for their respective stations in society, but as soon as practicable, in the knowledge of the character of God, as revealed in the Scriptures in their accountableness to him-in their state in his sight, and should be early led to the Savior, as able and willing to save them from the dangers to which they are exposed.

Children should also be trained in the habits of truth, justice, and kindness to their fellow creatures-of controlling their own tempers and desires, and making them subservient to the will of others-in habits of industry, economy, and civility. The Savior's practical exposition of the second table of the law should be early enforced upon them--" Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye also unto them." In order that education may become effectual, it must begin early. Very young children learn, in general, much faster than their parents are aware. It should be remembered that this is the tinie for making impressions, and these impressions are generally found to influence the character and life, and remain strong and vivid, even after most others are obliterated. This knowledge must be communicated gradually, but continually; like the word of the Lord to his people Israel, it must be "line upon line, line upon line, precept upon precept, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little." The parent must possess unwearied patience, and a never-tiring interest in the welfare of the child; but particularly must he learn to discipline himself, and to subdue his own selfish feelings and desires, his love of ease and self-indulgence, if he will either instruct or discipline his child. And here it may be remarked that the proper training of children not only includes instructing them in those things that are necessary for their conduct in this life, and the knowledge of a future, but also in carrying forward that system of discipline which is absolutely necessary to curb the natural propensities of the human heart, and fit the mind for that subjection to the Gospel of Christ without which it cannot be a partaker of eternal blessings. Few parents are aware how much they prevent the Gospel having its full influence on the hearts of their children, by not forming in them habits of obedience. It has been well remarked, that "Insubordination is the very essence

of irreligion." Men are not willing to submit to God. The mother, therefore, who habitually tolerates, and thus encourages disobedience in any of its forms, and yet hopes for success in her religious instructions, is putting down with one hand what she is attempting to build up with the other!

Perhaps some of your correspondents will give us a series of papers upon the best methods of training children, so as to make them useful members of society, and fit them for a state of eternal blessedness. This series should include training their bodies so as to become healthy instruments for the mind to work with, and their minds so as to bring their various faculties into active exercise. It should include their moral and religious training, as well as the discipline necessary to rectify and subdue their wayward propensities; and above all, it should include the discipline necessary for parents to use over themselves, if they would successfully train their children in the way they should go. This appears to me the most important and difficult part of the business. For a parent so to act, at all times, as never to allow his child to feel that his example contradicts his precept, is a high attainment of excellence, and ought to be continually aimed at, by those who are anxious to discharge their duty to their children. Many admirable and simple works on this subject might be brought before the notice of parents situated in remote parts of the Colony, who, but for such a medium as this, would never have the opportunity of hearing of them, and they may be led to reflect on their responsibility, and devise means for educating their children on a more rational and religious system. I think we are very apt to forget, that many truly respectable persons in this Colony have not the opportunities of attaining, though anxious to possess, that instruction on these subjects, which may appear to us as old and common place; and I have no doubt but that even parents who are acquainted with all that can be written, will feel the advantage of having their minds refreshed, from time to time, with what is so important to their own happiness, and that of their children.

For the Mother's Magazine.

MEANS OF QUICKENING THE INTELLECT.

NOTHING is matter of greater interest to an affectionate mother, than to see her son rising in intellectual vigor. But to keep the mind in a vigorous state, requires as much care as the preservation of bodily health. Like the body, it is fatigued by over exertion, and enfeebled by indolence; and also, like it, requires variety of employment and relaxation, to bring all its powers into vigorous exercise. For the body, food, recreation, rest, exercise, and sleep, are necessary; and to all who will reflect, it must be obvious, that the mind requires as many changes, and deserves even more attention. The utmost care cannot preserve the former from decay and death; but the latter is immortal, and if properly disciplined and enlarged, it will be susceptible of a much greater amount of happiness, both in the present and future life. In order, therefore, to quicken the intellect, and keep it in vigorous action, it is important to regard means like the following.

