bably, one decided action would have accomplished the object without further trouble.

For example; a child gives way to temper and passionate crying at his morning dressing-The nurse prolongs the evil and adds to the noise, by her upbraidings and persuasions, which, at the moment of irritation, of course, avail nothing. She had better be silent at the time, calmly pursuing her usual course, and, at breakfast, should her mistress approve it, the offender may be deprived of some little indulgence which the other children are enjoying. Only let her take care to do this with kindness, explaining the reason of her conduct, but not upbraiding him with his fault; assuring him of the pain it gives her to deprive him of any gratification, and of the pleasure she will feel, in bestowing the same upon him, when his be

1

haviour shall deserve it. This mode of

proceeding will effect more, than an abundant repetition of mere admonitions and rebukes.

So, also, if a child behave unusually well, or obtain some victory over himself, encouragement will leave a more beneficial and more lasting impression, if, instead of saying any thing to him at the time, we take an early opportunity of bestowing some favour upon him, reminding him of the cause of this indulgence, and, then, expressing our ap probation of his conduct.

With children, a vigilant superintendance is required, but not a frequent interference.

The object of education, "is to preserve them from evil, not from childishness."anolitene 206 1

We should, therefore, be very lenient to those errors, which are, more "the defects of the age than of the indi

vidual," and which time, there is little doubt, will remove, reserving our authority to be exercised with the more effect, on important occasions--such occasions, as bear upon fundamental principles and moral habits.

Children must, and should be children still, and it is our duty to sympathize with them as such; to impose upon them no unnecessary restraint, to grant them every harmless gratification, and, as far as possible, to promote their truest enjoyment, remembering, that, although, the day is often cloudy, yet it is mercifully ordered that the dawn of life should be bright and happy, unless, by mismanagement, it be rendered otherwise.

It may, at first sight, appear inconsistent with what has been just said, strongly to recommend that the will be effectually subjected in very early childhood. This object must be obtained, if we would proceed in the business of

education with comfort, or ensure the welfare and happiness of our children. A portion of stricter discipline may, for a time, be required, but discipline, let it ever be remembered, is perfectly.compatible with the tenderest sympathy and the most affectionate kindness. Many persons, who allow themselves to treat children, during their earliest years, merely as play-things, humouring their caprices, and sacrificing, to present fancies, their future welfare, when the charm of infancy is past, commence a system of restraint and severity; and betray displeasure and irritability at the very defects, of which they have themselves laid the foundation. But if authority has been thoroughly established in the beginning of life, we shall have it the more in our power to grant liberty and indulgence, and to exercise a genial influence over our children, when their feelings are ripening,

and when their affection and confidence toward their parents are of increasing importance. Amidst the various objects of education, the cultivation of confiden tial habits is too often overlooked, even by affectionate and attentive parents They are, perhaps, obeyed, respected, and beloved; but this is not sufficient: If, in addition, a parent can be to her children the familiar friend, the unre served confident, the sympathizing partner in their joys and sorrows, hopes and disappointments, a hold on the mind is obtained, which will continue when au thority ceases, and will prove a safeguard through the most critical period of life.

It is important, in the management of

1

children, to make but few rules, and to be unalterably › firm in enforcing those which are made to give no needless commands but toisee that those given are strictly obeyed. We should also be