of God that your meditations upon the sacred | watchful against being fretful herself. Nothing writings may be under the influence of the Holy is sooner caught, by those whose virtues are Spirit; their effect, when thus read, is to pro- feeble, than the language of complaint. If we mote an increase of practical piety, and the right indulge in it ourselves, how can we hope to supperformance of all our civil and religious duties, press it in our children? With what propriety and not to encourage vain and fruitless investiga- can we reprove them? Let us check in their tions. Remember, dear friends, that they are presence, every murmur that may rise to our "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc- lips, and teach them by our own cheerful mantion, for instruction in righteousness, that the ner, to walk with an open and admiring eye, man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnish- through the picture-gallery of life. ed unto all good works."* And, whilst we fully acknowledge that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God," a view supported by sound and undeniable rational evidence, let us ever bear in mind, that it is only through faith which is in Christ Jesus that they are able to make wise unto salvation. As this precious faith is sought for and prevails, the evidence of the Spirit of God in our hearts, most satisfactorily confirms our belief in the divine authority of these inestimable writings, and increases our gratitude for the possession of them, and for the knowledge of that redemption which comes by the Lord Jesus. 1832. P. E.

Can we be too attentive to the habits that our children form? too assiduous that the virtues which we cherish in them, should have a deep root in correct principle? We wish them to become benevolent. The proper basis of their benevolence, is sympathetic feeling, a desire for the comfort and improvement of others, in conformity to the command and example of their Heavenly Father.

Forgetfulness of self, and that amiable temper which at once ensures and imparts happiness,

are not adverse to decision of character.

We are

Kind words, and affectionate epithets between children of the same family, are delightful. Though the love of brothers and sisters, is planted deep in the heart, and seldom fails to reveal itself on every trying emergency, yet its derelopements and daily interchange, ask the regula tion of parental care. Competitions should be soothed, differences composed, and forbearance required, on the broad principle of that fraternal duty, which God has enjoined.

In familiar conversation, examples might be quoted from history, of the sweet exercise of fraternal affection, where the softening influences of the Christian religion were unknown. Some little listeners were once very pleasantly im pressed, by hearing the story of the love of the Emperor Titus, for his brother Domitian. It was the more praise-worthy, because there was between them no congeniality of taste. Domitian often spoke unkindly to his brother, and after his elevation to the throne, even attempted to instigate the army to rebellion. But Titus made no changes in his treatment. He would not suffer others to mention him with disrespect. He ever spoke of him, as his beloved brother, his successor to the empire. Sometimes, when they were alone, he earnestly entreated him with tears, to reciprocate that love which he had always borne him, and would continue to bear

him, to the end of life. This fraternal attach

taught.

ment, was the more affecting, because exemplified by a heathen, and partaking of the character of that On precept of the religion of Jesus, to "render the contrary, their combination is natural, and good for evil," which he could never have been necessary to produce high excellence. not told that the disciple who leaned on the breast of his Master, was deficient in decision of character, but we know that he possessed more of those amiable virtues which engage affection, than he who drew his sword, and smote the servant of the high-priest. The ardent temperament, which prompted the asseveration, "though I die with thee, I will not deny thee," is alluring; but John withstood the shock of temptation, when Peter fell.

To teach the science of self-government, is the great end of education. Every hint, to assist in promoting a correct balance of feeling, is important to the mother. She will probably, sometimes, be annoyed, by a tendency to peevishness, in her little ones. Let her be doubly † Ib. iii. 15.

2 Tim. iii. 16.

The deportment of the older children of the family, is of great importance to the younger. Their obedience, or insubordination operates throughout the whole circle. Especially, is the station of the eldest daughter, one of eminence. She drank the first draught of the mother's love. She usually enjoys most of her counsel, and companionship.

In her absence, she is the natural viceroy. Let the mother take double pains to form her on a correct model, to make her amiable, diligent, domestic, pious, trusting that the image of those virtues, may leave impressions on the soft, waxen hearts of the younger ones, to whom she may, in the providence of God, be called to fill the place of a maternal guide.

Children should be required to treat domestics with propriety. Those, on whom the comfort

of a family so essentially depends, are entitled to, kindness and sympathy. The theory, that industry, and good conduct are worthy of respect, in whatever rank they are found, cannot be too early illustrated and enforced on the members of a household.

