He views the noble author as laying for the foundation of his superstructure those excellent principles, which will bear the test of that awfully interesting day, when every man's work must be tried by the fire of eternal truth. Upon this foundation he appears to have built wisely and discreetly; and his rules, though somewhat general, yet if as faithfully reduced to practice, as they are valuable in their tendency, it is believed, would greatly ameliorate the condition of many a family. It will be perceived by the attentive reader, that the author is a member of the Episcopal Church; but the unprejudiced mind will always be delighted with the pure waters of truth, whether derived from an artificial fountain, or from a natural spring. A leading excellency of the following work is, that all along it ap pears to have the future, eternal well-being of the child in view, in its education, no less thau its temporal usefulness and happiness. To the attainment of these ends we are guided by instructions, which accord with the true spirit of the holy Scriptures. What is said upon the subject of rewards and punishments, is worthy to be repeatedly read, and with close attention. Some, perhaps, will object to what is said upon the subject of emulation. The word, emulation, has been so much used to signify a virtuous principle, or at least a principle generally esteemed virtuous, that many may be startled to hear the author dissuade parents from encouraging it in their children. But even what he says upon this principle, if carefully examined, will be found to be very just. By emulation he means that selfish principle, by which we are stimulated to excel others for the name of excelling; and not that principle, through which we are animated by the example of others to do as well as possible, that we may be the more useful. Under the influence of the former principle, if we surpass our competitors, we triumph at their expense; and if we are surpassed, we envy them; such a principle ought to be discouraged. Under the influence of the latter, though animated to do our best, we shall even rejoice, if others do better. Though the writer of this is by no means pleased with the practice of taking great liberties with the works of others, he thinks a very few verbal alterations might be admitted with advantage. For the sake of the unlearned reader, and to render the work more extensively useful, a few Latin sentences in it are, in this edition, accompanied with a free translation. It may be seen, that the following pages are adapted especially to the use of those families, which move in the higher circles of life; but they contain much, that may be interesting and useful to those in humble stations. With these brief remarks the work is pre sented to the American public, with a desire that it may receive a patronage in some good measure proportioned to its intrinsic value. CONTENTS. Page 9 CHAP. II.-The Period from early Infancy to the Learning to Read.-Faulty Course commonly pursued.-A very early Attention to Tempers and Habits recommended. -Religion how to be instilled-Parental Example CHAP. III.-General Observations.-Parents to guard against their Faults in the Presence of their Children.-Chil. dren not to be made Playthings-The Child's Good, and not the Parent's Ease, to be the Object.-The Heart to be had in view rather than the outward Act. -Guard against a Child's Artifices.—Study Consisten- cy of System.-Intercourse with your Children.-Free. CHAP. IV.—The Period between a Child's beginning to read and going to School: its Importance. The Objects of Education, and their relative Value.-Commencement of Instruction in Reading.-Rousseau :-Education a Discipline. Choice of Books.-Tones and articula- tions.-Care in the Use of religious books :-Selection CHAP. V.-Mechanical Reading-how obviated.--School 61 viiiTM Fruits of these Qualities.-Failures to be expected.- 91 CHAP. VI.-Means for the support of Parental Authority and CHAP. VII-Example.--Emulation.--Effect of Personal Char- CHAP. VIII-Attention to Children when not at their Lessons-Amusements.-Behaviour of Children to each other.—Quarrels. A domineering or a teasing Spirit. -Selfishness and Jealousy-Conduct of the two Sexes to each other-Domestic Effects in well and ill educated Families contrasted.-Acquaintance-Familiarity with Servants CHAP. IX. Hardihood.-Moderate Habits.-Artificial Hardships-Moderation favourable to Elevation of Charac. ter.-Rules -Preparation for Prayer.-Self-examination.-Prayer.-How long Boys should be kept under domestic Education.-Preparation for School.-Gov 106 125 141 |