if

ye

love me, keep my commandments." We must not, therefore, force either the feelings or expression; satisfied that, if the true principles of Christianity have taken possession of the heart, it will, necessarily, manifest itself in something better than in words or profession.

Children must, besides, be guarded against placing too much dependence upon external observances. We are to bring them up with a reverence and a value for the ordinances of religion; and to accustom them to a diligent and persevering attendance upon them, as a sacred and important duty, to which secondary objects ought always to yield. But, at the same time, they will be able to understand that these ordinances, of themselves, are wholly insufficient; that he is a Christian "who is one inwardly;" and that our real character is determined, not by that which we may appear before men, but by that which we are in his sight, who "looketh on the heart."

CONCLUSION.

In concluding this little Work, the Author would, once again, remind all who are engaged in the care of children, that much patience and much perseverance will be required in the fulfilment of their duties towards them; and that they may hope to succeed, "not so much by the vehemence, as by the constancy of their exertions." We must not expect to witness the immediate fruit of our labor. The husbandman scatters his seed, "and hath long patience for it;" and we are commanded, "in the morning to sow the seed; and in the evening to withhold not our hands, for we know not whether shall prosper."* To those who are conscientiously employed in the business of education, there is the most solid ground for encouragement; and it is of no small importance that they should cherish a hopeful and cheerful temper of mind. This will

* Eccles. xi. 6.

not only increase the vigor of their efforts, but greatly add to the probability of suc

cess.

Let us ever bear in mind the extensive benefit which may result from our bringing one child to choose and "hold fast that which is good." Have we not reason to hope that it will be a blessing, not only to himself, but to his children, and his children's children? Does not the result of universal experience, do not the records of history and biography, in addition to the express commands of Scripture, afford abundant encouragement for females diligently to exercise their powers in the education of children-powers which appear peculiarly given to fit them for the performance of this important duty? How many eminent, how many excellent men have attributed their most valuable attainments to the impressions made on their minds, by the early care of female relatives, and more especially by that of Mothers!*

* Among the numerous instances which might be brought forward to illustrate the powerful influence of

A Mother, providentially possesses advantages for obtaining over her children an influence, which may be as powerful and durable, as it is mild and attractive; an influence, which may prove to them a guide and defence through the temptations and difficulties of life, when she herself, has escaped from them all; and which, if it do not fully accomplish the good she desires, will yet "hang on the wheels of evil.” It may confidently be believed, though she may have to wait "many days,” that her conscientious endeavors will return in blessings upon herself, and upon her children; and that the fruits, whether earlier or later, will abundantly prove, "that her labor has not been in vain in the Lord."

the strength of early impressions, the reader is referred to the life of St. Augustine, in Milner's Church History. In Wordsworth's Ecclesiastical Biography, to the lives of Bishop Hall, Hooker, Herbert, and Philip Henry. Also, to Lord Teignmouth's Life of Sir W. Jones; to the Life of the Rev. John Newton, written by himself; and to that of the Rev. R. Cecil prefixed to his works; nor should we forget the example of Timothy, who, "from a child, had known the Holy Scriptures," inheriting" that unfeigned faith which had dwelt first in his grandmother Lois, and his mother Eunice." N*

APPENDIX.

MOTIVES THAT SHOULD INFLUENCE THE -CONDUCT OF A NURSE.

We are taught in the Scriptures (Coloss. iii. 23) that "whatever we do, we are to do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" that "the eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good," (Prov. xv. 3) and that "he will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil;" (Eccles. xii. 14.)

A real faith in these fundamental truths, a practical sense of the immediate presence of God, and of the unspeakable importance of our duty to him, alone can fit us to adorn the station in which we are placed, or enable us to render, at the last, a good acconnt of our stewardship. Every other motive is variable, and comparatively weak; whether