can do what he chooses to do. This conviction, adopted as a practical principle, will be powerful in its effects; and will materially contribute to improve the capacities, and augment the usefulness of any character.* Children will act with prudence, wilk employ and take care of themselves, very much in proportion as we lead them to do so; we must manifest our confidence in them, if we would render them worthy of it. Where can we find a being more helpless, more unable to contrive for himself, to guard against danger, or to escape from it when it comes upon him, than a child who has been brought up by his mother's or his nurse's side, looking to her for every enjoyment; and feeling his safety to be wholly dependent on her care? On the

*«Dr. Hunter, the celebrated surgeon, being asked by what methods he had contrived to succeed in all his. various undertakings, answered, "My rule is deliberately to consider before I commence, whether the thing be practicable. If it be not practicable, I do not attempt it if it be practicable, I can accomplish it, if I give sufficient pains to it-and having begun, I never stop till the thing is done. To this rule I owe all my suce. cess.???

other hand, it may excite surprise to observe how much good sense and self-possession children will display, when early accustomed to depend upon themselves. This object, like every other connected with education, is not to be attained by great efforts, but gradually, and by gentle measures. We are not to impose upon children that which is beyond their strength or skill; but we may lead them to take pleasure in accomplishing their objects without assistance; to feel it a point of honor to procure them, notwithstanding some difficulties; to extricate themselves, to submit to trouble, and to surmount obstacles.

As it is by the "neglect of beginnings" that bad habits are contracted, we should not overlook even those minor occurrences of life, which early afford opportunities for inculcating a spirit of independence; for example: a little child runs to the door, impatiently turns and twists the handle, but cannot open it; the nurse springs up and does it for him. But it would have been better had she kindly encouraged him to

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exert his own skill, and with the aid of her instructions to effect his purpose. He may by degrees take care of, and put away his own play-things, dress himself, &c.; but in urging him to these little efforts, care will be required that we do not carry it so far, as to make them too serious a business, or to try his temper. As he advances in age, let him in his walks climb the gate and hedge alone; attend to his own garden; saddle his own pony; and as far as he is able, find amusements for himself in his play-hours. When it can be done with safety, he may, occasionally, be entrusted with the care of a younger brother or sister.* This has a tendency to endear children to each other, the elder feels the younger to be under his particular protection, whilst the younger looks up to his brother for help and defence. By cultivating these sentiments, we may check the oppression, teas

*

Especially should lads be taught to respect and guard the female character; and they should be made to understand, that their sisters have a claim to their care and protection.-AM. ED.

ing, and, consequently, disputes so common between the elder and younger children of a family.

It is not unfrequently the case that mothers and nurses are pleased by the unqualified dependence of those under their care; and, for self-gratification, encourage it, at the expense of their children. They strive to retain their influence, and to secure a selfish affection, by rendering their darlings helpless, and by fostering their babyish habits. But it is to be remembered that general independence and vigor of character are perfectly compatible with the dependence of affection. This, indeed, is an object of first-rate importance, and must necessarily spring out of that tenderest connexion-the connexion between a mother and her children; it must be the result of those innumerable kindnesses, of that flow of love and sympathy, which an affectionate and judicious mother cannot but uniformly display toward her children. Such a mother needs not the aid of a morbid dependence to retain her influence, she has no occasion

to nurture the infirmities of her children. that she may strengthen their affection. It is to be desired that children should possess the greatest tenderness toward a mother, an enjoyment and delight in her society, a reverence for her opinions, and submission to her authority, combined with power to act alone, and to pursue their independent objects with vigor and pleasure; for it is necessary to all, but more especially to boys, that they should mingle strength with affection; that they should be manly as well as tender, and be trained to help, as well as to be helped.