated misfortune of suffering under the tyranny of unkind parents.

mated expressions of the fervid apostle con- Patience, diligence, quiet, and unfatigued firm-Yea, what fearfulness; yea, what

clearing of yourselves; yea, what indigna

VOL. I.

45

* 2 Corinthians, vii. 1.

perseverance, industry, regularity, and econ- | hearts, in the place of too much anxiety

omy of time, as these are the dispositions I would labour to excite, so these are the qualities I would warmly commend. So far from admiring genius, or extolling its prompt effu sions, I would rather intimate that excellence, to a certain degree, is in the power of every competitor: that it is the vanity of over-valuing herself for supposed original powers, and slackening exertion in conse- Let me repeat, without incurring the cenquence of that vanity, which often leave the sure of tautology, that it will be of vast imlively ignorant, and the witty superficial.-portance not to let slip the earliest occasions A girl who overhears her mother tell the of working gentle manners into an habit on company that she is a genius, and is so quick, their only true foundation, Christian meekthat she never thinks of applying to her task ness. For this purpose I would again urge till a few minutes before she is to be called your calling in the example of our Redeemto repeat it, will acquire such a confidence in her own abilities, that she will be advancing in conceit as she is falling short in knowledge. Whereas, if she were made to suspect that her want of application rather indicated a deficiency than a superiority in her understanding, she would become industrious in proportion as she became modest; and by thus adding the diligence of the humble to the talents of the ingenious, she might really attain a degree of excellence, which mere quickness of parts, too lazy, because too proud to apply, seldom attains.

about the event of actions. Principles, aims, and intentions should be invariably insisted on, as the only true ground of right prac tice, and they should be carefully guarded against too much solicitude for that human · praise which attaches to appearances as much as to realities, to success more than to desert.

er in aid of his precepts. Endeavour to make your pupil feel that all the wonders exhibited in his life do not so overwhelm the awakened heart with rapture, love, and astonishment, as the perpetual instances of his humility and meekness, with which the Gos pel abounds. Stupendous miracles, exercises of infinite power prompted by infinite mercy, are actions which we should naturally enough conceive as growing out of omnipotence and divine perfection: but silence under cruel mockings, patience under reproach, gentleness of demeanor under unGirls should be led to distrust their own paralleled injuries; these are perfections of judgment; they should learn not to murmur which unassisted nature not only has no con at expostulation; they should be accustom- ception in a Divine Being, but at which it ed to expect and to endure opposition. It is would revolt, had not the reality been exema lesson with which the world will not fail to plified by our perfect pattern. Healing the furnish them; and they will not practise it sick, feeding the multitude, restoring the the worse for having learnt it the sooner. It blind, raising the dead, are deeds of which is of the last importance to their happiness, we could form some adequate idea, as neceseven in this life, that they should early ac-sarily flowing from Almighty goodness: but quire a submissive temper and a forbearing to wash his disciples' feet-to preach the Gosspirit. They must even endure to be thought pel to the poor-to renounce not only ease, wrong sometimes, when they cannot but feel for that heroes have done on human motives they are right. And while they should be-but to renounce praise, to forgive his peranxiously aspiring to do well, they must not expect always to obtain the praise of having done so. But while a gentle demeanour is inculcated, let them not be instructed to practise gentleness merely on the low ground of its being decorous, and feminine, and pleasing, and calculated to attract human favour but let them be carefully taught to cultivate it on the high principle of obedience to Christ; on the practical ground of labouring after conformity to HIM, who, when he proposed himself as a perfect pattern of imitation, did not say, learn of me, for I am great, or wise, or mighty, but learn of me, for I am meek and lowly:' and who graciously promised that the reward should accompany the practice, by encouragingly adding, and ye shall find rest to your souls.' Do not teach them humility on the ordinary ground that vanity is unamiable, and that no one will love them if they are proud; for that will only go to correct the exterior, and make them soft and smiling hypocrites. But inform them, that God resisteth the proud,' while them that are meek he shall guide in judgment, and such as are gentle, them shall he teach his way.' In these as in all other cases, an habitual attention to the motives should be carefully substituted in their young breeding.

