respected by her children, ought always to have it in her power to bestow.

It is likely that neither her observation nor judgment have been so far cultivated; but is it too late for her to set about the cultivation? The belief that it is so, is a fatal delusion. Do we not see frequent instances of men who have passed their youth in idleness, but who, at a period of life when many women are mothers of families, begin to make up for lost time by serious application to those studies which they had formerly neglected? Do we not see such men succeed in their attempts? Do we not sometimes see those who were at twenty idle, ignorant, and uninformed, become in a few years after men of science and information? Why then should a woman of twenty, or of any age, think that, because she is married, all improvement is impossible? HAMILTON.

ON A UNITED FAMILY.

WHAT a type of a happy family is the family of the sun! With what order, with what harmony, with what blessed peace, do his children, the planets, move around him: shining with the light which they drink in from their parent's face, at once upon him and one-another.

GUESSES AT TRUTH.

ON LEADING CHILDREN TO GOD.

You whom God hath intrusted with the care of children, I would persuade to the great work of helping them to the heavenly rest. Think what a comfort you may have if you be faithful in this duty. If you succeed, the comfort is inexpressible, in their love and obedience, their supplying your wants, and delighting you in all your remaining path to glory. But the greatest joy will be when you shall say, 'Lord, here am I, and the children thou hast given me;' and shalt

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joyfully live with them for ever. I also entreat parents to consider what excellent advantages they have for saving their children. They are with you while they are tender and flexible: you have a twig to bend, and not an oak; none in the world have such interest in their affections as you have; you have also the greatest authority over them; their whole dependance is on you for a maintenance; you best know their temper and inclinations; and you are ever with them, and can never want opportunities; especially you, mothers, remember this, who are more with your children while young than their fathers. What pains are you at for their bodies; and will you not be at as much pains for the saving of their souls? I beseech you watch over them, teach them, admonish them, and give them no rest till you have brought them to Christ.

BAXTER.

SECTION V.

EXAMPLES OF THE BLESSING

WHICH RESULTS FROM

EARLY PARENTAL INSTRUCTION.

CAST thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days. ECCLESIASTES Xi. 1.

THEY that sow in tears shall reap in joy: He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. PSALM CXXVI. 5, 6.