FOURTHLY-On regulating our conduct, with reference to the formation of the character when matured, rather than by confining our views to the immediate effect of our labor.

Premature acquirements, premature quickness of mind, premature feeling, and even premature propriety of conduct, are not often the evidences of real strength of character, and are rarely followed by corresponding fruits in future life.

LASTLY-On bearing in mind a just sense of the comparative importance of the objects at which we aim.

As in the general conduct of life, it is the part of wisdom to sacrifice the less to the greater good; so is this eminently the case in the subject before us. Now the primary, the essential object of education is thisto form in children a religious habit of mind, founded on the divine principles of Christianity, and leading to the habitual exercise of practical virtue. To this, all other attainments are wholly subordinate.

These points, though frequently referred to in the following Observations, are thus stated separately, that they may the more easily be kept in view, as fundamental principles of universal application, in executing the particular directions that follow.

TRUTH AND SINCERITY.

Nothing, perhaps, is more beautiful, or more rare, than a character in which is no guile. Guile insinuates itself into our hearts and conduct to a degree of which we are little aware. Many who would be shocked at an actual breach of truth, are, notwithstanding, far from sincere in manner or conversation. The mode in which they speak of others, when absent, is wholly inconsistent with their professions to them, when present. They will relate a fact, not falsely, but leaning to that side which tells best for themselves; they represent their own actions in the fairest colors; they have an excuse ever ready for themselves, and too often, at the expense of others. Such conduct, if not coming under the character of direct falsehood, is certainly a species of deceit, to be severely condemned, and strictly guarded against, not only in ourselves, but in our children: for we shall

find them early prone to art, and quick in imbibing it from others. It is not enough, therefore, to speak the truth; our whole behavior to them should be sincere, upright, fair, and without artifice; and it is experience alone that can prove the excellent efects that will result from such a course of conduct. Let all who are engaged in the care of children consider it a duty of primary, of essential importance, never to deceive them, never to employ cunning to gain their ends, or to spare present trouble. Let them not, for instance, to prevent a fit of crying, excite expectation of pleasure which they are not certain can be procured; or assure a child that a medicine he must take is nice, when they know to the contrary. If a question be asked them, which they are unwilling or unable to answer, let them freely confess it, and beware of assuming power or knowledge which they do not possess; for all artifice is not only sinful, but is generally detected, even by children; and we shall experience the truth of the old proverb, "a cunning trick helps but once, and

hinders ever after." No one who is not experimentally acquainted with children, would conceive how clearly they distinguish between truth and artifice; or how readily they adopt those equivocal expedients in their own behalf, which, they perceive, are practised against them.

Great caution is required in making promises and in threatening punishment; but we must be rigid in the performance of the one, and in the infliction of the other. If, for example, we assure a child unconditionally, that, after his lessons, he shall have a top or a ball, no subsequent ill behavior on his part should induce us to deprive him of it. Naughty or good, the top must be his; and, if it be necessary to punish him, we must do it in some other way than by breach of engagement. For our word, once passed, must not be broken.

We should labor to excite in children a detestation of all that is mean, cunning, or false; to inspire them with a spirit of openness, honor, and perfect honesty; making them feel how noble it is, not merely to

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