First, let the general health be promoted and preserved by a temperate use of plain diet. Disease always affects the mind, and disables and indisposes it for exertion; and luxurious living, even before it engenders disease, produces similar effects. The truth of this is demonstrated by the striking difference that usually appears between healthy and unhealthy children; between those who fare sumptuously, and those who live plainly. The former are very often peevish, inactive, and stupid; while the latter are playful, spirited, and quick of apprehension.

The intellect is also quickened by witnessing displays of ta lent, knowledge, or wit. Students should be aware of this. 'They may frequently with advantage lay aside the book or pen, in order to listen to eloquence as it falls from the lips; to read "words that breathe and thoughts that burn;" or even to engage in familiar conversation, and indulge the playful laugh. By such expedients, the dull and the weary may be reanimated, and enabled to make far more successful efforts.

Pecuniary difficulties and trying circumstances are likewise. frequently the means of quickening the intellect. The pages of history and biography furnish many illustrations of this fact, and clearly prove that the most easy circumstances are not necessary to ensure improvement. Heroes, statesmen, and philanthropists, have by such excitements, in many instances, been raised from obscurity to eminence. Their deeds are fresh in the memory of succeeding generations, their brows crowned with fame's choicest laurels, and their names encircled with enduring glory. It is not wise, therefore, to place the young above the necessity of personal effort and contrivance.

To contemplate the wants and sufferings of others, has also a tendency to quicken the intellect. Take a general survey of the world, and see the vast numbers that are bowed down with sorrow, without a friend to sympathize and soothe; others oppressed with care and threatened with want, without a benefactor to relieve and supply; and still greater multitudes degraded and enslaved by ignorance, idolatry, and vice, without a solitary being to pity, instruct, Christianize, and elevate them. Such views cannot fail to touch the heart, kindle feelings of benevo lence, and inspire with resolution to be energetic and active.

A due consideration of the command, " to do with our might whatsoever our hands find to do," serves most effectually to quicken the intellect. All who regard the commands of heaven, must feel that they have no right to indulge in indolence, and remain in stupidity.

Nothing less is required of us, than the consecration of every faculty to the service of our Creator and Supreme Benefactor, and it should be regarded as the highest privilege and pleasure to be permitted to co-operate with Him in works of love and mercy. "Life is but a vapour, soon it vanishes away," and those who best improve its fleeting moments will, amid the innumerable company of the Redeemed, forever shine the brightest, and raise the loudest and most triumphant songs of praise.

These considerations certainly deserve the special attention of mothers, and of all who are concerned in giving direction to youthful minds.

M. A. M.

For the Mother's Magazine.

REPORT OF THE MATERNAL ASSOCIATION, MIDDLETOWN,

MY DEAR MRS. W.,

CONNECTICUT.

Ar the special request of the members of our Maternal Association, I send you a copy of our report, to be inserted in the Mother's Magazine; humbly hoping that the success which has attended our efforts, may strengthen the faith of the desponding, and awaken the attention of those who have been slumbering on the lap of indifference.

Report of the Maternal Association attached to the Rev. Mr. Crane's Church, Middletown, (Con.) Sept. 28, 1836.

IN taking my pen to sketch a report of our operations the past year, I feel we have many mercies to record, and must acknowledge with humble gratitude, that God has been our refuge and strength, and has strikingly manifested his readiness to succeed the efforts of those who believingly put their trust in him; for the recurrence of this season forcibly recalls the hour, when four of this number convened within these walls, and with hearts impressed with the importance of the object, banded themselves together, determined to co-operate with their sister associations in this interesting enterprise; and with their motto, "faint, yet persevering," they have been sustained and strengthened, till they now number between twenty and thirty mothers, and eighty and ninety children, and a spirit of interest has been awakened, which we hope will not only be productive of our own growth in grace, but pave the way for the admission of our children into the fold of Christ. And while it becomes us to thank God, and take courage, we cannot but feel deep self-abasement in view of our unfaithfulness as mothers, and wonder we have felt so little solicitude about these objects of our endeared affections, and have made such feeble efforts to provide for them a shelter against the impending storm. Were we half awake to their