tinues a duty from the parent till the child be able to perform it to himself. But besides this first care, which belongs to the body of the child, there is another, which should begin almost as early, which belongs to their souls.

SECONDLY The parents must provide for the education of the child; they must as Solomon speaks, Train up a child in the way he should go. As soon, therefore, as children come to the use of reason, they are to be instructed; and that first, in those things which concern their eternal well-being: they are by little and little to be taught all those things which God hath commanded them as their duty to perform; and also what glorious rewards he hath provided for them if they do it and what grievous and eternal punishments if they do it not. These things ought, as early as possible, to be instilled into the minds of children, which (like new vessels) do usually keep the savour of that which is put into them; and therefore it nearly concerns all parents to look they be at first thus seasoned with virtue and religion. To this great duty of educating of children, there is requir ed as means, first, encouragement, secondly, correction. Encouragement is first to be tried. We should endeavour to make children in love with duty by offering them rewards and invitations: and whenever they do well, take notice of it and encourage them to go on. Correction must be given in such a manner as may be likely to

* *

do good: to which purpose, it must first be given timely; the child must not be suffered to run on in any ill, till it hath got a habit and stubbornness too.

THIRDLY After children have grown up and are past the age of education, the parent is still to watch over them in respect of their souls, to observe how they practise those precepts which were given to them in their education, and accordingly to exhort, encourage, or reprove, as they find occasion. So also for their outward estate, they are to put them into some course of living in the world. A FOURTH Thing the parent owes to the child is good example. He is not only to set him rules of virtue and godliness, but he must himself give him a pattern in his own practice. We see the force of example is infinitely beyond that of precept, especially where the person is one to whom we bear a reverence, or with whom we have a continual conversation; both which we usually meet in a parent. It is therefore a most necessary care in all parents to behave themselves so before their children, that their example may be a means of winning them to virtue.

A FIFTH Duty of parents is blessing their children;

the way of doing that is double; first by their prayers; they are by daily and earnest prayers to commend them to God's protection and blessing, both for their spiritual and temporal estate; and secondly, by their piety; they are to be such persons themselves as that a blessing may descend from them upon their posterity

SIXTHLY Parents must take heed that they use their power over their children with equity and moderation, not to oppress them with unreasonable commands, only to exercise their own authority; but in all things of weight to consider the real good of their children, and to press them to nothing which may not consist with that.

"THE WHOLE DUTY OF MAN."

Parental care and anxiety, the hours devoted to the instruction of a family, will not be thrown away. If parents have the patience to wait for their reward, that reward will far surpass their most sanguine expectations; they will find in their children agreeable companions, sincere and affectionate friends. Whether they live in retirement or in the busy world, they will feel their interest in life increase, their pleasures multiplied by sympathy with their beloved pupils; they will have a happy home. How much is comprised in that single expression! The gratitude of their pupils will continually recall the delightful reflection, that the felicity of a whole family is their own work; and that the virtues and talents of their children are the necessary consequences of a good education.*

Ever mindful of the true welfare of his children and their growth in every manly virtue, he devoted a good deal of his attention to their mental and moral training. The skill he had of giving in fewest possible words lucid account of even most difficult scientific matters, enabled him to impart to them useful knowledge at home with remarkable facility. His love towards them was alone equalled by his solicitude for *From Essays on Practical Education, by Maria and R. L. Edge worth.

their advancement in life as large-hearted and highmotived men. "In no relation of life," says one of his children, "did the goodness and greatness of his character appear more than in the management of his children. The most judicious, impartial and loving of fathers, he was at once the friend and master ever by his example enforcing precepts he sought to instil.*

Nature has implanted in every human breast a disposition to love and revere the authors of our being, on whom, from our earliest infancy, we are dependent for every comfort, convenience, and pleasure in life; every heart which is not wholly destitute of feeling, must beat with the warmest emotions of gratitude towards them, and be alive to the tenderness of filial piety. -ELIZABETH STARLING.

Honour thy father and thy mother.

"BIBLE-COMMANDMENTS."

The Prophet (Muhammed) was asked, "What act does God love best?" He said, "the performance of the prayers at their stated times; and next to this, honouring your parents, obeying them and not vexing them." "MISHOAT-UL-MASABIH"†

In serving father and mother, advise them with respectful gentleness; observing their desire, do not disregard it; venerate, and by no means contradict them. Used harshly, you should not murmur.‡

-CONFUCIUS.

From Life and Character of Prince Albert- -a Lecture by Gosto

Behury Mullick.

Translated from Arabic by Captain Matthews.

From Marshman's Works of Confuci us.

We should courteously respect and revere our

parents,

By doing so God will fulfil our desires and men will praise us.

Mother, father, teacher and master should all be obeyed promptly,

Do not put off carrying out their orders, nor put forth any conditions in doing so.

When the elders ask us to cast off the company of mischievous children,

Their advice should be heeded as it tends to our

welfare.

The giver of food, the teacher of wisdom, and the preserver from danger,

These three are our benefactors, we should respect them as we do our father.

If we act with decency and propriety towards our

elders,

Then only will our children duly regard and respect

us.

-NARMADASHANKAR. *

DUTIES OF CHILDREN TO THEIR PARENTS. I You are required to view and treat your parents with respect.

II You should be grateful to your parents. Consider how much you owe them.

III You must make it your study to obey your parents, to do what they command, and do it cheerfully. Your own hearts will tell you that this is a most natural and proper expression of honour and love.

* A Gujarati poet.