HARMONY, GENEROSITY, &c.

Thoroughly to establish the principles of strict justice in the conduct of those who rule, and in that of the children, one toward another, is the grand means of securing the peace and good order of a nursery, and the only sure ground-work of harmony, mutual generosity, and, consequently, of love. The apprehension lest his property should be cxtorted from him; the fear of having his own rights, in any way, infringed; the suspicion that he may not receive his due-renders a child irritable and contentious; whilst the certainty that he himself shall be treated with entire justice and impartiality, satisfies his mind, composes his spirit, and prepares him to impart, with liberality, what he knows is altogether in his own power.

At the same time, the habit of nice attention, on his part, to the rights of others, teaches him the invaluable lesson of subduing his desires, and of expecting limits to

his individual gratification. Thus the principle of justice, brought into full effect, cuts off the main sources of dispute and contention; prepares the way for a free and liberal spirit; is the surest preservative against an envious, suspicious temper; and is the first step towards overcoming that selfishness, which is the prevailing evil of the human heart. This evil must be carefully watched, and perseveringly counteracted, especially by guarding against it in our own hearts and behavior; for, let it be remembered, that generosity and affection are virtues, which, from their nature, do not admit of being enforced by authority. We must not attempt to command them; nor should we upbraid children for the want of them, even towards ourselves, though we may do much to promote their growth, by this strict adherence to justice, by influence, instruction, and a judicious improvement of those natural feelings of kindness, which almost all children occasionally display. There are few who will not discover emotions of sympathy and pity at the sight of any sor

row or suffering, which they understand to be such; and these are the occasions for awakening their benevolence and compassion, not only toward their fellow creatures, but to every living thing. We should be particularly careful to lose no such oppor tunity of cultivating this tenderness of feeling among themselves. If one of the little flock be ill, or in pain, the others will, generally, shew an interest and sympathy-a desire to comfort and please him, which should be carefully cherished. The affections of elder children are also often called forth, in a lively manner, toward the younger. Now, although their attentions to the little one may at times be troublesome to the attendant, she ought not hastily to suppress them-rather let her commend the younger to the care and protection of the elder; ever bearing in mind the importance of nurturing that family affection, so invaluable in the progress of life, and of which the foundation is generally laid within the first ten years of childhood.

Elder children, are on the contrary, some

times inclined to tease, and domineer over the younger; though it is commonly those who have themselves been treated with tyranny that are most disposed, in their turn, to become tyrants. This inclination is ever to be repressed: we are to point out the meanness, as well as the barbarity, of employing superior strength, in oppressing, or tormenting, the weak and the helpless; and uniformly to manifest our abhorrence of cruelty and tyranny, under whatever form they may appear, even when exercised toward the most insignificant insect. Let the first appearances also of a revengeful disposition be especially guarded against, both in our children, and in the conversation and conduct of those who are about them. If a child, in infancy, be encouraged to beat the table, against which he has bruised his head; if he be allowed to strike his brother, from whom he has received a blow; if he hear the language of retaliation and mutual reproach among his attendants, can we be surprised, if he displays an irascible and

F

vindictive temper, as his will and his passions are strengthened by age?

Although we are not to force upon children even the best instruction, nor urge them to an exertion of self-denial and benevolence, for which their minds are not ripe; yet we must remember the importance of raising their views, as they are able to bear it, to the Christian standard of relative goodness. We may gradually inculcate the invaluable precepts, that we should forgive one another, as we hope ourselves to be forgiven; that "blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy;" that “we are to do to others as we would have them do to us"--having compassion toward all; being pitiful and courteous; remembering "the words of the Lord Jesus," that "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

How many of the fairest opportunities, will naturally present themselves, especially to a mother, when the hearts of her little ones are touched, not only of inculcating these divine injunctions, but which will still more avail, of tenderly infusing the spirit