find that the same action is regarded as right or wrong according to circumstances, (such as the presence or absence of the parents, the humour of the teacher, its being done by a more or less favoured child, etc.) confidence in the integrity of the teacher is weakened, and the child's own sense of moral justice is weakened too. The teacher who has a due sense of her responsibility, and a proper regard to the interests of her charge, will be sensitively alive in these particulars.

The good teacher will study to be well acquainted with the character of her pupils, and will constantly watch their little actions and tendencies; not with a censorious eye, and a disposition to dwell unkindly on every little fault, but rather for her own guidance in directing the nature of her instructions and the dispositions of her pupils. It is no small attainment, to know whether resistance or regulation is required, to be able to turn to good account that which cannot and ought not to be annihilated; and to correct evil without directly reproving it.

One word more upon this subject. It is wise to forecast even distant results, and to think of the influence of instruction, permission, restriction, example, not merely as they operate upon the present comfort and welfare of the child and the family, but in their influence upon its future conduct and relations. "At present," the teacher may say, the power is in my hands, and the child is comparatively passive; but when he comes to have power over others, he will remember my conduct to him. Is it a proper model for his imitation? It is but a marble, or a straw,

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about which those children are contending; but am I careful to enforce that justice, and inculcate those principles, on which they ought to act, if twenty or thirty years hence a question should arise about an estate? Let me never smile at the act of petty violence in an infant snatching a toy or a cake from its brother; but rather endeavour to eradicate those dispositions which would mature into the character of the tyrant or the oppressor.

To close these hints to the young instructress, let it be urged on her to cultivate a spirit of prayer. She needs especial grace and wisdom to strengthen and fit her for her important duties; and "if any man lack wisdom, let him ask it of God, who giveth liberally, and upbraideth not." There is nothing that will afford her such sweet solace and support, as to carry all her difficulties and perplexities to the throne of grace. There is nothing that will so effectually strengthen her with strength in her soul, as the consciousness of constant communication with God, a sincere desire to serve Him in the duties of her calling, and to be directed in all things by his will; and there is nothing can afford such encouraging hopes of success, as the consciousness that, however feeble her endeavours, they are continually watered by prayer for the Divine blessing. Such an one may humbly rest assured, that God is not unrighteous, to forget her work of faith, and labour of love; and let her not be weary in well doing; for in due season she will reap if she faint not.

This is perhaps a digression, in addressing young persons dependent on their own exertions for support, to dwell so long on the specific duties

of one particular class; but the number and importance of that class will form a sufficient apology. We return now, and say to young persons in general

2. Endeavour to excel; be not content with attaining mediocrity in that which you have chosen as your proper calling. Whatever be your business, be intent on improving in it; endeavour to find out the best methods of doing it; observe the most diligent and handy of your companions, and endeavour to imitate them, not in a spirit of emulation and rivalry, for the sake of having it said that you are a better workwoman than A or B, but for the love of excellence for its own sake. Never content yourself with slighting work, in the hope that it may not be noticed; but cultivate the spirit that would not allow you to turn a thing out of your hands worse than it might have been if you had bestowed upon it your best skill, diligence, and perseverance. The seller and the purchaser will gain credit and satisfaction by your assiduity; but, after all, by far the greatest advantage will result to yourself in having early cultivated a habit of doing things well. It is worthy of remark, that though it may take a little more time to learn how to do things properly at first, it will save time ever after having once got a habit of doing things in the right way, you will afterwards more quickly and easily do them well, than another would do them in a bungling and careless manner.

3. In your intercourse with associates in the work-room, be careful never to let an opportunity pass of gaining improvement, whether in your immediate business, or in general knowledge.

Be

very careful never to suffer yourself to be contaminated by the foolish suggestions or evil example of those into whose society you may be thrown. Endeavour to give a profitable turn to conversation; and be intent on always doing good or getting good from all with whom you have to do. Endeavour to make yourself agreeable by a disposition to assist and accommodate all, but be particularly cautious in the selection of an intimate companion. It is not every clever workwoman, nor every lively companion, that would form a safe and profitable associate for your leisure hours. Be not carried away by specious appearances, nor led to commit yourself by professions of friendship on the part of another, or by the first feelings of partiality on your own; but take time to ascertain the correctness of her principles, the consistency of her conduct, and the respectability of her family, otherwise you may be led into snares and dangers which you very little anticipate.

4. While diligently devoted to your immediate pursuit, be not inattentive to means and opportunities of gaining general information. It may be a good thing for a young woman to know well how to spin, or weave, or plait straw, or make dresses; but it will be a very bad thing if she knows nothing else; she will be miserably qualified for filling the relations of a wife and mother, to which she most likely looks forward. Domestic duties seem to be the legitimate business of females. Hence, though it may not be the most lucrative pursuit, it will generally be found ultimately most beneficial, where a young person has to provide for or contribute to her own support,

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that she should seek it in assisting in the managing of a house and the care of children. In these she would best attain qualifications for the duties of future life. It is matter of regret, that so few parents with narrow incomes are disposed to place their daughters in respectable service, and that young people so circumstanced are in general apt to prefer employments more congenial to their pride, independence, and love of liberty, though not half so conducive to their real and permanent advantage. However, there must be factory girls, strawworkers, dress-makers, etc.; and to such we would say, Keep your eyes and ears open, to let in improvement whenever the opportunity occurs. Instead of helplessly relying on your mother to do every thing for you, and never even inquiring how it is done, be intent, in your moments of leisure, on picking up useful information in domestic affairs, and other things suitable to your condition; and accustom yourself not only to inquire about the doing of things, but strive to do them well yourself. Your assistance may be of no great value to your mother, (though you ought to be willing to lighten her fatigue,) but it will at least give her an opportunity of correcting your mistakes, and give you some degree of aptitude where awkwardness and ignorance would be very inconvenient and injurious.

5. Young persons who earn their own livelihood need a word of caution against one of the common dangers of youth-a disposition to spurn parental control, and to assert their own independence. It is a most selfish and ungrateful thing, after having, during the helpless years of infancy and child