with the different sexes should be, I think, very similar. In the last year or two, the boys and the girls will begin to separate both in their studies and in their amusements. It is not necessary to be more particular on this subject. In all that regards by far the most important part of education, the training of them, by God's help, for Himself and a blessed eternity, the system will be the same for both.

In many, and especially in large families, education cannot be properly conducted without. a governess. In the choice of one, good principles, good sense, good temper, sobriety and firmness of mind, and competent knowledge, are the first requisites; ornamental qualifications hold a second place. Unfortunately, the generality of young women, who offer themselves for that situation, are much better furnished with showy accomplishments than with more solid acquirements; and, for this and other reasons, parents must not raise their expectations high when they take a governess. Much, however, of the disappointment which they too often experience on that occasion, may be owing to themselves. If they do not make fair and charitable allowances for her defects, and con

duct themselves towards her in a manner respectful, kind, and friendly, and thus entitle themselves to her regard and confidence; and if they do not make a right use of their influence, by leading her gently and gradually into such methods of education as they approve; they must not wonder if they find great evils in the school-room. How can they expect a very important and delicate trust to be well executed, when they do not show proper attentions to their agent, nor put her into the way of adopting the course which will meet their wishes? How can they hope that she, a stranger, will proceed with fidelity, tenderness, and zeal, in spite of the difficulties which she will experience among her pupils, when they, the parents, do not exert themselves to lessen those difficulties, and to smooth her course? How can they hope, that their children will find in her a portion of parental affection and solicitude, when she has found in themselves little support and friendship, though standing in so much need of them? Let parents take a different course, and they may see a very different result. They may then find how active are the exertions of affection, how large the returns made by gratitude, and

how great is the docility and how warm the sympathy of a young woman, thrown on their care, and beyond her hopes, finding in them, as it were, second parents. However, I would caution those who employ a governess, in the midst of their kindness to remember what place she holds in their family, and to what situation in life she must return when she leaves it. They are bound to avoid any line of conduct which may place her above her station. To act otherwise would be disqualifying her for the duties of the school-room, and doing her a serious injury. They ought to consider eminently good conduct on her part as laying them under an obligation never to be forgotten.

APPENDIX.

No. I.

[EXTRACTED FROM THE CHRISTIAN SERVER FOR JANUARY, 1813.]

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WE are the parents of several young children, and are anxious for their salvation. Not long since, one of our little boys went to visit a very kind friend, who has been remarkably successful in the pious education of his family. We were desirous to have our friend's opinion of our son. His leading observation was, that the Ichild did not show a cordial concern for his faults. Feeling the justice of this sentiment, and our own inexperience, we requested him to tell us at length how, under God's grace, this concern might be best excited; which drew from him the first of the following letters. We still expressed doubts on the subject of correction by the rod, whether it should ever be used at all, or whether it should ever be used where

some contrition has been already produced by affectionate and serious conversation. This procured us the benefit of the second letter. Having found these letters of considerable use in the religious education of our children, and having obtained permission from our truly Christian friend to make them public, we beg to send them to you, in the hope that you will judge them well worthy of insertion in the Christian Observer.

"The subject on which you request my sentiments is one of the most important in education. Without a cordial concern for a fault, no sound foundation is laid for its cure. Even if the parent looked no farther than to worldly principles, to mere prudence and fair character, this would be true. It is eminently and obviously true, when the reference is to religion, and to God who searches the heart. Without this cordial concern there can be no repentance, and without repentance there can be neither forgiveness nor the Divine blessing; and therefore all must be unsound, even if outward reformation be obtained. I ought to apo