for under the best systems of education, assisted by the most enlightened teacher, having the co-operation of moral and intelligent parents, we must not look for any very rapid advancement in education. The youthful mind, like the human stomach,' says he, 'should not have more food presented to it than can be well digested, or it will prove prejudicial to the organ so overcharged "Please to make my love to my brothers and sisters, and accept the same from I 66 66 My dear Parents, "13 years old." gave the following ideas as a slate exercise this afternoon :Truly has it been said that education forms the human mind. I mean education in the largest sense of the word-vix., at home, abroad, and at school. The intelligent and experienced guardians of youth do not expect that schoolmasters can perform miracles! They do not suppose that teachers can counteract the evil influences to which children are subject out of school, particularly in the street. Ill-informed, immoral, or over-indulgent parents may undo at home all the good the teacher, with much pains-taking, accomplished in school. The parents of children cannot be too particular in the choice of companions and playmates for their offspring. Let them see to that, for depend on it evil communications corrupt good manners. May 1st. The following petition was placed on my desk this afternoon : "We, the undermentioned, do hereby pray that you will have the kindness to allow us, your humble pupils and petitioners, to leave school this afternoon at four o'clock, it being Chimney Sweeper's Day. And your petitioners will ever pray," &c. It is a beautiful day; even in this modern Babylon, within two gun-shots of London Bridge, nature seems glad. But I must not look down or sideways, but as I cast my eyes heavenward the genial light and warmth cheers my spirit. My wife has been busy all day long in the school, the house, or with her children; but she always looks happy, placid and contented; even the darkest day in winter does not cast a shadow of discontent o'er her benignant features. This morning I said to her, "Anne, you are sadly out of your place; it should not be thus with you; you are even as a bird confined in its cage. Do you not remember how, on such a day as this, we hailed the glorious spring when we lived at our house on the hill side? I think I see our Sarah, George, and John, prancing, running, jumping, rolling, and gambolling on the green-our lawn-before the cot tage windows, as they were wont to do there springs since. Alas! the case is indeed altered with them as with ourselves. Do you not remember, too, how we enjoyed the first spring ride we were accustomed to take in our "sociable," with the children, happy and frolicksome on the seat behind us, as the birds sang and all nature looked glad ?” "Father," said my wife, with a smile-it was a sad smile though -yet with much earnestness were the words spoken. “Father," said she 66 murmur not at the dispensation of Heaven. I am content even now. I remember the past; I think of the future; but it is not with a repining spirit. When I compare our situation with the hundreds of houseless, homeless, wre ched beings by whom we are surrounded I thank Providence we are so well provided for. The Saviour was a man of sorrow, and acquainted with grief; he had not where to lay his head." My wife looked so amiable, so divine, so reconciled, when she uttered these words that I was silenced. I spoke not a word, but said within myself, "God bless thee, Anne! God bless thee, wife; thou hast a mind and heart fitted for a queen!" I looked at her humble attire. I thought of her altered position, and could not help contrasting it with her situ 'ion three years previous. May 3, 18. We speak of the superiority of man; it is a mistake; woman has not been educated those branches of knowledge in which men excel; instruct man in those departments and proud man will, I think, be numbled. But her patience, her endurance in affection! When I think of these things I cannot help acknowledging the superiority of woman. These ideas have been suggested to my mind by thinking of the dignified character my wife sustains in her altered positionno complaints, no murmurs escape her lips-all contentment and resignation. Oh! that I possessed more of her spirit. I am too irritable and impatient. Although I read that "The Lord chasteneth whom he loveth," yet do I seem to heed not the sacred words. Adversity is, after all, a good school, provided the sufferer gain his footing in society afterwards. There's the rub! But how few reach the happy gaol! they live, live, and live on in adversity; that is indeed trying. Adversity first and prosperity afterwards is good for the soul; but prosperity first and adversity afterwards is hard to endure. Oh! give me fortitude to bear this evil-if evil it be. I was sitting by the fire a little while ago with my wife reading, but I could not proceed with my pleasing task. My youngest child was leaning on his mother's lap, chatting so prettily that my attention was irresistibly drawn from the book to Johnny. How delightful it is to listen to the prattling of a