A little girl, not five years old, on hearing that a neighbour had treated his wife very improperly, asked her mother many questions relative to marriage: to which the mother returned answers, according to her ideas of the importance and the sacredness of its obligations.

The child, after remaining some time silent, observed; "If that is the case, and people must remain together as long as they live, it is certainly necessary they should become well acquainted with each other, before they do marry." An observation which would do credit to one of more age and experience, and which, if properly attended to, would prevent much sorrow and bitterness of soul.

The female, according to present usage, has not the opportunity of making proposals of marriage; but she has the inestimable privilege of declining the offer, when it is not consistent with her views.

It is a subject therefore which ought to be treated by parents, as one of great importance, and which never should be spoken of in the presence of children or young people, with lightness and disrespect.

If that freedom which is the result of mutual love, and mutual interest, was carefully maintained between parents and children, there are many, very many of our young people, who might be preserved from that gulf into which they plunge themselves, in an unguarded moment.

How often do we see parents deploring the rash steps of their children; and sometimes, even carrying their resentment so far, as to deny them admittance into their pre

sence.

It is very probable, if such parents were seriously to examine, they would find that the conduct of their children might be traced to a want of parental care in early life. By timely care and proper instruction, many miseries which we entail on ourselves, and on posterity, and of which we so heavily complain, might be, and would be avoided.

It is a weakness, too prevalent amongst us, to be pleased with a prospect of wealth and grandeur, in the formation of the marriage contract; not enough considering, that with the union of spirit, before mentioned, and a comfortable subsistence, there is more, much

more, real domestic happiness, than the world, with all its pomp and glitter, can af ford without it.

It is, therefore, very necessary, that the influence which parents have over their children, and those under their care, should be properly employed. For how often do we see that those, who "lean on earth,” find indeed

"Twill pierce them to the heart.

A broken reed at best, and oft a spear;

On whose sharp point, peace bleeds, and hope expires."

CONCLUSION.

It was said by the pious Howe, a man of much reflection and observation, and a sincere friend to the cause of christianity, that, "It is the duty of every person coming into the world, to leave it as much better than he finds it, as he can."

Were this maxim observed, and our minds imbued with that love, which breaths "glory to God in the highest, on earth, peace, good will towards men," with what

pleasing anticipation might we contemplate the near approach of that day, when "swords shall be beaten into ploughshares, and spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."

I am aware that but few of the subjects intimately connected with female education, and home instruction, can be brought within the limits of this little work. Yet, as a proof how much may be done in this important business by individual care, industry, and perseverance, I take pleasure in introducing a few extracts from the journal of a very interesting tour in Iceland, performed by E. Henderson in 1814, & 15. In his visit to that inhospitable clime, embracing most parts of the island, he had great opportunity of becoming acquainted with the habit, manners, situation, and wants of its inhabitants.

He says that," Though there is but one school in Iceland, and that solitary one is exclusively designed for the education of such as are afterwards to fill offices in church or state, yet it is exceedingly rare, to meet

with a boy or girl, who has attained to the age of nine or ten years, that cannot read and write with ease. And there is not a peasant, or scarcely a servant girl, in Iceland, who is not capable of reading the most ancient documents extant on the Island, though it has been inhabited near nine hundred years.

"There being no parish schools, nor indeed any private establishments, for the instruction of youth, their mental culture depends entirely on the disposition and abilities of their parents. In general, however, neither of these are wanting. The parish of Hoff contains more than four hundred souls, yet there is only one parishioner, upwards of eight years of age, that cannot read. And this individual is prevented by a natural infirmity.

“Their method of education has a very favourable effect upon them, in many respects. It is considered the duty and interest of the mother, to form the minds of her children, and to instruct them in the first rudiments of learning, as soon as they are capable of receiving it. The father then