OBSERVATIONS, &C.

GENERAL REMARKS.

If we carefully examine the pages of ancient and modern history, we shall find, that where darkness and superstition have most prevailed, the female character has been most neglected and debased; and that where mankind have become enlightened by the influence of the Gospel, and have been sensible of the advantages resulting from early and virtuous impressions, they have seen the propriety of cultivating the female mind.

And have we not reason to believe, that there is no part of the habitable globe, where females have a better opportunity, or where, if they were but attentive to their own best interest, there would be greater encouragement given for their improvement,than among the enlightened and reflecting sons of America? Why then should we

neglect so great a blessing, and suffer our minds to be engrossed with trifles and vanity, which end in disappointment; or to fall into that apathy which induces us to suppose, that what woman can do is of little avail.

Have we not all talents, for the improvement of which we must be accountable? Have we not all duties to perform, for the neglect of which no excuse will be accepted? How often do we find the historian, the biographer, and even the ready writer in our periodical publications, when relating the lives of men eminent for their talents, piety or usefulness, recurring to early impressions, and to pious maternal care.

It is therefore, very necessary in our first setting out, seriously to reflect, and to ascertain what is the object we wish to obtain, by the cultivation of our own minds, and the education of our children. If it is, as it most certainly ought to be, that we may increase our own usefulness, and prepare our children for the enjoyment of those rational blessings pertaining to this life, and for the reception of that principle of light and grace, which, as it is attended to, will qualify them for per

manent and everlasting happiness in the life to come, let us not neglect any opportunity that will promote the object of our wishes. Delays are always attended with danger, and often with irretrievable mischief.

It cannot be supposed, that other persons will feel the same affectionate interest in children as their parents ought to do, particularly the mother, who has them under her immediate care. Those passions which are so manifest in early life, and require so much attention to counteract or bring into proper subjection, leave no time for a mother's indolence, or delay to a future period.

And the time present only being at her disposal, it is of the utmost importance that it be employed to the best advantage: that if her days should be few, she may leave as good and lasting impressions as possible on the tender minds of her children; or, if her days should be many, that she may with them enjoy the precious fruits of her labour. The husbandman scattereth the seed, and hath long patience for its increase.

The improvement and happiness of the human family, so materially depend on the

right formation of the infant mind, that it certainly is of great importance that those to whom children are intrusted, should be prepared by the cultivation of their own hearts, to discharge that trust with fidelity.

Experience and a knowledge of mankind fully prove, that what parents wish their children to understand and practice, they are most careful to instil into their minds in early life, because the most lasting impressions are then made. And is it not by suf fering improper ideas to be infused, that superstition and bigotry, together with a numerous train of evil dispositions, take possession of the heart, from which it is very difficult to eradicate them, even when the judgment is convinced of their impropriety?

To make proper impressions on the minds of children, to guard and strengthen them as they advance in life, and to show them by example and precept, the comfort and enjoyment derived from virtuous and circumspect conduct, careful attention must be given to that precept of Christ, “ What I say unto you, I say unto all, watch." Watchfulness, and obedience to what is manifested