:

secutors, to love his enemies, to pray for his murderers with his last breath ;-these are things which, while they compel us to cry out with the centurion, Truly this was the Son of God,' should remind us, that they are not only adorable but imitable parts of his character. These are not speculative and barren doctrines which he came to preach to Christians, but living duties which he meant to entail on them; symbols of their profession; tests of their discipleship. These are perfections which we are not barely to contemplate with holy awe and distant admiration, as if they were restricted to the divine nature of our Redeemer; but we must consider them as suited to the human nature also, which he condescended to participate. In contemplating, we must imilate; in admiring we must practise; and in our measure and degree go and do likewise. Elevate your thoughts for one moment to this standard (and you should never allow yourself to be contented with a lower) and then go, if you can, and teach your children to be mild, and soft, and gentle on worldly grounds, on bu man motives, as an external attraction, as a decoration to their sex, as an appendage to their rank, as an expression of their good

There is a custom among teachers, which not to any strength beyond their own: after is not the more right for being common; much is done, much will remain undone. for they are apt to bestow an undue proportion the entire regulation of the heart and affecof pains on children of the best capacity, as tions is not the work of education alone, but if only geniuses were worthy of attention. is effected by the operation of divine grace. They should reflect that in moderate talents, Will it be accounted enthusiasm to suggest, carefully cultivated, we are perhaps to look that the fervent effectual prayer of a rightfor the chief happiness and virtue of society. eous parent availeth much?" and to observe If superlative genius had been generally ne- that perhaps the reason why so many anxcessary, its existence would not have been ious mothers fail of success is, because they so rare; for Omnipotence could easily have repose with confidence in their own skill and made those talents common which we now labour, neglecting to look to Him without consider as extraordinary, had they been ne- whose blessing they do but labour in vain ? cessary to the perfection of his plan. Be- On the other hand, is it not to be feared sides, while we are conscientiously instruct- that some pious parents have fallen into an ing children of moderate capacity, it is a error of an opposite kind? From a full concomfort to reflect, that if no labour will raise viction that human endeavours are vain, and them to a high degree in the scale of intel- that it is God alone who can change the lectual distinction, yet they may be led on to heart, they are earnest in their prayers, but perfection in that road in which a wayfaring not so earnest in their endeavours Such man, though simple shall not err.' And parents should be reminded, that if they do when a mother feels disposed to repine that not add their exertions to their prayers, their her family is not likely to exhibit a group of children are not likely to be more benefitted future wits and growing beauties, let her than the children of those who do not add console herself by looking abroad into the their prayers to their exertions. What God world, where she will quickly perceive that has joined, let no man presume to separate. the monopoly of happiness is not engrossed It is the work of God, we readily acknowby beauty, nor that of virtue by genius.

ledge, to implant religion in the heart, and to Perhaps mediocrity of parts was decreed to maintain it there as a ruling principle of conbe the ordinary lot, by way of furnishing a duct. And is it not the same God which stimulus to industry, and strengthening the causes the corn to grow? Are not our natumotives to virtuous application. For is it ral lives constantly preserved by His power? not obvious that moderate abilities, carefully Who will deny that in Him we live, and carried to that measure of perfection of which move, and have our being? But how are they are capable, often enables their posses these works of God carried on? By means sors to outstrip, in the race of knowledge which he has appointed. By the labour of and of usefulness, their more brilliant but the husbandman the corn is made to grow ; less persevering competitors? It is with by food the body is sustained; and by relimental endowments, as with other rich gifts gious instruction God is pleased to work upof Providence; the inhabitant of the luxu- on the human heart. But unless we diliriant southern clime, where nature has done gently plow, and sow, and weed, and maevery thing in the way of vegetation, indo- nure, have we any right to depend on the relently lays hold on this very plea of fertility freshing showers and ripening suns of heav which should animate his exertions, as a rea-en for the blessing of an abundant harvest? son for doing nothing himself; so that the As far as we see the ways of God, all his soil which teems with such encouraging works are carried on by means. It becomes, abundance leaves the favoured possessor therefore, our duty to use the means, and idle, and comparatively poor: whilst the na- trust in God; to remember that God will tive of the less genial region, supplying by not work without the means; and that the his labours the deficiencies of his lot, over-means can effect nothing without his blestakes his more favoured competitor; by sing 'Paul may plant, and Apollos water, substituting industry for opulence, he im- but it is God must give the increase.' proves the riches of his native land beyond to what does he give the increase? To the that which is blessed with warmer suns, and exertions of Paul and Apollos. It is never thus vindicates Providence from the charge of partial distribution.

But

said, because God only can give the increase, that Paul and Apollos may spare their labour.

