originating cause of the present, she will do no injury to its interest. Concerning the truth of the principles upon which that book was writ ten, no doubt had ever crossed her mind but her reliance upon her own judgment has never had sufficient force to render her indifferent to the opinion of her superiors in wisdom and information. By the approbation of those best qualified to decide, her judgment was confirmed. Still, however, an opportunity was wanting for observing the consequences of a practical application of the principles she had endeavoured to unfold. When least expected' that opportunity was presented, and presented under circumstances so peculiarly interesting, as promised an ample recompence for every sacrifice which her enthusiasm in the cause of education rendered her willing to make. Nor were her expecA 5 tations tations disappointed-for she has now the satisfaction of being able to speak with confidence of the inestimable advantages that result from a strict attention to the early development of the infant faculties. She can now from experience enforce her confirmed opinion of the influence of early association, in forming the disposition and character; and from experience likewise, can assure the timid and the doubtful, that the trouble of watching over these associations, sinks into nothing, when placed in comparison with the delight of which it opens a never-failing source. The more her opportunities of observation have been enlarged, the more thoroughly is she persuaded, that the lessons which are given in the common routine of education, give little either of exercise or improvement to any faculty excepting memory: and that it is only in as far as it excites the mind to a vigorous exercise of all its various powers, that education will produce any salutary or permanent effect. To a task which requires such unwearied attention, she believes none to be competent, but those who are stimulated to the undertaking by such a disinterested zeal to promote the happiness of its objects, as will render every advance they make, a source of heart-felt satisfaction: a satifaction not merely of that quiescent nature, which arises from the pleasure of success - but a satisfaction strong and vivid, and brightly illumined by the rays of hope. Some idea of self mingles with the best of actions. Some notion of reward, either in this world or the next, however unconscious we may be of entertaining it, will, upon examination, be found to have given life to A 6 every every virtuous exertion. While the mother, or the friend who with maternal affection performs a mother's duties, observes with rapture the progress that is daily making towards the formation of that perfect character, which had been delineated in her sanguine mind; she looks forward, and beholds the darling object of her present cares, the support and comfort of her declining years; and anticipates in the sweet return of gratitude, an ample reward for all the anxieties of affection. "Soon as the playful innocent can prove Or cons his murm'ring task beneath her care, PLEASURES OF HOPE. The The assistant of her labours is placed under circumstances widely different. She engages herself for a certain limited period to the performance of certain stipulated duties, to• be paid for at a stipulated price. With whatever fidelity she may discharge her obligation, whatever pleasure she may derive from the consciousness of having amply discharged it, she looks not to the future character for her reward, for on the glory of the future character, she knows she is not destined to participate. From the degree in which the mechanical accomplishments have been acquired, she may reap advantage, as a recommendation of her abilities and skill but in the virtues of the heart, she has no further interest, than such as a virtuous mind must ever take in promoting the cause of virtue. Her principles may lead her to sow the seeds; I |