they breathe, by sympathy and influence? Nor is it only the precepts of the New Testament, which may assist us on these occasions, we have also to point out the example of Christ. We have to cultivate the habit of contemplating his character, not only to be loved and admired, as perfect in itself, but as a pattern for us, as the standard at which we are continually to be aiming, as that which is intended to produce the strongest effects upon our lives and affections. It is to be lamented that of this perfect pattern we make so little practical use, that it is so little brought to bear upon the daily conduct of life. No religious instruction is better suited to the minds of children, than that derived from the example of Christ, and no part of this example more calculated to touch their hearts, than the compassion, the tenderness, the consideration of the wants and feelings of others, which he so perfectly displayed.*

* The compassion and tenderness of our Lord will be strongly illustrated by contrasting them with the behavior of the disciples. Excellent as they were as men, their

Children may be easily trained to exercise kindness and liberality toward the poor; they will experience a pleasure in relieving their wants. When old enough, the boys may be induced to save money; the girls, to make clothes for the poor families, with whom they are personally acquainted. It is important that the habit of giving freely should be early established; for the usefulness of many characters is materially abridged through life from the want of this

impatience and even want of charity on many occasions sufficiently prove how wide is the difference between human virtue and divine perfection, between that exalted standard which is set before us for our imitation, and the conduct of those who have most nearly approached to it. It was the language of the disciples, "Send the multitude away that they may go into the villages and buy themselves victuals." Jesus answered, "Give ye them to eat"—"I have compassion upon the multitude, I will not send them away fasting lest they faint by the way." (Matt. xiv. and xv.)

The followers of our Lord "charged the blind man that he should hold his peace.' "Jesus stood still, commanded him to be brought unto him saying, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? Receive thy sight, thy faith hath saved thee." (Luke xviii.)

When parents brought their young children to Jesus that he should bless them, the disciples rebuked them.

habit. With good and benevolent intentions, they know not how to dispense liberally, or how to open their hands freely. Mutual presents, if altogether voluntary, have also a happy tendency in promoting family affection and good will. But in endeavoring to foster liberality, it must never be forgotten, that kindness is not to be forced.

Children, as they advance in age, should be taught to distinguish between that true generosity which involves self-denial, and that which costs them nothing-between a

"Jesus was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them." (Mark x.)

When the Samaritans refused to receive their master, the disciples would have commanded fire to come down from Heaven to consume them. Jesus answered, "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of, the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." (Luke ix.)

When his enemies surrounded our Lord with swords and staves, "Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the High Priest's servant and cut off his right ear-then said Jesus unto Peter, put up thy sword into the sheath." "And he touched his ear and healed it." (Luke xxii. John xviii.)

F*

generosity which springs from a desire of applause and that which is simply the result of benevolence and a sense of duty.

name.

It is desirable that the play-things, books, &c. of each child be marked with his own This prevents many disputes, by facilitating that regard to individual property before recommended. When the division of any common treat is left to the children themselves, it is a good regulation that the divider is always to expect the last choice himself; and that the absent are particularly to be remembered-the most liberal shares being reserved for them.

These observations may appear unnecessarily minute; but it is by little things that children acquire habits, and learn to apply general principles: "To a fond parent, who would not have his son corrected for a perverse trick, but excuse it, by saying it was a small matter, Solon wisely replied, 'Aye, but custom is a great one.""

FEARFULNESS AND FORTITUDE.

In various characters fear assumes various forms. Some children who can brave an external danger, will sink depressed at a reproof or sneer. It is our business to guard against the inroads of fear under every shape; for it is an infirmity, if suffered to gain the ascendency, most enslaving to the mind, and destructive of its strength and capability of enjoyment. At the same time, it is an infirmity so difficult to be overcome, and to which children are so excessively prone, that it may be doubted whether, in any branch of education, more discretion or more skill is required.

We have two objects to keep in view; the one, to secure our children from all unnecessary and imaginary fears-the other, to inspire them with that strength of mind, which may enable them to meet with patience and courage, the real and unavoidable evils of life.