INDUSTRY, PERSEVERANCE, AND

ATTENTION.

As idleness is the inlet to most other evils, so it is by industry that the powers of the mind are turned to good account. That so little is effected by most people, may be attributed much more to the waste and misapplication, than to the want of natural powers; and it will generally be found that usefulness of character depends more upon diligence, than any thing else, if we except religious principle. It is therefore highly important to train up children to habits of industry, application, and perseverance.— They should early be made sensible of the infinite value of time; they should be made to understand that no economy is so essential as the economy of time; and that, as by squandering pence, we are very soon deprived of pounds; so, by wasting minutes, we shall lose not only hours, but days and months. They ought not, therefore, to be allowed to remain idle, "because it is

not worth while" to undertake any employment; for this is an excuse often brought forward during those intervals of time which occur in the course of almost every day. We mistake, if we suppose that industry is to be confined to lesson hours; children may be as idle when at play, as over their books; we must therefore take care that the time devoted to relaxation be properly and happily employed. The first dawnings of a listless, dissatisfied disposition are to be checked: such a propensity will lead a child to loll in his chair-to stretch on the ground, rather than trouble himself to join in the games of his more active companions it will lead him to seek for amusement, first, in one thing-then in another, but to rest content with none. To counteract this tendency, it is necessary to supply children with pleasurable objects—varied, but not too numerous-and persevering pursuit of them. It is desirable, if in the country, that they should have gardens of their own, tools, a pony, &c.; and we shall find it an important advantage, if we

are able to inspire them with a taste for reading as an amusement. This will be promoted by the habit of buying and collecting books for themselves; each child enjoying the privilege of a little library of his own.

One of the duties of a nurse is to employ her charges well in the absence of their parents. If, for example, she provide herself with paper, pencils, paints, little pictures, &c., to cut out and paste, as employment for wet days and winter evenings, many hours may be spent harmoniously and happily, which, in an ill regulated nursery, would pass in idleness, and, consequently, quarrelling and mischief. For children who are brought up in domestic and natural habits, it will not be difficult to find an abundant variety of wholesome and simple pleasures; and we should carefully avoid exciting a desire for artificial amusements, which, if they produce no other ill consequence, are like all unnecessary stimulants, enervating in their effects, vitiating to the taste, and likely to abate the relish for more common and more valuable enjoyments.

Among such objectionable amusements are to be ranked those of the theatre, cards, and every species of infantine gaming.*

We must endeavor to inspire children with the spirit inculcated in the following precept--"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might," Eccles. ix. 10,to bring them gradually "to be a whole man to every thing." This is an acquirement fraught with the most important advantages, though of very difficult attainment. So volatile is the mind during childhood, so averse to restraint, that it is only by very slow degrees the habits, here recommended, can be formed. We must not expect complete success with any children; and, with some, the difficulty will appear nearly insurmountable. Energy of mind, like power in mechanism, if once attained, may be di

* By "infantine gaming," it is intended to include only those games in which children play for money, or which, at least, may lead to their doing so at some future period.

All those games ought to be included in which not only "money," but any kind of property, or toys are at stake.-AM. ED.

rected and applied to a variety of objects; but the want of this energy-an indifference, a spiritlessness of character-is a defect, most difficult to be overcome. Our ordinary resources are apt to fail with minds of this cast; for, with them, the hope of obtaining a desired object; the wish for rewards; the love of reputation, and even a sense of duty, will readily yield to every difficulty, and rarely triumph over that aversion to labor, which, if suffered to prevail, has a tendency to undermine whatever is excellent or valuable. In the treatment of children of this character, a double portion of patience and perseverance is required; and, with all our efforts, we may appear to effect very little; but that little will probably lead to more. We must observe their tastes; and, if possible, excite activity, by presenting them with objects which particularly accord with their inclination. We may sometimes, with those of good dispositions, accomplish our purpose, by enga ging their affections, and working upon love more than upon fear. It will also be espe

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