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FIRESIDE EDUCATION. |
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ment, and its moderate indulgence is neither dangerous nor hurtful. It may with most children be safely called into action, as an inducement to excite them either to obedience, or effort in their studies, provided it is accompanied by the constant inculcation of that great rule of duty, do to another as you would have another do to you. It is better, however, in general, when you desire to use this incitement, to place before children examples from history or imagination, rather than to direct their attention to their immediate companions. In some children, the spark of ambition is exceedingly ready to kindle, and in such, the feeling of rivalry is equally prompt to rise up in the breast. It is seldom either safe or necessary to stimulate in these the desire of superiority over their fellows; it may, indeed, require to be checked, rather than encouraged. There are others of an opposite turn, who can hardly be warmed into emulation even by present competitors, much less by remote or imaginary examples. In these, the feeling of rivalry can hardly be excited, and when it is, the sentiment is usually momentary. The only rule that can be safely given on this subject appears to be this—if you use emulation with children, consider that, like fire, it is a good servant, but a bad master; that, |
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