Filial love should be cherished. It has especially, a softening and ennobling effect on the masculine heart. It has been remarked that almost all illustrious men, have been distinguished by love for their mother.

how they had been educated, I found that the mother had kept them much with herself, during the most plastic period of their existence, and that the rules which she had given them, had regulated her own conduct. So, the quiet beauty of her example, and the influences of a happy fire-side, were the machinery which she had used, to render them amiable, benevolent and pious.

Be careful to teach your children gratitude. Lead them to acknowledge every favour that they receive. Accustom them to distinguish with a marked regard, their instructors, and those A standard of good manners should be estabwho have aided them in the attainment of good-lished in the family circle. We appreciate the ness or piety. value of such manners, in mixed society. They are a letter of credit, in the hand of a stranger. So much is every person subject to their fascination, that the unworthy study to acquire them, as a means of ensnaring their prey. Why should the wife, or the husband, lay aside those courtesies, which are associated, with the growth, perhaps, with the birth of their love? Some writer has remarked that the cardinal duties are claimed as rights, but the refined attentions, the watchful kindnesses, which make the stream of domestic life so sparkling, will ever rank as precious favours, which it is ungenerous to omit. They ought not, indeed, to be omitted, were it only for the sake of the children, whose eyes are ever fixed upon the parents, in the spirit of imitation.

Gratitude is a principal ingredient in filial affection. It often reveals itself in a most touching manner, when parents moulder in the dust. It induces obedience to their precepts, and tender

love for their memory.

In developing the character of our children, let us ever keep in view their distinct departments, sentient, social, intellectual, accountable; and give nutriment, and exercise, to each. Let us make them industrious, as a means of happiness, and a safeguard from temptation. The value of time should be taught them, even of its smallest particles. Sir Walter Scott, in enforcing the sentiment of Franklin, that "time is money," has well added, "when we change a guinea, the shillings escape, as things of small account; so when we break a day by idleness in the morning, the rest of the hours lose their importance in our eyes." But from the highest of all motives, that for our days, hours, and moments, we must give account to God, should we warn our children to improve their time, and dread to waste it.

Mothers, whatever you wish your children to become, strive to exhibit in your own lives and

conversation. Do not send them in to an unexplored country, without a guide. Put yourselves at their head. Lead the way, like Moses, through the wilderness, to Pisgah. The most certain mode for you to fix habits, is the silent ministry of example. Thus impressed on the young mind, amid the genial atmosphere of a happy fire-side, they become incorporated with established trains of thought, and with the elements of being.

I knew the children of a family, who seemed always amiable. Their countenances wore the sunshine of the heart. Among their young associates, they were obliging and kind. If there were mischief or trouble in school, they had neither" part nor lot in the matter." Wherever they visited, not only their friends in the parlour, but the servants loved them, and wished them to continue long their guests. Those who were married, diffused throughout their households the spirit of order and happiness. On inquiring

Perhaps, we reflect too little on the courteousness of Jesus, our Master and Exemplar. "When ye come into an house, said he, salute it." We all know that the oriental modes of salutation, involved much more of ceremony than our own. Still, the Saviour, who ever decried the giving of undue honour to men, sanctions and enjoins them, at the entrance of every dwelling. Neither are these marks of respect, to be reserved for those whom we best love, or "If ye salute your most desire to conciliate. brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so ?" The inference is obvious, that all should be treated with respectful regard, as beings formed by the same Creator, children of one great family.

From his disciples, though not educated in refinement, or called from among the ranks of the rich and noble, do we not receive the same instruction? Was it not a humble fisherman, who inspired by the religion of the skies, said, "be courteous?" The courtesy of a Christian, is no trifling part of education. Mothers, teach it to your children.-Sigourney's advice to mothers.

RAILROAD ITEMS.

Among the important works in progress for the transportation of passengers and merchandize on leading routes, the completion of which are regarded as calculated to exercise an influence on the trade of the country, the New York Herald mentions the following:

The Pennsylvania Railroad, from Philadelphia. to Pittsburg, will probably be completed about

The routes from Albany to Buffalo-now so greatly travelled by seekers of health and recreation-are thus described in the New York Tribune of Monday:

1852, when a perfect line of railroad may be | Vergennes, in Vermont, crossing Vermont looked for from Buffalo to Pittsburg, a distance through Rutland and Charleston, into New of about 900 miles. From the present prospects Hampshire, connecting with the Fitchburg road of that road, it is anticipated that their cars will into Boston. run from Harrisburg to Lewistown before the close of the winter of 1848-49, and with the means now at their command to connect with the Portage at Hollidaysburg, which with the completion of the western fifteen miles, will give a continuous railroad communication between Philadelphia and Pittsburg, with the exception of fifty-five miles to be travelled by stages.

