CHAPTER X.

If I have done well and as is fitting the story, it is that which I desired; but if slenderly and meanly, it is that which I could attain unto.-2 MACCABEES.

IN reviewing what has now been submitted to the public, there seems little need of further comment, since it is probable that the intelligent reader has anticipated every suggestion which I might be disposed to offer.

Of Mr. Richmond's plans for his children I must leave the Christian parent to form his own opinion; observing, that whether he adopts them in whole or in part, he should never forget that instruction, however large or correct, is not education-that true piety consists not in a form, in its most scrupulous use, nor in a speculation claiming the bare assent and approval of the mind, nor in an influence occasionally to be felt. It is a principle pervading every faculty of a man's moral nature. Religion is estimated far below its real character, when it is regarded as an affair of dutiful necessity, or as a medicine taken for ulterior relief, rather than as a well-spring of life and health, to which the soul turns for satisfaction and delight, and without which it can neither be peaceful nor happy. The truths of the Bible may be taught in their utmost purity, and yet, unless their spirit be transfused into the affections of the heart and the habits of the life, they will fall short of the effect and design of real Christianity. Mere knowledge of religion, without

a corresponding feeling and practice, often issues in a fatal apathy, and forms a character which becomes at last impervious to every sacred impression. It has been well said by a profound moralist, "To handle holy things without feeling, is to be cauterized in the end." It has been clearly shown on what principle Mr. Richmond conducted his plan of education;-that his grand aim was to touch the heart, and to make duty and delight synonymous. Yet some caution is necessary in the exclusive application of strictly religious principles. There are a variety of motives which act most salutarily on present advantage, and which impose powerful restraints on the impulses of a corrupt nature; and if we strip a youth of all regard for his interest or reputation, we expose him, in the absence of higher motives, to be driven along by the current of his own passions, till he makes shipwreck of all that is valuable for this world and the next. To this neglect of inferior motives I am disposed to ascribe the misconduct of many children of religious parents; and it therefore becomes an inquiry of no small importance, (though of difficult and delicate character,) whether the entire disuse of subordinate influence is wise, or even safe in a course of education. May we not be guided in this inquiry by the sanction of the Supreme Ruler himself, who, while he taught the more excellent way, formed laws for human conduct, and held out motives for obedience, not always the best in themselves, but the best in reference to the circumstances and capacities of his creatures? Nor am I inclined to reject any influence for present advantage, where there is nothing opposed to the spirit or command of religion. Another circumstance which is often undervalued in education, is the establishment of good habits,

* Ezekiel xx. 25.

and that too, prior to the full admission of good principles. Habits, it is true, are formed by a series of actions, and actions must spring from principles of some kind; but the principle at first may be little more than custom or association; yet are the habits valuable, as preparing a future powerful co-operation with right principle; for nothing proves a greater obstacle to truth in opinion, than error in conduct. There is a deep and intimate knowledge of the influence of habit in that declaration of our blessed Lord, "If any man will do the will of my heavenly Father, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God." (John vii. 17.)

Corrupt practice is a fruit of darkness, and increaseth darkness; and though correct habits are not the cause of divine light, they prepare the soil for the heavenly seed, and clear away the weeds and thorns which would check its vegetation, and retard its growth. The language which reflects on human agency as useless, and even presumptuous, until a divine power has commenced its mighty operation, is not in accordance with reason or Scripture, and a propensity to form systems, and distort the doctrines of religion, is often connected with indolence and selfishness, which shrink from the labour of instruction.

Mr. R.'s great care to regulate the private intercourse of his children, is another feature in his system of education which deserves particular attention. It is evident from one remark in his own memoranda, that he intended to have urged this topic in the projected memoir of his son, “The great value of scientific and rational amusement to supply materials for good and useful conversation."

The unprofitable manner in which hours of social intercourse are too often spent, has been lamented by many. It may not be desirable, nor is it always profitable, to introduce strictly religious subjects on

every occasion. Sacred things should be handled with reverence and feeling, or we shall be in danger of making an unholy use of that which is holy. But it is very possible to converse on ordinary things in the spirit of religion; we may aim to improve ourselves or others, and not merely pass away the time in tales of wonder. We cannot be walking with God in a heavenly, tender frame of mind, or with any just sense of our position, as standing on the brink of eternity, while we propose to ourselves no higher object than amusement-no accession of ideas-no elevation of devout affections. Can our communications "administer grace to. the hearer" when the amount, if written down, would shame a wise man, and distress the mind of a sincere Christian?

There is also with the young and old a prevalent and bad habit, of talking of persons, rather than of things. This is seldom innocent, and often pregnant with many evils. Such conversation insensibly slides into detraction; and by dwelling on offences, we expose our own souls to contagion, and are betrayed into feelings of pride, envy, and jealousy; and even when we speak in terms of commendation, "we are sure to come in with a but at the last, and drive a nail into our neighbor's reputation."-Bacon.

The disuse of good conversation proceeds from poverty of ideas, no less than from want of heartreligion. Persons select light and trivial subjects, because they have no materials for a higher interchange of sentiment. If more pains were taken to cultivate the mind, there would be less difficulty in speaking to edification, and less need of having recourse to amusements, which differ little in their effect and influence from others, which, by common consent, have been denounced as inconsistent with vital religion.

If the "Domestic Portraiture" should fall into the hands of any one who has been accustomed to associate the idea of folly or delusion with a serious profession of religion, he may observe in what is there detailed, that a sincere Christian may be a man of taste and intelligence, and that it is not necessary to be illiterate or enthusiastic to believe the Bible, and regulate a family in accordance with its principles; that elegant accomplishments and a becoming attention to the usages of society, as far as they are innocent or useful, may be found in alliance with the warmest devotion, and a most conscientious regard to the laws of God.

In taking farewell of this little work which I have now brought to a conclusion, one thought enters my mind, and produces deep emotion. I have increased the responsibilities of Mr. Richmond's family, by holding them up to public observation. Wherever the present volume may obtain circulation, their father's honour, and-a still more important consideration-their father's principles, will be intimately connected with their conduct and the value of them be appreciated by their effects. His eye is no longer upon them, nor his bright example before them, neither has every member of his family enjoyed the full benefit of his affectionate and careful superintendence. But I am persuaded that the traces he has left are too deeply engraven ever to be erased from their remembrance, and that a father's blessing will follow them to the latest hour of their earthly pilgrimage. It is my heart's desire and prayer to God, that they may retain a lively recollection of his instructions, and continue to walk worthy of their vocation, irreprovable and without rebuke, until they rejoin their departed relatives, and with them "praise God for such a father."