on the principle before pointed out of the varied periods of repose and activity for every organ of the body. Too much amusement, especially that which is prolonged, and above all, that which amounts simply to the indolent consumption of time, must be studiously avoided, lest the mind should fall into a state in which it does not earnestly apply itself to any one employment; but remains listless in circumstances which demand activity, while it is energetic over trifles, at the bidding of the merest caprice. Whatever is done should be habitually done with earnestness; in every pursuit, exertion should be employed; work hard and play hard; always recollecting that quiescence, the stillness of inactivity is destructive to the mental welfare, and approaches very nearly to the winter of the faculties, the torpor of an hybernating animal, the unprotected state of sleep, or the complete cessation of life.

And finally, amusements should not partake of the spirit by which the world is actuated. There are many little sources of recreation perfectly innocent, which all may enjoy in common; but there are others which subvert some law of God, or which impair the vigour and activity of our love to man; and which can only be tolerated by forgetting our Bibles, and laying aside our religion, and assuming for our rule the principles, the spirit, and the maxims of a world which lieth in wickedness. Though perhaps not strictly criminal, yet the agency of these will be baneful, if they lead the young mind to admit the principles, and think

better of the disposition in which they originated. Not that we would encourage a spirit of separation, which would look like a supercilious exclamation of "stand by, for I am holier than thou;" of such it has been said that they "are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day;" but we would never lose sight of the christian principle, "be ye not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may know what is good and acceptable in the sight of God."

This disconformity to the world, must be observed in all those amusements which may excite evil passions or affections; or which may give occasion for their exercise in any obvious degree; or which may lead the young into the into the way of temptation; and this rule will assuredly exclude the ballroom, and the theatre, the turf and the ring; particularly will it place its uncompromising veto upon any occupation which will lead directly or indirectly to a spirit of gambling, that coldest selfishness, in whose atmosphere, not even the virtues possessed of the lowest degree of vitality can long exist; and the indulgence of which will assuredly prove fatal to the character, no matter how trifling the stake! A piece of paper, if it can be an object of desire, is enough to develop the feeling; and future occasions will give it importance; and by and by, it will stand confessed in all its length and breadth, and depth, and magnitude of desolation; in all the lowest turpitude of unpalliated crime. These are objects of terror to the mother,

and the subject of her unceasing anxiety; the germ of evil will demand her solicitude in early infancy, and when the child is further advanced in life, and the development of its powers is characterized by reason, and its social attributes; her unremitting care and watchfulness over its amusements will still be necessary; and the application of the same principle will be required, with this difference only, that a thirst for knowledge early fostered will now frequently constitute its pursuit an amusement, and will thus often supersede the attractions of the world; while this principle, cultivated into passion, may be applied to the thirst after true knowledge, the wisdom that is from above. The researches of science, in any of its subordinate branches, especially in those included under the general term of Experimental Philo sophy, will frequently take the place of more questionable engagements, and will preserve the mind indifferent towards the influence of those gay and fashionable compliances, against which it requires to be continually guarded.

7

605

CHAP. XXVI.

ON ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS may be sought after with propriety, so long as they may be considered the perfection of some one or more of the faculties or attributes with which nature has endowed us; so long as their immediate tendency be pure, and provided that they do not open a wide field to the influence of temptation, or give rise to such an amount of evil as cannot be counterbalanced by the good they may be supposed to produce; and provided also, that they do not occupy the place of more important pursuits, and abstract the attention from objects which demand primary consideration. That accomplishments should promote the designs of the Creator, and the happiness and the good of his creatures; that they should be moral in their influence, free from danger in their pursuit, innocent in their consequences upon the understanding, the affections, and the conduct; that they do not occupy too much time, and pre-engage the attention; these are the tests by which they must be tried, and if they will not bear the scrutiny, better would it be

in this instance, that the mind be blessed with ignorance, than cursed with the knowledge, and love, and admiration of sin.

The relative value of accomplishments should always be kept in view; and they should be sought after in subordination to objects which have a higher claim to notice, and which convey substantial knowledge. There are, however, many seasons in the period of youth, when, with these limitations, ornamental acquisitions will prove a useful pursuit; and when their influence may be salutary in refining the taste, softening the manner, and embellishing life. To a certain extent, the acquaintance with different languages may be deemed an accomplishment; but it is not one of those occupations that are included in the general meaning of a term that is applied to all those attainments which are ornamental without possessing a proportionate amount of intrinsic worth, or even affording an adequate and compensating good for all the labour bestowed upon them; and these are dancing, drawing, and music.

We shall not include in the general enumeration, because we consider them unworthy a distinct notice, those lesser arts of bijouterie, which so strongly mark the taste of female education of the present day. We rejoice that we have escaped from that epoch in which the height of ambition for female instruction, was to make its subjects accomplished cooks, and sempstresses, and to initiate them into the art and mystery of confectionary and embroidery: but we know not