sympathy into the hearts of our children, a measure of that spirit which breathes throughout them. We would not, for example, give them the particulars of the life and death of the Lord Jesus, merely to be accurately learnt and remembered as any other subject of historical information; but it ought to be our object so to communicate this most interesting of all narratives, as to excite in their hearts a love and gratitude towards him, as their divine and compassionate Redeemer.

Although we would not lessen the value of other means of instruction, it is evident that the most important and purest source of religious knowledge, is the simple, unprejudiced study of the Bible. If we take the Scriptures in their regular order, omitting only those parts which are above the comprehension of children, they will supply" that which is able to make them wise unto salva

tion:" every christian doctrine, every important precept will be presented in succession, and will afford the most favourable opportunity for useful observations and individual application; and these will be most likely to prove beneficial when they spring naturally from the subject before us, and from the lively feeling which it excites. Fenelon advises, that we should not only tell children that the Bible is interesting and delightful, but make them feel that it is so. We should endeavour to make them feel the deep interest of the nar ratives it contains, and the exquisite beauties with which it abounds. This cannot be accomplished if they read it as a task; an historical acquaintance with Scripture is, indeed, very desirable; but it is from a taste for, and an interest in the sacred writings, that the most important benefits are to be derived.

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As children are little capable of rereceiving abstract ideas, it is probable that they will not derive much benefit from being instructed in doctrines separate from facts-by facts, we may convey a strong and simple view of the most important truths of Christianity. If, for example, we can represent in lively colours to their imaginations, the beautiful history of our Lord calming the storm when "the waves beat into the ship," and "his voice was mightier than the noise of many waters," they will imbibe a stronger and more practical sense of his Almighty power, than could have been imparted to them by any bare statement of his divinity. We shall also best be able to impress upon their minds his infinite mercy and compassion toward us by reading, or relating to them, so as to realise the transactions, and interest the feelings, such narratives as those of our Lord's taking the infants

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in his arms, and blessing them; of his raising the widow's son, of his healing the lunatic child, and lastly, of his suffering and dying for our sakes, that we might be made the heirs of eternal life.

It is of great importance that all religious instruction be given to children with reference to practice. If they are taught that God is their Creator and Preserver, it is that they may obey, love and adore Him; if, that Christ is their Almighty Saviour, it is that they may love him, give themselves up to him, and trust in him alone for forgiveness and salvation. If that the Holy Spirit is the "Lord and Giver of life," it is that they should beware of grieving that secret guide, which will lead them out of evil, will enable them to bring forth the fruits of righteousness, and prepare them for a state of blessedness hereafter. The omnipresence of God should, also, be strongly

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and practically impressed upon the mind in early life, not only as a truth peculiarly calculated to influence the conduct, but, as a continual source of consolation and support in trouble and danger.

It is to be remembered, that religious instruction is not to be forced upon children: wisdom is required in communicating it to them, that we may give them "food convenient for them," nourishing them, not with strong meat, but with "the sincere milk of the Word, that they may grow thereby;" making the best use of the natural and gradual opening of their understandings: and we may acknowledge, with thankfulness, that there is something in the human mind which answers to the most simple and sacred truths; the mind of man seems formed to receive the idea of Him who gave it being. A premature accuracy of religious knowledge is not to be desired with children: but that the views of divine truth which they receive, should