, into a clear understanding of the tendency of the
above-mentioned virtues." (Rev. Stat. chap. 23, Sec. 7.)

Nobody, probably, at this day believes, that, in cherishing principles
of this nature, the law which creates this system is visionary or
impracticable. All are ready to admit, that the human heart needs
the influence of moral discipline. Yet such is the nature of our
social existence that there is a great tendency to postpone its
application,--to let it depend upon contingencies. When nearly all of
the good or evil that we can possibly do has been done,--after
temptations have been resisted or yielded to,--after our years begin to
wane, we then think seriously of moral improvement. Preachers the most
eloquent--for their eloquence commands the highest reward--we employ to
exhort us to practise virtues, which, if we had been rightly educated,
we should have practised from our earliest youth with as much facility
as we read or write. If a child is to learn grammar, let him commence,
every one will say, when young, while his memory is most retentive. If
we are to teach him those principles which are to shape his destiny
in life, and have their home in the heart, should we wait till it is
least susceptible of impression? It cannot be denied that too much
indifference prevails on this subject. We are apt to shut our eyes to
the evils which arise from imperfect education, so long as they do not
affect our personal interest. Victims of depraved appetites and passions
we take charge of, not out of regard for them, or the circumstances
which have induced their guilt, but for our own protection. When a man
sunk in crime is held up to public gaze, nearly the same feeling is
excited which actuates boys who follow with noisy jests a drunken woman.
Rarely do we stop to inquire, why, if wrong influences had been brought
to bear upon our characters, we should not have been as bad. Unless such
instruction be promoted, many who are now unconcerned for the
misfortunes of others will themselves ask for compassion. "Surely there
will come a time," says Dr. Johnson with truthful energy, "when he who
laughs at wickedness in his companion _shall start from it in his
child_."

Now, the only sure and legitimate way of reforming those evils which
burden society is to prevent their acquiring any existence. It is a
favorite notion with many, that, by checking vice here and there, our
benevolent institutions are working a thorough cure. But