CHAPTER II.

NEED OF EARLIEST CHRISTIAN EDUCATION.

"Suffer little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven,"

JESUS CHRIST.

It is often implied in the remissness of early instructors, that they deem it unnecessary to anticipate the education which the forms of a religious community impose, on the ground that, while such is enough to discipline the mind not unacquainted with the first elements of religious truth, it combines with the same result a better adaptation to the business of life, and the allowed measures of human enjoyment, and even less dangerous than the necessary descent of strict theory to the modification of the same circumstances.

There are several clauses in this objection, but the spirit is this, that there must be some abatement of high-toned Christianity to the circumstances of the world. But this cannot be :-Nor were the wish more compatible with a just view of human nature, than it is disparaging to its glorious Author, and heedless of His Spirit whose prerogative it is, not to degrade Heaven to our equal level, but to exalt man. The general rules of Christianity are not only, of necessity, founded in the extreme purity of God, but wisely marked for man at the first fountains of spiritual health. Like all general rules, they are drawn from immutable circumstances; and so long as the destinies of all men agree in this, that their eternal interests depend on the same conditions, these rules must either lose their character, or know and inculcate them without any respect; --still the good law, though men have far departed from it; as that of temperance, though luxury hath gained upon the nations, can never cease to be the best rule of general health. Nor indeed is Christianity compro

mised when it admits the principle of discreet application, and has a precept and sanction at every point of amendment; any more than the same law of temperance is compromised, which corrects at every measure of indulgence, though despised its high standard; or the general law of a nation's peace and security, which condescends to the execution of an individual culprit.

But what in this case is a particular expediency? In fact, itself a general rule, and its good effects justified; and to despise the plea were equally to render it impossible. For were each, in his office of early instruction, to effect the purest possible discipline in his power, a new social order would arise; and restraint, and contrast, and dislike, and persecution, that, in their turn, become arguments against Christianity, would have no place; a religious life could give no prospect of unhappiness in being opposed to any, or in being different from the habits of a majority, where all were alike; and an intercourse would still be flowing, and more purely

and freely according to the better assimilation. Far down in result still from such a happy state; yet were each to do his duty of instruction, however narrow his circle, the amelioration must be at least great; and the point of general and utmost endeavour is likely to be that at which is provoked the best blessing of the Spirit, who hath promised to exalt our nature, even on earth, to such a perfection. Still more particularly;-and every faithful man knows the necessity of doing even the little good in his power to raise the standard of excellence by every possible resemblance and contrast; and in addition to the testimony of God and the best knowledge of the human mind, the weakness of childhood is a strong appeal to his yearning heart; and he is in all things confirmed to lay hold on this time in which the colour of everlasting years is first engrained.

In a perfect compatibility of Godliness with pleasures and the business of this life, a wise father yet knows there is danger in the union; but instead of an argument to wait contingent

circumstances for a proper settlement of their claims, this is only the necessity of greater circumspection; and he teaches his son first to be a Christian, an investiture of sober dignity, that knows not to despise, but fulfils the daily avocation; and, at the same time, that character will best teach to what gratifications it is worth while in man to stoop. If rich, what else shall be a barrier against pride and sensuality, the two greatest confusers of human life, save manhood that follows a wise youth, and the lessons of childhood that, in most cases, give tone to both? If poor, there is equal need to perfect a little world of wisdom compact in the youthful mind; and the greater diligence is to be used, because he must sooner yield to the business of life,—that his better part not only be not overcome, but that it may bear itself out against all trial; nay, that it may overcome the world, and make it the school of virtue; and grow through all unto the stature of perfect manhood in Christ. And this is in the heart of every good father; and he would yet farther

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