Page:Original stories from real life 1796.pdf/13

Rh in view, and over which we have moſt power. But to wiſh that parents would, themſelves, mould the duftile paſſions, is a chimerical wiſh, for the preſent generation have their own paſſions to combat with, and faſtidious pleaſures to purſue, neglecting thoſe pointed out by nature: we muſt therefore pour premature knowledge into the ſucceeding one; and, teaching virtue, explain the nature of vice. Cruel neceſſity!

The Converſations are intended to aſſiſt the teacher as well as the pupil; and this will obviate an objection which ſome may ſtart, that the ſentiments are not quite on a level with the capacity of a child. Every child requires a different mode of treatment; but a writer can only chooſe one, and that muſt be modified by thoſe who are actually engaged with young people in their ſtudies.

The tendency of the reaſoning obviouſly tends to ﬁx principles of truth and humanity on a ſolid and ſimple foundation; and to make religion an active, invigorating director of the affections, and not a mere Rh