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144 FIRESIDE EDUCATION.
and seizing the daily occurrences of life, from which to extract lessons of virtue 1 Is it not by availing himself of those leisure moments, those happy, blessed moments of domestic intercourse, which are the delight of every well-regulated family, to awaken and develop their better feelings, their social and religious affections, and to carry their thoughts forward from the things of time and sense, to the eternal home of the disembodied spirit ? Is it not by leading them in due time to the school-room and the sanctuary, there to develop and exercise their noblest faculties ? Is it not by watching over them without seeming to watch; discovering the earliest symptoms of error, and by gentle means, if possible, by any means, if necessary, guarding them from contamination ? Is it not equally by encouraging their virtuous efforts with all the warmth of a parent's affection 1 Is it not by furnishing them with such books and such company as may assist both to form their intellects and to improve their hearts 1 And, finally, is it not by reading with them the words of sacred truth, and leading them to communion with the Author of their being, in humble, penitential, grateful prayer 1
" I address particularly those who bear the sacred relation of mothers. Yours are the deep |
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