well-managed child of three or four years of age. "Mother," said he, over and over again. "Mother, give me a piece of wood for daddy to make me a cart." The simple eloquence of the child would have soon prevailed over the mother, but she was tired and busy with her needle, so I could not refrain putting my book on one side in order to make a cart for my little boy, who the while watched my proceedings, and prattled away most sweetly. When the toy was finished how delighted the little fellow was. "Look here, mother, look here, mother, what father has made for me," and away he ran with his plaything, as pleased as a new made king with his crown. Well, all this does appear foolish; but no, it is not so. I am a father. It is not folly to make a fellow-creature happy, and happy enough was litle Johnny with his cart. May 6th. I this morning had the satisfaction of reading the following, as the original composition of Master Brown, aged fourteen : "I am fully convinced from what I have heard at school that I shall never make a bright man unless I persevere with my stu dies. I am resolved, therefore, to make the best use I can of the hours appropriated to improvement, feeling assured that in after years I shall be amply repaid for so doing. "I have lately been thinking of the good that may be accomplished by the performance of little acts of self-denial and charity, and oh! who can describe the pleasure consequent on the performance of virtue. I have observed on more than one occasion how a kind disposition evinced by myself has elicited kindness from others, from which circumstance I am led to hope that I may be actuated by a kind and gentle disposition towards all with whom I may chance to have intercourse." May 9. I this morning addressed my pupils as follows, previous to commencing the business of the school: 66 My dear Boys,-I wish to impress your minds with the conviction that your prosperity and happiness very much depend upon the diligent use you make of your present opportunities. 66 Many men now engaged in business find themselves but ill qualified for the duties which daily and hourly devolve upon them. Some of these lament that they were never favoured with the advantages you now possess, and what is still worse, others have to regret that their opportunities for obtaining a good education were not duly improved. Such persons are involved in additional expenses, having to engage others to perform that which they should be able to do for themselves. They also have to trust to others in accounts which they cannot calculate, and are liable to be defrauded by the dishonest. 66 Suspicion, which is a most unhappy feeling, is naturally generated by that ignorance, which renders a man incapable of managing his affairs, or examining his accounts. Let these rea sons induce you to apply yourselves diligently to the daily duties of your school. You are now laying the foundation of your future prosperity and happiness. Though your work is laborious you may be encouraged to persevere under an assurance that in due time you will reap the fruit of your labour. Improve your opportunities when young. In the spring time of life the character is formed. In youth the tools for obtaining knowledge should be secured to be made proper use of in after years. Then let me, mydear boys, impress upon you the necessity of improving your time whilst you have it in your power. In a few years you will probably be called upon to take an active part in a world fraught with cares and temptations, which you will be the better able to withstand if your minds be well stored with sound knowledge, for a well-cultivated mind is above the frivolities of the world; it derives pleasure only as it pursues the path of virtue, and obtains a knowledge of men and things. A man, woman, or child with a mind neglected resembles an uncul tivated garden-where beautiful flowers or useful herbage might be flourishing weeds only are to be found." TO LUCY, ON RECEIVING A LOCK OF HER HAIR. BY MISS E. LYNN. My sweet one, my dear one, my beautiful and bright, And thy radiant tress of gold, like the sweet acacia's wreath, Oh! this radiant tress of gold! what visions doth it bring! When laugh and merry jesting play fill'd up the moments round, When a gentle, soothing smile, and a sweet and soft caress Oh! mournful, though so bright, are these memories of home; Can we find, that e'er with kindred's sweet affections can compare? This little tress of gold! let me press it to my heart! Oh! would she were beside me! would my arms were round her form! Would my bosom held her cold white hand to cherish and to warm! Would my fingers now were straying 'mid those tangled vine-like locks, Whose grace and golden beauty the laburnum's glory mocks! Would I heard the sweet, sweet voice, with its accents slow and long, But this is idle folly, this bootless, vain regret; Alone I stand; myself, my only counsellor and guide; But yet I'll stand and dare-ay, and bravely conquer too; And then I'll come to thee, dear love, and lay it softly down, And oh! how gladden'd shall I be to know that from my hand 2 F Dec. 1845.-VOL. XLIV.-NO. CLXXVI. |
