d the mother who would
cultivate the taste, the imagination of the child, must give him, with
the exercise of his own inventive powers, the rich food of the past.

It need not be feared that there will not be originality in the mind of
one thus stored with the wealth which others have left. Where there is a
native vigor, and invention, it will remould truth into new forms, and
add a value of its own, having received an inspiration from the great
masters of thought.

If, then, you would bless your child, persuade him to make Milton and
Cowper, and other authors of immortal verse, his familiar friends. They
shall be companions in solitude, ministers of joy in hours of sadness.
And let the "songs of Zion" mould the young affections, and be
associated with a mother's love, and the dear delights of home. Perhaps
in a strange land, and in a dying hour, when far from counselor and
friend, they may lead even the prodigal to think upon his ways, and be
his guide to Heaven.

* * * * *

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

"THE WIDE, WIDE WORLD."--This is a charming book, written by
one of our own countrywomen, which we think may be safely and
appropriately given to a pure-minded and simple-hearted daughter. If it
is fictitious, it is only so as the ideal landscape of an artist, which,
though unreal, compels us to exclaim, How true to nature! If the
delineation of true religious character is not its main object, that of
piety and benevolence is as truly a part of it, as is its fragrance a
part of the rose. We should love to give it to some of our friends whose
Christianity may be vital, but which does not make them lovely--who may
show some of its fruits, but who hardly cultivate what may be called the
leaves and flowers of a holy character. If the sternness and want of
sympathy of Aunt Fortune does not rebuke them, perhaps the loveliness
and patience of Ellen, and her friends, may win them to an imitation.

* * * * *

"LIFE IN THE WEST; OR, THE MORETON FAMILY."--This tasteful
little work, coming out under the sanction of the American Sunday-School
Union, hardly needs from us an item of praise; but we cannot consent to
pass it by unnoticed. A more faithful and interesting picture of the
trials of a Christian family in removing westward, and of their
surmounting such trials, we have never seen. Religion, the religion of
home, they take with them; and by the wayside, and in the