CONTENTS. Page CHAP. II.-The Period from early Infancy to the Learning to Read.-Faulty Course commonly pursued.-A very early Attention to Tempers and Habits recommended.- Religion how to be instilled.-Parental Example . . 29 CHAP. III.-General Observations.-Parents to guard against their Faults in the Presence of their Children.-Children not to be made Playthings.-The Child's Good, and not the Parent's Ease, to be the Object.-The Heart to be had in View rather than the outward Act.-Guard against a Child's Artifices.-Study Consistency of Sys- tem.-Intercourse with your Children.-Freedom of CHAP. IV.--The Period between a Child's beginning to read and going to School :-its Importance. The Objects of Education, and their relative Value.-Commencement of Instruction in Reading.-Rousseau :--Education a Discipline.-Choice of Books.-Tones and Articula- tion.-Care in the Use of religious Books :-Selection of CHAP. V.-Mechanical Reading: how obviated.-School Lessons to promote Moral Qualities: Obedience; Reg- ularity; Attenion; Patience; Alacrity.-Happy Fruits 65 95 110 CHAP. VII.--Example.-Emulation.-Effect of Personal Character of Parents.- Deceit CHAP. VIII.--Attention to Children when not at their Lessons.--Amusements.-Behaviour of Children to each other.--Quarrels.--A domineering or a teasing Spirit. --Selfishness and Jealousy.-Conduct of the two Sexes to each other-Domestic Effects in well and ill educated Families contrasted.--Acquaintance.--Familiarity with Servants CHAP. IX.--Hardihood.--Moderate Habits.-Artificial Hardships.-Moderation favourable to Elevation of Character.--Rules.---Preparation for Prayer.---Self-examination.-Prayer. How long Boys should be kept under domestic Education.---Preparation for School.---Gov 129 145 PRACTICAL VIEW, &c. &c. CHAP. I. Inadequate Attention to Religion in Education-Some of its Causes. MOST persons have occasionally met with a new mansion, showy in its appearance, and commanding a fine prospect, but destitute of that first of all requisites, good water. Captivated by the beauties of a favourite spot, and anticipating a long and happy residence in the midst of attractive domains, the gentlemen who build houses sometimes forget that there are certain necessaries of life, for the want of which none of its embellishments or honours can compensate. A similar disappointment, but of a more af fecting nature, very frequently awaits the builders of that figurative house-a family of children. Their parents have taken the greatest pains to enable them to make a figure in the world; but they have neg lected to use the proper means for furnishing their minds with certain items in the catalogue of qualifications for a useful, respectable, and happy life— namely, religious principles and habits. The house is erected; but, alas, there is no water!-That those who despise religion should not wish the minds of their children to be imbued with it, is natural and to be expected; and that those, who, while they ostensibly acknowledge the value of religion, yet hold that the heart of man is naturally good; and that the evils which abound in the world may be ascribed to the prejudices of nurses, the reveries of enthusiasts, the craft of priests, and the tyranny of rulers; should deem religious education almost superfluous, is by no means surprising. However, such characters would slight all my admonitions, and therefore it is in vain to address them. Those whose attention I would solicit are decent and respectable parents, who wish to entertain, those views of human nature, and of the duties of man, which the holy Scriptures exhibit. That such persons should venture to hope that their children will perform, in subsequent life, the duties they owe to God and their fellow-creatures, when little care has been taken to prepare them for this great work, is perfectly astonishing. Do we form such absurd expectations in other things? Does any man suppose that his son will be fit for any profession, or business, without substantial and persevering instruction? Does he venture to send him out into the world as a lawyer, a surgeon, or a tradesman, without a long preparation, |