The citizens of Ohio have been making exertions to form a continuous railroad from the Atlantic, through the fertile valleys of that State, to the distant West. One item of trade, which is considered tractable to this route, is the passage of 50,000 cattle, a number that annually passes through Pennsylvania from Ohio. On this road, the West side of the mountain will be passed at Sugar Run Gap by a tunnel of 760 yards long, and 160 feet below its apex.

The lines of Railroads from Albany to Buffalo now do their work in excellent time. The train which leaves Buffalo at 8 A. M., is in Albany about 6 the next morning-in ample season for the day boats to this city or the cars to Boston. Leaving this city by boat at 7 P. M., you are taken to Albany by 4 or 5 next morning; breakfast and start by cars at 7 A. M., reach Utica by 1 P. M., dine, and are taken to Syracuse before 6 P. M., take tea, and proceed after a halt of forty minutes; pass Auburn about 8; Canandaigua at 11; Rochester from 1 A. M. to half-past; Batavia about 4; and at 7, or a little later in the morning stop at Buffalo, breakfast, Two great chains of railroad are contemplated and are ready for steamboat up the lakes or cars through Ohio, towards which decided measures to the Falls at 9 A. M., having been 36 hours have been taken. The first and most forward in traversing the distance from New York to in its prospects, is that leading from Cincinnati, Buffalo, which (by route) is a little short of 600 through Columbus, and thence eastward till it miles. The halts at all the principal places on touches the Ohio river, at some point where it the route are just sufficient; you have time to can connect with a railroad to the seaboard. eat, and are charged nothing for all the sleep you This road connects with the Cincinnati and can catch; while the pace is quite as rapid as Sandusky road, which is already in operation as the state of the roads will justify. The present far as Xenia or Springfield, and passes through charge ($12) for a passage through is exorbitant, Columbus and Newark to the mouth of Licking but it is some consolation that a good part of the river. From this point, two routes present them-receipts are devoted to the much needed improveselves, one to Wheeling, through Zanesville, and the other in a northeastern direction till it strikes the river about Wellsville. The road, for part of the distance, is in the hands of organized companies, who will carry on the work by local means, until they come to the point of divergence.

The Hudson River Railroad will be completed in the year 1850. The number of passengers now passing, annually, on the river between New York and Albany, is about one million. It is estimated that during the first year after the completion of the road, the increase will be half a million more.

The Harlem and New Haven Railroad will be completed during the autumn to Dover Plains, 82 miles from New York city, and 22 miles East of the Hudson river.

A line is now completed from La Prairie, on the St. Lawrence River to St. John. A continuation is in progress through Vermont, crossing the Hudson River between Glen's Falls and Saratoga; from thence on the West side of the river to Albany. Another route is from St. John to Burlington; thence crossing Vermont through Montpelier into New Hampshire, and through Plymouth, connecting with the Concord road, which is a continuation of the Boston and Lowell road, at Franklin. Another route is to

ment of the track. We are reliably assured that the present rates will soon be reduced materially. Indeed, they must be; or the Erie Railroad, when finished, will draw off a great proportion of the travel.

Another rival route to the Western half of the great artery is already doing a handsome business, and it is destined to increase it. By this you leave Buffalo at 9 A. M. for Niagara Falls, have two or three hours to devote to the great wonder, dine at the Eagle or Cataract, (one of the largest and best hotels in America,) take the cars to Lewiston, (the ride affords one of the finest views in the country;) take the steamboat for Oswego, where you arrive very early in the morning, breakfast, and take packet for Syracuse or stage (by Plank road) for Rome, having in either case a ride through a fine country and heading by some hours the train which reaches Albany at 6 next morning. By this route you are put back one train at present; but very soon the railroad from Syracuse to Oswego will be completed, and then travellers who leave this city at 7 P. M., will be taken to Oswego by 8 next evening, then take boat and berth for Lewiston, cars and breakfast at Niagara, and (if hurried) be in Buffalo early in the day, having made the journey hence to Lake Erie in forty hours, sleeping comfortably on steamboats both nights.