A girl who has docility will seldom be found to want understanding sufficient for It is one grand object to give the young all the purposes of an useful, a happy, and a probationer just and sober views of the pious life. And it is as wrong for parents world on which she is about to enter. Into set out with too sanguine a dependence on stead of making her bosom bound at the near the figure their children are to make in life, prospect of emancipation from her instrucas it is unreasonable to be discouraged at tors; instead of teaching her young heart to every disappointment. Want of success is dance with premature flutterings as the critso far from furnishing a motive for relaxing ical winter draws near in which she is to their energy that it is a reason for redoubling come out; instead of raising a tumult in her it. Let them suspect their own plans, and busy imagination at the approach of her first reform them; let them distrust their own grown up ball, an event held out as forming principles, and correct them. The general- the first grand epocha of female life, as the ity of parents do too little; some do much, period from which a fresh computation, fixand miss their reward, because they looking the pleasures and independence of wo

manhood, is to be dated; instead of this, en-mind of youth which bounds with fresh vig. deavour to convince her, that the world will our and uninjured elasticity from any such not turn out to be that scene of unvarying temporary depression. And though ber and never-ending delights which she has per- feelings, tastes and passions, will all be haps been led to expect, not only from the against you, if you set before her a faithful sanguine temper and warm spirits natural to delineation of life, yet it will be something youth, but from the value she has seen put to get her judgment on your side. It is no on those showy accomplishments which have unkind office to assist the short view of youth too probably been fitting her for her exhibi- with the aids of long-sighted experience; tion in life. Teach her that this world is not to enable them to discover spots in the brighta stage for the display of superficial or even ness of that world which dazzles them in of shining talents, but for the strict and so- prospect, though it is probable they will alber exercise of fortitude, temperance, meek-ter all choose to believe their own eyes rath ness, faith, diligence, and self-denial; of her er than the offered glass.

due performance of which Christian graces, angels will be spectators, and God the judge. Teach her that human life is not a splendid

CHAP. VII.

ledge.-Error of cultivating the imagina tion to the neglect of the judgment.-Books of reasoning recommended.

romance, spangled over with brilliant adven-On female study, and initiation into know tures, and enriched with extraordinary occurrences, and diversified with wonderful incidents; lead her not to expect that it will abound with scenes which will call extraordinary qualities and wonderful powers into As this little work by no means assumes perpetual action; and for which, if she ac- the character of a general scheme of educa quit herself well, she will be rewarded with tion, the author has purposely avoided expa proportionate fame and certain commenda- tiating largely on any kind of instruction, tion. But apprize her that human life is a but as it happens to be connected, either intrue history, many passages of which will mediately or remotely with objects of a mor be dull, obscure, and uninteresting; some al or religious nature. Of course she has perhaps tragical; but that whatever gay in- been so far from thinking it necessary to encidents and pleasing scenes may be intersper- ter into the enumeration of those popular sed in the progress of the piece, yet, finally books which are used in general instruction, one event happeneth to all: to all there is that she has purposely forborn to mention one awful and infallible catastrophe Apany. With such books the rising generation prize her that the estimation which mankind is far more copiously and ably furnished than forms of merit is not always just, nor is its praise very exactly proportioned to desert; tell her that the world weighs actions in far different scales from the balance of the sanctuary,' and estimates worth by a far different standard from that of the Gospel. Apprize her that while her purest intentions may be sometimes calumniated, and her best actions misrepresented, she will, on the other hand, be liable to receive commendation on occasions wherein her conscience will tell her she has not deserved it; and that she may be extolled by others for actions for which, if she be honest, she will condemn

herself.

any that has preceded it; and out of an ex cellent variety the judicious instructor can hardly fail to make such a selection as shall be beneficial to the pupil.

But while due praise ought not to be withheld from the improved methods of communicating the elements of general knowledge; yet is there not some danger that our very advantages may lead us into error, by causing us to repose so confidently on the multiplied helps which facilitate the entrance into learning, as to render our pupils superficial through the very facility of acquirement? Where so much is done for them, may they not be led to do too little for themselves? and Do not, however, give her a gloomy and besides that exertion may slacken for want discouraging picture of the world, but rath- of a spur, may there not be a moral disad er seek to give her a just and sober view of vantage in possessing young persons with the the part she will have to act in it. And re-notion that learning may be acquired without strain the impetuosity of hope, and cool the diligence, and knowledge be attained without ardour of expectation, by explaining to her, labour? Sound education never can be made that this part, even in her best estate, will a 'primrose path of dalliance.' Do what we probably consist in a succession of petty tri- will we cannot cheat children into learning als, and a round of quiet duties, which, if or play them into knowledge, according to well performed, though they will make little the conciliating smoothness of the modern or no figure in the book of fame, will prove creed, and the selfish indolence of the mod of vast importance to her in that day when ern habits. There is no idle way to any ac another book is opened, and the judgment quisitions which really deserve the name. is set, and every one will be judged accord- And as Euclid, in order to repress the im ing to the deeds done in the body, whether petuous vanity of greatness, told his sove they be good or bad.' reign that there was no royal way to geome Say not that these just and sober views try, so the fond mother may be assured that will cruelly wither her young hopes, blast there is no short cut to any other kind of her budding prospects, and deaden the inno-learning; no privileged by-path cleared from It is not true. the thorns and briers of repulse and difficul There is, happily, an active spring in the ty, for the accommodation of opulent inac

cent satisfactions of life.

world; a religion which is to save appearances without inculcating realities; a religion which affects to preach peace and good will to men,' but which forgets to give glory to God in the highest.'*

tivity or feminine weakness. The tree of knowledge, as a punishment, perhaps, for its having been at first unfairly tasted, cannot now be claimed without difficulty; and this very circumstance serves afterwards to furnish not only literary pleasures, but moral There is a certain precocity of mind which advantages. For the knowledge which is is much helped ou by these superficial modes acquired by unwearied assiduity, is lasting in of instruction; for frivolous reading will the possession, and sweet to the possessor; produce its correspondent effect, in much both perhaps in proportion to the cost and la- less time than books of solid instruction; bour of the acquisition. And though an the imagination being liable to be worked able teacher ought to endeavour, by impro- upon, and the feelings to be set a-going, ving the communicating faculty in himself much faster than the understanding can be (for many know what they cannot teach) to opened and the judgment enlightened. A soften every difficulty; yet in spite of the talent for conversation should be the result kindness and ability with which he will of instruction, not its precursor; it is a smooth every obstruction, it is probably golden fruit when suffered to ripen gradually among the wise institutions of Providence on the tree of knowledge; but if forced in that great difficulties should still remain. the hot-bed of a circulating library, it will For education is but an initiation into that life of trial to which we are introduced on our entrance into this world. It is the first breaking in to that state of toil and labour to which we are born, and to which sin, has made us liable; and in this view of the subject the pains taken in the acquisition of learning may be converted to higher uses than such as are purely literary.

turn out worthless and vapid in proportion as it was artificial, and premature. Girls who have been accustomed to devour a multitude of frivolous books will converse and write with a far greater appearance of skill as to style and sentiment at twelve or fourteen years old, than those of a more advanced age, who are under the discipline of severer studies: but the former having early attainWill it not be ascribed to a captious singu- ed to that low standard which had been held larity, if I venture to remark that real know-out to them, become stationary; while the ledge and real piety, though they may have latter, quietly progressive, are passing gained in many instances, have suffered in through just gradations to a higher strain of others from that profusion of little, amusing, mind; and those who early begin with talksentimental books with which the youthful ing and writing like women, commonly end library overflows? Abundance has its dan- with thinking and acting like children. gers as well as scarcity. In the first place I would not however prohibit such works may not the multiplicity of these alluring of imagination as suit this early period. little works increase the natural reluctance When moderately used they serve to stretch to those more dry and uninteresting studies, the faculties and expand the mind: but I of which, after all, the rudiments of every should prefer works of vigorous genius and part of learning must consist? And second-pure unmixed fable to many of those tame ly, is there not some danger (though there and more affected moral stories, which are are many honourable exceptions) that some not grounded on Christian principle. 1 of those engaging narratives may serve to should suggest the use on the one hand of oriinfuse into the youthful heart a sort of spuri- ginal and acknowledged fictions: and on the ous goodness, a confidence of virtue, a pa- other, of accurate and simple facts; so that rade of charity? And that the benevolent truth and fable may ever be kept separate actions with the recital of which they abound, and distinct in the mind. There is something when they are not made to flow from any that kindles fancy, awakens genius and exsource but feeling, may tend to inspire a self- cites new ideas in many of the bold fictions complacency, a self-gratulation, a stand by, of the east. And there is one peculiar merfor I am holier than thou! May not the it in the Arabian and some other oriental success with which the good deeds of the tales, which is, that they exhibit striking, little heroes are uniformly crowned; the in- and in many respects faithful views of the variable reward which is made the instant manners, habits, customs, and religion of concomitant of well doing, furnish the their respective countries: so that some tincyoung reader with false views of the condi- ture of real local information is acquired by tion of life, and the nature of the divine the perusal of the wildest fable, which will dealings with men? May they not help to not be without its use in aiding the future suggest a false standard of morals, to infuse associations of the mind in all that relates to a love of popularity and an anxiety for praise, eastern history and literature. in the place of that simple and unostentatious rule of doing whatever good we do, because it is the will of God? The univer- * An ingenious (and in many respects useful) sal substitution of this principle would tend French Treatise on Education, has too much ento purify the worldly morality of many a pop-couraged this political piety, by considering reliular little story. And there are few dan-gion as a thing of human convention, rather than gers which good parents will more carefully of divine institution; as a thing creditable, rather than commanded by erecting the doctrine of exguard against than that of giving their chil-pediency in the room of Christian simplicity; and dren a mere political piety; that sort of re-wearing away the spirit of truth, by the substituligion which just goes to make people more tion of occasional deceit, equivocation, subterfuge, respectable, and to stand well with the and mental reservation.

The irregular fancy of women is not suffi